I feel like it is fairly clear by the rules of the text, however, roleplay-wise I don't know and was curious what others thought the intent of the rules were.
Necrotic shroud says at the instant the transformation takes place any creatures that see the Aasimar must make the saving through to avoid being frightened. I am interpreting the rules to mean that if, let's say, my friendly party members are not looking at me when it happens but then later in the round turn and see me, they will not be frightened. Would this be correct?
I’ll post the RAW and bold the parts I’m looking specifically at.
The instant you transform, other creatures within10feet of you that can see you must each succeed on a Charisma saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn.
So, to answer your question, I would personally say you’d be right. The gray area is that “can see” part. Can you see someone when you’re turned away? Yes and no. You aren’t looking at them, and therefore cannot see them, but you can see them as in nothing is preventing you from being able to do so (you can see them, but you won’t). So talk with your DM, or if you are the DM, it’s your call.
It would seem to me that the first time you used it in battle your allies would have to try to save against it. After that, I think that they would be used to it and therefore possibly immune to it. At the very least they would at least gain an advantage on the saving throw. In the end I think the answer should be left up to each individual DM.
"The instant you transform, other creatures within10feet of you that can see you ... "
and from the PHB
"In combat, most creatures stay alert for signs of danger all around ... "
The latter is in the context of hiding but reflects that creatures are always looking around.
I would tend to interpret this as any creature within 10' that is ABLE to see the transformation is affected.
Consider, even the opponents might not be looking at you during the transformation, they might be looking at one of your companions or might have blinked or be looking the other way. If you interpret "can" to mean "DO see" then every creature should have a saving throw to determine whether they happened to be looking in your direction at the time of the transformation.
Keep in mind that although a turn is resolved sequentially using initiative, it is intended to represent one 6 second round which is happening simultaneously. Your transformation could happen at any point in that turn from the perspective of the other creatures in the combat.
So, I think the most likely reading would be any creature that is able to see you (not blinded, not behind total cover) would be affected. 5e doesn't have facing - characters aren't looking in one direction for the turn.
As a house rule, I might allow characters to avert their gaze or close their eyes for the turn so that they explicitly do not see the transformation. In this case, I would give them disadvantage on their attacks against any creatures in the 180 degrees facing your character.
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I feel like it is fairly clear by the rules of the text, however, roleplay-wise I don't know and was curious what others thought the intent of the rules were.
Necrotic shroud says at the instant the transformation takes place any creatures that see the Aasimar must make the saving through to avoid being frightened. I am interpreting the rules to mean that if, let's say, my friendly party members are not looking at me when it happens but then later in the round turn and see me, they will not be frightened. Would this be correct?
Thanks!
I’ll post the RAW and bold the parts I’m looking specifically at.
The instant you transform, other creatures within 10 feet of you that can see you must each succeed on a Charisma saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn.
So, to answer your question, I would personally say you’d be right. The gray area is that “can see” part. Can you see someone when you’re turned away? Yes and no. You aren’t looking at them, and therefore cannot see them, but you can see them as in nothing is preventing you from being able to do so (you can see them, but you won’t). So talk with your DM, or if you are the DM, it’s your call.
Sounds just about what I was thinking, thanks a lot!
It would seem to me that the first time you used it in battle your allies would have to try to save against it. After that, I think that they would be used to it and therefore possibly immune to it. At the very least they would at least gain an advantage on the saving throw. In the end I think the answer should be left up to each individual DM.
Given the wording
"The instant you transform, other creatures within 10 feet of you that can see you ... "
and from the PHB
"In combat, most creatures stay alert for signs of danger all around ... "
The latter is in the context of hiding but reflects that creatures are always looking around.
I would tend to interpret this as any creature within 10' that is ABLE to see the transformation is affected.
Consider, even the opponents might not be looking at you during the transformation, they might be looking at one of your companions or might have blinked or be looking the other way. If you interpret "can" to mean "DO see" then every creature should have a saving throw to determine whether they happened to be looking in your direction at the time of the transformation.
Keep in mind that although a turn is resolved sequentially using initiative, it is intended to represent one 6 second round which is happening simultaneously. Your transformation could happen at any point in that turn from the perspective of the other creatures in the combat.
So, I think the most likely reading would be any creature that is able to see you (not blinded, not behind total cover) would be affected. 5e doesn't have facing - characters aren't looking in one direction for the turn.
As a house rule, I might allow characters to avert their gaze or close their eyes for the turn so that they explicitly do not see the transformation. In this case, I would give them disadvantage on their attacks against any creatures in the 180 degrees facing your character.