Just curious on how other people handle times when a character is taller than the area they're in. I'm a new DM running LMoP and while reading through the Wave Echo Cave section I realized my half-orc barbarian and Tabaxi monk, who are 6'4 and 6'8, will have to go through an area with 6 ft ceilings. Right now I'm thinking I'll just have them disadvantaged but wanted other opinions.
They don't need to have disadvantage, but definitely incorporate their heights into the narrative. The only thing that might be disadvantaged are larger weapons, depending on area.
I could go either way. Throwing challenges like that aren't bad, if your players enjoy problem-solving. For example, I might try grappling if I was one of those players, arguing that tackling the bad guy and going to the ground would negate the low ceiling issue.
But yeah, a PC who already has to bend over and is also wielding a couple of feet of steel would have a real difficulty. Although...maybe the monk wouldn't have disadvantage if it fought unarmed.
I think there is reason to change the probabilities. I think giving them -1 or -2 on actions requiring Dex might be better than having them roll with disadvantage.
I think there is reason to change the probabilities. I think giving them -1 or -2 on actions requiring Dex might be better than having them roll with disadvantage.
In previous editions, that would have been the crux of the discussion--how much of a penalty to give. And still isn't a bad idea. I just went with disadvantage because that's the primary mechanic in 5e for 'you can't do this as well now as you usually can' circumstances. I admit to some inherent bias towards a flat penalty, though, I like the way you're thinking.
If it's just a low ceiling, like the OP's situation I would just go with descriptive changes without any mechanical effect. If it's more like a 3-4' ceiling, I would use the rules on squeezing into a smaller space.
A creature can squeeze through a space that is large enough for a creature one size smaller than it. Thus, a Large creature can squeeze through a passage that's only 5 feet wide. While squeezing through a space, a creature must spend 1 extra foot for every foot it moves there, and it has disadvantage on attack rolls and Dexterity saving throws. Attack rolls against the creature have advantage while it's in the smaller space.
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Just curious on how other people handle times when a character is taller than the area they're in. I'm a new DM running LMoP and while reading through the Wave Echo Cave section I realized my half-orc barbarian and Tabaxi monk, who are 6'4 and 6'8, will have to go through an area with 6 ft ceilings. Right now I'm thinking I'll just have them disadvantaged but wanted other opinions.
They don't need to have disadvantage, but definitely incorporate their heights into the narrative. The only thing that might be disadvantaged are larger weapons, depending on area.
I could go either way. Throwing challenges like that aren't bad, if your players enjoy problem-solving. For example, I might try grappling if I was one of those players, arguing that tackling the bad guy and going to the ground would negate the low ceiling issue.
But yeah, a PC who already has to bend over and is also wielding a couple of feet of steel would have a real difficulty. Although...maybe the monk wouldn't have disadvantage if it fought unarmed.
Looking for new subclasses, spells, magic items, feats, and races? Opinions welcome :)
I think there is reason to change the probabilities. I think giving them -1 or -2 on actions requiring Dex might be better than having them roll with disadvantage.
In previous editions, that would have been the crux of the discussion--how much of a penalty to give. And still isn't a bad idea. I just went with disadvantage because that's the primary mechanic in 5e for 'you can't do this as well now as you usually can' circumstances. I admit to some inherent bias towards a flat penalty, though, I like the way you're thinking.
Looking for new subclasses, spells, magic items, feats, and races? Opinions welcome :)
If it's just a low ceiling, like the OP's situation I would just go with descriptive changes without any mechanical effect. If it's more like a 3-4' ceiling, I would use the rules on squeezing into a smaller space.