Questions tagged [simultaneous-effects]
For questions about effects that occur or are triggered simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) in RPGs, and how to resolve questions about the order in which they occur.
51
questions
9
votes
2
answers
772
views
What's the exact RAW order of interaction between an Abjuration wizard with the Arcane Ward feature casting Absorb Elements in response to a Fireball?
What's the exact RAW order of interaction between an abjurer with the Arcane Ward feature casting absorb elements in response to a fireball?
The curiosity comes up because you have two conflicting ...
- 3,556
3
votes
2
answers
322
views
Stacking Shapechange and Wild Shape: what happens when reduced to 0 hp?
Let's say a Druid casts Shapechange and then Wild Shapes (or vice versa), which seems stackable since they are not the same named game effect.
Both abilities say almost the same thing regarding what ...
- 1,079
9
votes
8
answers
1k
views
Interaction between Black Cabin and Ring of Mind Shielding
Spoiler warning: this question contains a spoiler for Rime of the Frostmaiden campaign, a relatively minor one in relation to the main plot but quite an impactful one from player's perspective.
I'm ...
- 8,245
11
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can the Silvery Barbs spell be cast on a target more than once as a reaction to the same roll?
Can the silvery barbs spell spell be cast on a target more than once as a reaction to the same roll?
For example, say you have two wizards fighting one creature. The enemy passes a saving throw ...
- 453
8
votes
3
answers
597
views
Concentration and attacks with special effects
A Cleric that is concentrating on a Bless spell is hit by a Mummy Lord's Rotting Fist. The Cleric takes the damage (14 bludgeoning + 21 necrotic on average). Rotting Fist has a second effect:
If the ...
7
votes
3
answers
520
views
If a mythic monster is reduced to 0 HP by a Mace of Disruption, what happens?
(My question was inspired by this answer to "Is it possible to kill a mythic monster without activating its mythic trait?".)
Mythic Monsters (introduced in Mythic Odysseys of Theros) have a ...
- 709
7
votes
2
answers
497
views
Simultaneous fear and saving throw
I'm considering taking the Fearsome Rune on a weapon, and have feats or other runes which impose a saving throw on a hit/crit. Does the fear effect get applied before the saving throw, or after?
That ...
- 310
15
votes
8
answers
2k
views
Can you determine the order of "at the end of a short rest" effects?
Example when being able to determine that order matters: periapt of wound closure, an attunement item that benefits spending hit dice.
Picture the following scenario: The party is beat-up after a few ...
- 7,840
15
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Does Mind Sliver's saving throw penalty apply to Concentration saves from its own damage?
Mind Sliver (Tasha's Cauldron of Everything p.108) says:
The target must succeed on an Intelligence saving throw or take 1d6 psychic damage and subtract 1d4 from the next saving throw it makes before ...
- 43.1k
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How does the ranger's Favored Foe optional class feature interact with the Hail of Thorns spell?
Suppose I'm a ranger using the variant rules in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, specifically the Favored Foe optional class feature. I'm concentrating on the Hail of Thorns spell, and I hit a creature ...
- 1,556
8
votes
3
answers
3k
views
How are Fireball attacks on Iron Golems resolved?
The party was in Curse of Strahd this evening and encountered two iron golems.
A helpful NPC first cast lightning bolt, damaging both of the golems.
The PC evoker then cast fireball on the golems, ...
- 43.1k
18
votes
2
answers
903
views
Does Divine Word's Killing Effect Come Before or After the Banishing Effect (For Fiends)
This question is stated right in the title.
In this case, a cleric might cast Divine Word with a fiend with 20 or less HP in the area, and the fiend can hear the cleric.
As we all know, if a fiend ...
- 449
8
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Are the spells Leomund's Tiny Hut and Tiny Hut considered the same spell for the purposes of combining magical effects?
The Player's Handbook contains the spell Leomund's tiny hut (on p. 255), and the Systems Reference Document contains a version of this spell called tiny hut1. The descriptions of these spells are ...
- 144k
6
votes
1
answer
777
views
If a paladin fails the saving throw against a Demilich's Howl and falls unconscious, are their allies frightened if they succeed on the save?
The demilich (MM, p. 48) has the following action available to it:
Howl (Recharge 5-6). The demilich emits a bloodcurdling howl. Each creature within 30 feet of the demilich that can hear the howl ...
- 19k
19
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What happens when identical overlapping effects have their end-condition met?
The Dungeon Master's Guide errata (direct download) added the "Combining Game Effects" section which states (emphasis mine):
Different game features can affect a target at the same time. ...
- 75.6k
16
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is there a general rule that covers interaction between effects that cause death at 0 hit points and features that prevent death at 0 hit points?
There are a large number of questions on this site and online regarding the interaction between effects that cause death at 0 hit points and features that prevent death at 0 hit points.
Effects that ...
- 6,481
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Does being under the effect of more than one Sanctuary spell require more than one saving throw?
The description of the sanctuary spell says (PHB, p. 272):
You ward a creature within range against attack. Until the spell ends, any creature who targets the warded creature with an attack or a ...
- 9,306
3
votes
2
answers
588
views
Is Damage Considered an Effect? [closed]
Do the rules for Combining Game & Spell Effects apply to damage? A player argued that damage wasn't an effect so the rules regarding "Combining Game & Magical Effects" didn't apply. ...
- 452
42
votes
6
answers
8k
views
If two Moonbeam spells are placed on a Large creature, does it take damage from both beams on its turn?
If two moonbeam spells are placed on different parts of a size Large (or larger creature), does it take damage from both beams on its turn?
Or is this subject to the rule on combining magical effects ...
- 452
6
votes
1
answer
4k
views
When a Hexblade warlock uses the Accursed Specter feature on a slain creature but another character casts Soul Cage, which takes priority?
The Hexblade warlock's Accursed Specter feature does not have an action timing specified, and merely says (XGtE, p. 56; emphasis mine):
When you slay a humanoid, you can cause its spirit to rise ...
- 71
3
votes
1
answer
878
views
How do the rules on Combining Game Effects and Combining Magical Effects relate to damage types?
How do the rules on Combining Game Effects and Combining Magical Effects relate to damage types?
Fire Bolts and Fireballs!
I have a question about how to interpret the sections on Combining Game ...
- 9,306
15
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What happens if a character casts the Time Stop spell again while time is stopped from a previous casting of Time Stop?
I'm wondering what happens when casting time stop during time stop - especially given that the rule on combining magical effects exists:
The effects of different spells add together while the ...
- 75.6k
4
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Is the additional effect of Radiance of the Dawn dependent on the first effect?
The Light Domain Cleric Channel Divinity: Radiance of the Dawn has two effects:
As an action, you present your holy symbol, and any magical darkness
within 30 feet of you is dispelled.
Additionally, ...
- 870
29
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How do you handle simultaneous damage when one type is absorbed and not the other?
Say a wizard sees something a group of large figures lumbering towards him/her. The wizard is overly paranoid about being outnumbered so they drop a Meteor Swarm spell on them. However, it turns out ...
- 25.9k
11
votes
1
answer
5k
views
True Polymorph, Dragon Change Shape, and True Sight interaction
So what happens if one of my PC's casts True Polymorph to turn into an adult gold dragon, concentrates on the spell for the full hour to make it permanent, then uses the the dragons Change Shape ...
- 393
13
votes
2
answers
1k
views
If two Lore Bards used the Cutting Words feature on an ability check or attack, would they stack?
Let's say the party had two Lore Bards, and both used Cutting Words on a creature who tried to attack.
Does that stack, since they are separate penalties and not enduring effects (like bless)? Or ...
- 3,742
27
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Are getting hit and taking damage simultaneous events?
I'm unsure whether getting hit and taking damage happen at the same or different times.
The armor of Agathys spell is an example of when this doesn't matter as it states:
If a creature hits you ...
- 75.6k
7
votes
1
answer
419
views
What comes first: A Berserker Barbarian's Retaliation attack or a Concentration Check?
Let us assume there is a Berserker Barbarian who is currently concentrating on a smite spell such as wrathful smite. Because they are concentrating on a spell the following applies:
Whenever you ...
- 75.6k
5
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How can the Color Spray spell blind creatures without killing them first? [duplicate]
For a creature to be affected by Color Spray, their hit points must be equal to or less than the remaining total of points accumulated from the Color Spray dice rolls. However, if the creature's hit ...
- 323
32
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Does downing a character at the start of its turn require an immediate Death Saving Throw?
Say a Player Character (PC) with low HP is in a Cloudkill:
When a creature enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, that creature must make a Constitution ...
- 5,581
5
votes
1
answer
794
views
For the UA Sea Sorcerer's Curse of the Sea feature, can you apply the curse and trigger its effect using the same cantrip?
So I will be playing a Sea Sorcerer (from Unearthed Arcana: Sorcerer) soon and wanted to clear up exactly how the Curse of the Sea feature works.
If I use a cantrip to apply the curse can I then ...
- 133
17
votes
2
answers
2k
views
If the same attack that causes a druid to revert from Wild Shape also reduces their maximum HP, what happens?
I am aware of Jeremy Crawford's ruling that maximum HP reduction applied to a Wild Shape form does not apply to the druid's true form when Wild Shape reverts. However, this doesn't answer the question ...
- 571
8
votes
1
answer
408
views
What happens when two opposing instances of Bend Luck are applied to the same roll by multiple Wild Magic sorcerers?
Wild Magic sorcerers get the Bend Luck feature at 6th level (PHB, p. 103):
Starting at 6th level, you have the ability to twist fate using your wild magic. When another creature you can see makes ...
- 2,135
15
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Can more than one instance of Bend Luck be applied to the same roll by multiple Wild Magic sorcerers?
Wild Magic sorcerers get the Bend Luck feature at 6th level (PHB, p. 103):
Starting at 6th level, you have the ability to twist fate using your wild magic. When another creature you can see makes ...
- 28.6k
4
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Do Temp HP effects stack if both occur simultaneously?
So, I have a player who through some multiclassing and the like, gained two abilities that both said that when he kills someone he gains temporary HP equal to half his level + his Charisma mod. Does ...
- 1,551
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can you apply multiple on-hit effects and if you can, who decides the order they're applied in?
I'm thinking of making a character who is multiclassed into both Pact of the Blade Warlock as well as Arcane Archer that uses a bow as their pact weapon.
If you apply the warlock invocation Eldritch ...
- 71
27
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Are there any rules or guidelines about the order of saving throws?
Let's take the example from In an area covered with Caltrops and Ball Bearings, If you're falling because of Ball Bearings, do you automatically land on the Caltrops too?
In an area covered with ...
- 23.5k
48
votes
4
answers
6k
views
When a creature is hit with more than one fireball simultaneously, do they take damage from all of them?
Say a creature walks through a door and triggers two spell glyphs from two glyph of warding spells that are programmed to cast a fireball at the creature that walks through the door. Both glyphs are ...
- 93.9k
13
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Can you cast 2 spells at the same time?
This question is prompted by both Sage Advice and this similar Pathfinder question. Let's use the scenario from Sage Advice:
Can you cast a reaction spell on your turn?
You sure can!
...
- 5,955
33
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Dueling Portents
I have a player with a Divination School Wizard. He has used his Portent ability upon the Big Bad several times to great effect. My Big Bad is a smart person however, and is seeking to hire a rival ...
- 31.9k
36
votes
1
answer
3k
views
In what order should one apply max HP reduction and damage?
A character at 10/26 HP is hit by a Wraith and fails the Constitution saving throw. They take 21 damage and their maximum HP is reduced to 5.
Are they unconscious because the 11 excess damage is less ...
- 8,137
57
votes
4
answers
9k
views
How to resolve multiple 'start of turn' triggers
There exist multiple spells/effects/mechanics that can trigger on the start of a character's turn. How in general should a DM rule the ordering, in cases where the order will matter?
As an example:
...
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Dissonant Whispers and Misty Escape: Which reaction effect happens?
The effect of the warlock's Misty Escape feature is that when the warlock takes damage she can use her reaction to teleport away to a location of her choosing within range.
The effect of failing a ...
- 30k
12
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What happens to other opportunity attacks if an opportunity attack stops the triggering movement?
This is the scenario:
Three creatures A, B, C are facing an enemy X, who is within 5'of all three of them. All have their reactions available. It comes to X's turn and X moves 5' away from the line ...
- 13.6k
11
votes
3
answers
3k
views
In what order do simultaneously-triggered opportunity attacks happen?
My GM has decided that opportunity attacks happen in an arbitrary order with respect to persons making the attack, instead of all at the same time — and the order isn't even in the order of initiative....
- 111
19
votes
8
answers
13k
views
Order of effects for Slow Natural Healing variant
The following is what happens to hit points and hit dice at the end of a long rest (PHB p. 186):
At the end of a long rest, a character regains all lost hit points. The character also regains spent ...
- 30k
19
votes
3
answers
4k
views
If a warlock with the Repelling Blast invocation casts Eldritch Blast, is the 2nd attack resolved before or after the target is pushed by the 1st hit?
My question is inspired by this other question:
Does Repelling Blast work once per spell or once per beam?
A 5th-level Warlock with the Repelling Blast eldritch invocation casts eldritch blast, ...
- 381
6
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What happens if multiple effects could be resolved upon being targeted with an attack?
In what order do effects that trigger "when a creature targets you with an attack" happen?
In this specific case, I was looking at the interaction between the Undying warlock among the dead feature ...
- 3,254
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can I use Relentless Endurance after failing the Relentless Rage Constitution saving throw?
Can I make the saving throw from Relentless Rage (PHB p.49, Barbarian) and use my Relentless Endurance (PHB p.41, Half-Orc) if I fail it? Is there anything that would suggest this is not possible?
- 4,714
12
votes
3
answers
4k
views
How are simultaneously-triggered Readied actions resolved?
Concerning the following scenario:
On her turn of the combat round, Alice readies an action to attack Bob as soon as he's within her weapon's reach.
On his subsequent turn in the same round, Bob ...
- 12.1k