In this example, which path would a monster affected by the Dissonant Whispers spell take?What is a “spellcaster” for the purpose of magic item attunement?Does Dissonant Whispers cause the target to release a grapple?Which items are affected by an area Shatter spell?Dissonant Whispers and Misty Escape: Which reaction effect happens?Meaning of this example in the Sage Advice CompendiumWould the Gust spell be able to move someone under the effect of the Levitate spell?Must a creature be able to hear the caster's whisper to be targeted by dissonant whispers?Do you take falling damage if falling from 20 feet or less while grappled by someone affected by the Cat's Grace option of the Enhance Ability spell?Is it possible to chain the Dissonant Whispers spell if multiple characters have the War Caster feat?Does a creature in flight affected by the Haste spell fall when the spell ends?
Regular sized fonts in oubraces package
A partially ugly group with a casual secret
More elegant way to express ((x == a and y == b) or (x == b and y == a))?
Countering an uncounterable spell, triggers, and state-based actions
How does the Gameboy Link Cable work?
How much caffeine would there be if I reuse tea leaves in a second brewing?
Proof that if covariance is zero then there is no linear relationship
How are letters between governments being transported and delivered?
How short does a trip need to be before flying is less safe than other forms of transportation?
network cable - why T-568A and B standard
What is a word for the feeling of constantly wanting new possessions?
How to formulate a MIP that can minimize the costs with a combination of subsets given a set?
Phenomenon: dust in candle wax
Why are so many cities in the list of 50 most violent cities in the world located in South and Central America?
Can I still travel on the Troika Card even if it goes into a negative balance?
What techniques can I use to seduce a PC without arousing suspicion of ulterior motives?
Ubuntu 19.10: grub not shown
Command which removes data left side of ";" (semicolon) on each row
Can one determine the trace map for a nonsingular projective variety explicitly?
For a command to increase something, should instructions refer to the "+" key or the "=" key?
What should I do if my parents are forcing me to study a career I don't want?
What is more proper notation in piano sheet music to denote that the left hand should be louder?
Why do some switching regulator require tantalum or electrolytic capacitors instead of ceramic?
Should I do a regression analysis even if the variables do not seem to be associated at all?
In this example, which path would a monster affected by the Dissonant Whispers spell take?
What is a “spellcaster” for the purpose of magic item attunement?Does Dissonant Whispers cause the target to release a grapple?Which items are affected by an area Shatter spell?Dissonant Whispers and Misty Escape: Which reaction effect happens?Meaning of this example in the Sage Advice CompendiumWould the Gust spell be able to move someone under the effect of the Levitate spell?Must a creature be able to hear the caster's whisper to be targeted by dissonant whispers?Do you take falling damage if falling from 20 feet or less while grappled by someone affected by the Cat's Grace option of the Enhance Ability spell?Is it possible to chain the Dissonant Whispers spell if multiple characters have the War Caster feat?Does a creature in flight affected by the Haste spell fall when the spell ends?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty
margin-bottom:0;
$begingroup$
A bard casts Dissonant Whispers (PHB, p. 234) on a monster (diagram below). The monster has to choose between 2 paths. The left path is "safer" than the right path since his allies are that way but the right path led him a little farther from the bard.
Can the monster (A drow in armor and mid melee with at least 16 AC) choose the safer path or does he have to take the right one?
dnd-5e spells movement
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
$endgroup$
|
show 4 more comments
$begingroup$
A bard casts Dissonant Whispers (PHB, p. 234) on a monster (diagram below). The monster has to choose between 2 paths. The left path is "safer" than the right path since his allies are that way but the right path led him a little farther from the bard.
Can the monster (A drow in armor and mid melee with at least 16 AC) choose the safer path or does he have to take the right one?
dnd-5e spells movement
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
It was an drow having a fair amount of CA (at least 16) wearing armor and fighting in melee. We didn't had the chance to identify him.
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:22
$begingroup$
Just to make sure I'm reading correctly, Does the monster know that one path is safer?
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@JohnP the spell is not an SRD spell, so it must be purchased in order to be viewed. If you don't own the content on DnDB it will show up as a purchase page.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose♦
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose well, phooey on that moneygrubbing.
$endgroup$
– JohnP
May 31 at 18:26
1
$begingroup$
Yes AC, sorry its CA in french ^_^' @Rubiksmoose
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:30
|
show 4 more comments
$begingroup$
A bard casts Dissonant Whispers (PHB, p. 234) on a monster (diagram below). The monster has to choose between 2 paths. The left path is "safer" than the right path since his allies are that way but the right path led him a little farther from the bard.
Can the monster (A drow in armor and mid melee with at least 16 AC) choose the safer path or does he have to take the right one?
dnd-5e spells movement
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
$endgroup$
A bard casts Dissonant Whispers (PHB, p. 234) on a monster (diagram below). The monster has to choose between 2 paths. The left path is "safer" than the right path since his allies are that way but the right path led him a little farther from the bard.
Can the monster (A drow in armor and mid melee with at least 16 AC) choose the safer path or does he have to take the right one?
dnd-5e spells movement
dnd-5e spells movement
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 18:30
JohnP
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
6,3354 gold badges32 silver badges63 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
asked May 31 at 18:14
ordiordi
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
3612 silver badges15 bronze badges
$begingroup$
It was an drow having a fair amount of CA (at least 16) wearing armor and fighting in melee. We didn't had the chance to identify him.
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:22
$begingroup$
Just to make sure I'm reading correctly, Does the monster know that one path is safer?
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@JohnP the spell is not an SRD spell, so it must be purchased in order to be viewed. If you don't own the content on DnDB it will show up as a purchase page.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose♦
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose well, phooey on that moneygrubbing.
$endgroup$
– JohnP
May 31 at 18:26
1
$begingroup$
Yes AC, sorry its CA in french ^_^' @Rubiksmoose
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:30
|
show 4 more comments
$begingroup$
It was an drow having a fair amount of CA (at least 16) wearing armor and fighting in melee. We didn't had the chance to identify him.
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:22
$begingroup$
Just to make sure I'm reading correctly, Does the monster know that one path is safer?
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@JohnP the spell is not an SRD spell, so it must be purchased in order to be viewed. If you don't own the content on DnDB it will show up as a purchase page.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose♦
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose well, phooey on that moneygrubbing.
$endgroup$
– JohnP
May 31 at 18:26
1
$begingroup$
Yes AC, sorry its CA in french ^_^' @Rubiksmoose
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:30
$begingroup$
It was an drow having a fair amount of CA (at least 16) wearing armor and fighting in melee. We didn't had the chance to identify him.
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:22
$begingroup$
It was an drow having a fair amount of CA (at least 16) wearing armor and fighting in melee. We didn't had the chance to identify him.
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:22
$begingroup$
Just to make sure I'm reading correctly, Does the monster know that one path is safer?
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
Just to make sure I'm reading correctly, Does the monster know that one path is safer?
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@JohnP the spell is not an SRD spell, so it must be purchased in order to be viewed. If you don't own the content on DnDB it will show up as a purchase page.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose♦
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@JohnP the spell is not an SRD spell, so it must be purchased in order to be viewed. If you don't own the content on DnDB it will show up as a purchase page.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose♦
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose well, phooey on that moneygrubbing.
$endgroup$
– JohnP
May 31 at 18:26
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose well, phooey on that moneygrubbing.
$endgroup$
– JohnP
May 31 at 18:26
1
1
$begingroup$
Yes AC, sorry its CA in french ^_^' @Rubiksmoose
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:30
$begingroup$
Yes AC, sorry its CA in french ^_^' @Rubiksmoose
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:30
|
show 4 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
It's up to the DM...
Dissonant Whispers only requires that the creature:
must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
From a pure RAW perspective, as long as it moves away from you and not into obviously dangerous ground, then it's following the spell requirements.
Two Paths
The spell itself is causing the creature terrible pain that is trying to escape from:
You whisper a discordant melody that only one creature of your choice within range can hear, wracking it with terrible pain.
It's trying to get away, but it's not 'frightened' of you or have any other effect. If the creature has any semblance of intelligence, it's going to run away from you towards its allies.
If it has no intelligence or knowledge/wherewithal to go towards friends, then it may be a toss-up.
But both options are firmly under the control of the DM as the spell itself doesn't give any direction here other than to move away from you.
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
Leave it to the DM to decide
Dissonant Whispers reads (in part):
On a failed save, [the target] must immediately use its reaction , if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. [...] The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The location of the allies doesn't matter
The presence of allies down one path has no bearing on which way the target runs, according to the rules of the spell. The creature is said to ignore environmental hazards, but it is not said to consider the location of nearby allies.
How to parse "as far as its speed allows away"
The rules say "to move as far as its speed allows away from you." The wording "as far [...] away" could be measured as the crow flies, which would mean the right path in your scenario because the creature's speed allows it to move slightly farther away measured thus.
But it could also be interpreted to mean "the target uses ALL of its speed to move in a direction AWAY from you." Given that the target has a lot of allies on one side, it would logically choose to run down the path that puts it nearer to them (all other options being roughly essentially equal, distance wise).
Linear distance versus range distance
The above assumes that the paths prevent line of sight by the caster, which would require the caster to pursue to reacquire line of sight. Essentially, the linear distance travelled is equal either way, though one may be closer "as the crow flies."
If the linear distance traveled via the left path is the same as that of the right path but does not break line of sight, then the right path would probably parse as the only viable option.
It's the DM's call
Nothing in the rules dictates the internal logic of the path of the creature beyond moving "away from the caster." So, ultimately, it comes down to how the DM wants to interpret the rules. Either result is fine given the directive of "Rule Zero:"
- The DM narrates the results of the adventurers' actions.
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
The monster is not required to take a certain path
As per the spell:
On a failed save, it takes 3d6 psychic damage and must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn't move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The monster only needs to use all of its speed, and move away from you. This even means that by a strict reading of the rules, a monster could "waste" speed by moving through difficult terrain or climbing; albeit, certain players/DMs might call "shenanigans" on such an interpretation.
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function()
var channelOptions =
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "122"
;
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
createEditor();
);
else
createEditor();
);
function createEditor()
StackExchange.prepareEditor(
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader:
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/"u003ecc by-sa 4.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
,
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
);
);
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f149075%2fin-this-example-which-path-would-a-monster-affected-by-the-dissonant-whispers-s%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
It's up to the DM...
Dissonant Whispers only requires that the creature:
must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
From a pure RAW perspective, as long as it moves away from you and not into obviously dangerous ground, then it's following the spell requirements.
Two Paths
The spell itself is causing the creature terrible pain that is trying to escape from:
You whisper a discordant melody that only one creature of your choice within range can hear, wracking it with terrible pain.
It's trying to get away, but it's not 'frightened' of you or have any other effect. If the creature has any semblance of intelligence, it's going to run away from you towards its allies.
If it has no intelligence or knowledge/wherewithal to go towards friends, then it may be a toss-up.
But both options are firmly under the control of the DM as the spell itself doesn't give any direction here other than to move away from you.
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
It's up to the DM...
Dissonant Whispers only requires that the creature:
must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
From a pure RAW perspective, as long as it moves away from you and not into obviously dangerous ground, then it's following the spell requirements.
Two Paths
The spell itself is causing the creature terrible pain that is trying to escape from:
You whisper a discordant melody that only one creature of your choice within range can hear, wracking it with terrible pain.
It's trying to get away, but it's not 'frightened' of you or have any other effect. If the creature has any semblance of intelligence, it's going to run away from you towards its allies.
If it has no intelligence or knowledge/wherewithal to go towards friends, then it may be a toss-up.
But both options are firmly under the control of the DM as the spell itself doesn't give any direction here other than to move away from you.
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
It's up to the DM...
Dissonant Whispers only requires that the creature:
must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
From a pure RAW perspective, as long as it moves away from you and not into obviously dangerous ground, then it's following the spell requirements.
Two Paths
The spell itself is causing the creature terrible pain that is trying to escape from:
You whisper a discordant melody that only one creature of your choice within range can hear, wracking it with terrible pain.
It's trying to get away, but it's not 'frightened' of you or have any other effect. If the creature has any semblance of intelligence, it's going to run away from you towards its allies.
If it has no intelligence or knowledge/wherewithal to go towards friends, then it may be a toss-up.
But both options are firmly under the control of the DM as the spell itself doesn't give any direction here other than to move away from you.
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
$endgroup$
It's up to the DM...
Dissonant Whispers only requires that the creature:
must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
From a pure RAW perspective, as long as it moves away from you and not into obviously dangerous ground, then it's following the spell requirements.
Two Paths
The spell itself is causing the creature terrible pain that is trying to escape from:
You whisper a discordant melody that only one creature of your choice within range can hear, wracking it with terrible pain.
It's trying to get away, but it's not 'frightened' of you or have any other effect. If the creature has any semblance of intelligence, it's going to run away from you towards its allies.
If it has no intelligence or knowledge/wherewithal to go towards friends, then it may be a toss-up.
But both options are firmly under the control of the DM as the spell itself doesn't give any direction here other than to move away from you.
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:32
NautArchNautArch
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
82.4k17 gold badges321 silver badges541 bronze badges
add a comment
|
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
Leave it to the DM to decide
Dissonant Whispers reads (in part):
On a failed save, [the target] must immediately use its reaction , if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. [...] The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The location of the allies doesn't matter
The presence of allies down one path has no bearing on which way the target runs, according to the rules of the spell. The creature is said to ignore environmental hazards, but it is not said to consider the location of nearby allies.
How to parse "as far as its speed allows away"
The rules say "to move as far as its speed allows away from you." The wording "as far [...] away" could be measured as the crow flies, which would mean the right path in your scenario because the creature's speed allows it to move slightly farther away measured thus.
But it could also be interpreted to mean "the target uses ALL of its speed to move in a direction AWAY from you." Given that the target has a lot of allies on one side, it would logically choose to run down the path that puts it nearer to them (all other options being roughly essentially equal, distance wise).
Linear distance versus range distance
The above assumes that the paths prevent line of sight by the caster, which would require the caster to pursue to reacquire line of sight. Essentially, the linear distance travelled is equal either way, though one may be closer "as the crow flies."
If the linear distance traveled via the left path is the same as that of the right path but does not break line of sight, then the right path would probably parse as the only viable option.
It's the DM's call
Nothing in the rules dictates the internal logic of the path of the creature beyond moving "away from the caster." So, ultimately, it comes down to how the DM wants to interpret the rules. Either result is fine given the directive of "Rule Zero:"
- The DM narrates the results of the adventurers' actions.
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
Leave it to the DM to decide
Dissonant Whispers reads (in part):
On a failed save, [the target] must immediately use its reaction , if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. [...] The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The location of the allies doesn't matter
The presence of allies down one path has no bearing on which way the target runs, according to the rules of the spell. The creature is said to ignore environmental hazards, but it is not said to consider the location of nearby allies.
How to parse "as far as its speed allows away"
The rules say "to move as far as its speed allows away from you." The wording "as far [...] away" could be measured as the crow flies, which would mean the right path in your scenario because the creature's speed allows it to move slightly farther away measured thus.
But it could also be interpreted to mean "the target uses ALL of its speed to move in a direction AWAY from you." Given that the target has a lot of allies on one side, it would logically choose to run down the path that puts it nearer to them (all other options being roughly essentially equal, distance wise).
Linear distance versus range distance
The above assumes that the paths prevent line of sight by the caster, which would require the caster to pursue to reacquire line of sight. Essentially, the linear distance travelled is equal either way, though one may be closer "as the crow flies."
If the linear distance traveled via the left path is the same as that of the right path but does not break line of sight, then the right path would probably parse as the only viable option.
It's the DM's call
Nothing in the rules dictates the internal logic of the path of the creature beyond moving "away from the caster." So, ultimately, it comes down to how the DM wants to interpret the rules. Either result is fine given the directive of "Rule Zero:"
- The DM narrates the results of the adventurers' actions.
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
Leave it to the DM to decide
Dissonant Whispers reads (in part):
On a failed save, [the target] must immediately use its reaction , if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. [...] The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The location of the allies doesn't matter
The presence of allies down one path has no bearing on which way the target runs, according to the rules of the spell. The creature is said to ignore environmental hazards, but it is not said to consider the location of nearby allies.
How to parse "as far as its speed allows away"
The rules say "to move as far as its speed allows away from you." The wording "as far [...] away" could be measured as the crow flies, which would mean the right path in your scenario because the creature's speed allows it to move slightly farther away measured thus.
But it could also be interpreted to mean "the target uses ALL of its speed to move in a direction AWAY from you." Given that the target has a lot of allies on one side, it would logically choose to run down the path that puts it nearer to them (all other options being roughly essentially equal, distance wise).
Linear distance versus range distance
The above assumes that the paths prevent line of sight by the caster, which would require the caster to pursue to reacquire line of sight. Essentially, the linear distance travelled is equal either way, though one may be closer "as the crow flies."
If the linear distance traveled via the left path is the same as that of the right path but does not break line of sight, then the right path would probably parse as the only viable option.
It's the DM's call
Nothing in the rules dictates the internal logic of the path of the creature beyond moving "away from the caster." So, ultimately, it comes down to how the DM wants to interpret the rules. Either result is fine given the directive of "Rule Zero:"
- The DM narrates the results of the adventurers' actions.
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
$endgroup$
Leave it to the DM to decide
Dissonant Whispers reads (in part):
On a failed save, [the target] must immediately use its reaction , if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. [...] The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The location of the allies doesn't matter
The presence of allies down one path has no bearing on which way the target runs, according to the rules of the spell. The creature is said to ignore environmental hazards, but it is not said to consider the location of nearby allies.
How to parse "as far as its speed allows away"
The rules say "to move as far as its speed allows away from you." The wording "as far [...] away" could be measured as the crow flies, which would mean the right path in your scenario because the creature's speed allows it to move slightly farther away measured thus.
But it could also be interpreted to mean "the target uses ALL of its speed to move in a direction AWAY from you." Given that the target has a lot of allies on one side, it would logically choose to run down the path that puts it nearer to them (all other options being roughly essentially equal, distance wise).
Linear distance versus range distance
The above assumes that the paths prevent line of sight by the caster, which would require the caster to pursue to reacquire line of sight. Essentially, the linear distance travelled is equal either way, though one may be closer "as the crow flies."
If the linear distance traveled via the left path is the same as that of the right path but does not break line of sight, then the right path would probably parse as the only viable option.
It's the DM's call
Nothing in the rules dictates the internal logic of the path of the creature beyond moving "away from the caster." So, ultimately, it comes down to how the DM wants to interpret the rules. Either result is fine given the directive of "Rule Zero:"
- The DM narrates the results of the adventurers' actions.
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 19:05
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:47
RykaraRykara
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
13.6k43 silver badges92 bronze badges
add a comment
|
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
The monster is not required to take a certain path
As per the spell:
On a failed save, it takes 3d6 psychic damage and must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn't move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The monster only needs to use all of its speed, and move away from you. This even means that by a strict reading of the rules, a monster could "waste" speed by moving through difficult terrain or climbing; albeit, certain players/DMs might call "shenanigans" on such an interpretation.
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
The monster is not required to take a certain path
As per the spell:
On a failed save, it takes 3d6 psychic damage and must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn't move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The monster only needs to use all of its speed, and move away from you. This even means that by a strict reading of the rules, a monster could "waste" speed by moving through difficult terrain or climbing; albeit, certain players/DMs might call "shenanigans" on such an interpretation.
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
The monster is not required to take a certain path
As per the spell:
On a failed save, it takes 3d6 psychic damage and must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn't move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The monster only needs to use all of its speed, and move away from you. This even means that by a strict reading of the rules, a monster could "waste" speed by moving through difficult terrain or climbing; albeit, certain players/DMs might call "shenanigans" on such an interpretation.
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
$endgroup$
The monster is not required to take a certain path
As per the spell:
On a failed save, it takes 3d6 psychic damage and must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn't move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit.
The monster only needs to use all of its speed, and move away from you. This even means that by a strict reading of the rules, a monster could "waste" speed by moving through difficult terrain or climbing; albeit, certain players/DMs might call "shenanigans" on such an interpretation.
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
edited May 31 at 19:06
V2Blast♦
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
34.7k5 gold badges127 silver badges218 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 18:35
goodguy5goodguy5
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
13.1k3 gold badges50 silver badges97 bronze badges
add a comment
|
add a comment
|
Thanks for contributing an answer to Role-playing Games Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f149075%2fin-this-example-which-path-would-a-monster-affected-by-the-dissonant-whispers-s%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
$begingroup$
It was an drow having a fair amount of CA (at least 16) wearing armor and fighting in melee. We didn't had the chance to identify him.
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:22
$begingroup$
Just to make sure I'm reading correctly, Does the monster know that one path is safer?
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@JohnP the spell is not an SRD spell, so it must be purchased in order to be viewed. If you don't own the content on DnDB it will show up as a purchase page.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose♦
May 31 at 18:25
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose well, phooey on that moneygrubbing.
$endgroup$
– JohnP
May 31 at 18:26
1
$begingroup$
Yes AC, sorry its CA in french ^_^' @Rubiksmoose
$endgroup$
– ordi
May 31 at 18:30