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How do you handle immunity to fear?

Discussion in 'Dungeons & Dragons + Other RPGs' started by chevalier, Jun 6, 2004.

  1. chevalier

    chevalier Knight of Everfull Chalice ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    I'm interested in knowing how you, players and DMs, handle immunity to fear. Do you treat it like a succeeded save or like a generic immunity... Does your character overcome his fear or does he not feel any at all? Or does he feel it no less but find courage to prevent his morale from failing? Is your character's preservation instinct somehow impaired (not rules-wise, just in the roleplaying) by being immune to fear or fear effects? Does, contrary, preservation instinct dictate succumbing to fear isn't a good thing for your survival? Or maybe something totally different.
     
    chevalier, Jun 6, 2004
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  2. Faragon Gems: 25/31
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    Personally, I see it as bravery. Sure, the character can be afraid, hell he could be pissing his pants. The point is, that he sets aside his fear and does what needs to be done. Immunity to fear is the wrong term, it's bravery.
     
    Faragon, Jun 6, 2004
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  3. Gothmog

    Gothmog Man, a curious beast indeed! ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    I imagine it's different from case to case. In some cases just the inablility to be afraid and in others bravery.
    In a world so full of magic, i dont think it's exaggerated to say some beings are simply unable to feel any fear. Eventhough it's still possible to attain it without any magic IMO.
     
    Gothmog, Jun 6, 2004
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  4. Oaz Gems: 29/31
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    Being in the state of shaken, frightened, or panicked is not a survival instinct. It puts you in a state of irrational fear, where if you are not running away, you are cowering; if not that, then your fear takes the edge of your skill. So to speak, it's irrational fear. A level 12 Fighter might fail his Will save against a level 8 Sorcerer casting Fear.

    Rational fear has no game effects, but it would stem from roleplaying. When a level 1 Fighter meets a behir, it is logical to say that he is afraid, although he suffers no game effects (behirs can't produce fear effects). He is in a state of rational fear, where he knows that he's not going to live fighting an angry behir and thus runs away. Of course, this comes entirely out of roleplaying. The Fighter might be foolish enough to attack the behir.
     
    Oaz, Jun 7, 2004
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  5. Gothmog

    Gothmog Man, a curious beast indeed! ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    IMO this rational fear should show somehow in gameterms as well. It might sharpen fighter's reflexes and all, making him a better fighter, or he might show fear in weak attacking, blocking and giving ground all the time. Maybe a roll to see which happens.
    Character's psyche doesnt make any difference at all outside roleplaying, but i think it should. Not just the d20 rolls, but attack bonus in whole.
    *shrugs*
     
    Gothmog, Jun 7, 2004
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