This has been a topic of debate between literally everyone in my friend group. Can you opt out of saving throws for story purposes? For expample, if the character that a particular person is playing willing completes an action that would cause them harm (ie. Using a poison on themselves, purposefully triggering a trap, etc), should the player still roll for a save? The whole point of said action in that case would be for perpetuation of a canonic trait or storyline, and so at that point rolling would be counterproductive, even if in essence the entire concept of a saving throw is to "save". In this case, should a saving throw be optional, or required, in your opinion? (Keep in mind that this isn't a roll to see wether or not the action actually works, but to avoid negative effects if it does.)
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- With all due respects, your friendly neighbourhood alchemist
RAW, the language doesn’t allow for this (the word “must” is usually used). If a target is allowed to voluntarily fail a saving throw, the effect description will say so. There are actual examples of this, which suggests being able to choose to fail a save is not a standard option.
That said, most DMs would probably allow it. I know I would.
This has been a topic of debate between literally everyone in my friend group. Can you opt out of saving throws for story purposes? For expample, if the character that a particular person is playing willing completes an action that would cause them harm (ie. Using a poison on themselves, purposefully triggering a trap, etc), should the player still roll for a save? The whole point of said action in that case would be for perpetuation of a canonic trait or storyline, and so at that point rolling would be counterproductive, even if in essence the entire concept of a saving throw is to "save". In this case, should a saving throw be optional, or required, in your opinion? (Keep in mind that this isn't a roll to see wether or not the action actually works, but to avoid negative effects if it does.)
- With all due respects, your friendly neighbourhood alchemist
RAW, the language doesn’t allow for this (the word “must” is usually used). If a target is allowed to voluntarily fail a saving throw, the effect description will say so. There are actual examples of this, which suggests being able to choose to fail a save is not a standard option.
That said, most DMs would probably allow it. I know I would.
You could in previous editions. Maybe that's where some of the confusion is. (If anyone in your group played prior to 5e.)
It depends on the DM, but it seems to be allowed.
SAUCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!