For an upcoming session, I have an idea of the big bad escaping out a tiny window using gaseous form. The issue is, I'm not sure how the movement works.
The big bad (speed 30) uses 10 feet of movement to get next to a window, which is also behind a wall (so no danger of counterspell). They cast gaseous form.
Now, how much movement do they have left? 10 or zero?
According to the PHB, when you switch speeds you must subtract the distance you've already moved from the new speed. So, having moved 10ft then finding themselves with a speed of 10, they would be unable to move further.
What regent said. Since you moved 10 feet that turn and your speed is 10, you are out of movement.
Even if you had a walking speed of 30 and a flying speed of 10 at the same time, you can't walk 20 feet then fly 10 feet, you can only fly 10 feet then walk 20 feet. Thats how the rules handle using multiple speeds in a turn.
According to the PHB, when you switch speeds you must subtract the distance you've already moved from the new speed. So, having moved 10ft then finding themselves with a speed of 10, they would be unable to move further.
That's what I thought. I was hoping someone would tell me I was wrong. *sigh*
OK, lets take that spell off the NPC's list, because it is pretty much useless to them. Back to the trusty, ever-useful misty step. :-)
The solution to any of this is to either not write the BBEG as a PC character, or to give them Cunning Action, so that they can squeeze out some extra movement.
The solution to any of this is to either not write the BBEG as a PC character, or to give them Cunning Action, so that they can squeeze out some extra movement.
This. Give them their own unique version of Gaseous Form that gives them a fly speed of 30 feet. Problem solved. If it’s an NPC, you can do whatever you want. The Monster Manual is full of abilities and features that break the rules of what’s expected for PCs. There’s no reason to hold yourself to PC rules when statting out NPCs.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
For an upcoming session, I have an idea of the big bad escaping out a tiny window using gaseous form. The issue is, I'm not sure how the movement works.
The big bad (speed 30) uses 10 feet of movement to get next to a window, which is also behind a wall (so no danger of counterspell). They cast gaseous form.
Now, how much movement do they have left? 10 or zero?
I think of it in terms of percentages:
10 of 30 is 1/3, so you have 2/3 of your movement remaining.
2/3 of 10 is 6.66. If you're on a grid, that rounds down to 5ft, or perhaps a diagonal step, depending on how you handle diagonal movement.
According to the PHB, when you switch speeds you must subtract the distance you've already moved from the new speed. So, having moved 10ft then finding themselves with a speed of 10, they would be unable to move further.
What regent said. Since you moved 10 feet that turn and your speed is 10, you are out of movement.
Even if you had a walking speed of 30 and a flying speed of 10 at the same time, you can't walk 20 feet then fly 10 feet, you can only fly 10 feet then walk 20 feet. Thats how the rules handle using multiple speeds in a turn.
That's what I thought. I was hoping someone would tell me I was wrong. *sigh*
OK, lets take that spell off the NPC's list, because it is pretty much useless to them. Back to the trusty, ever-useful misty step. :-)
Yes. About the only real use I know of for Gaseous Form is following a Vampire through a prepared escape route.
The solution to any of this is to either not write the BBEG as a PC character, or to give them Cunning Action, so that they can squeeze out some extra movement.
This. Give them their own unique version of Gaseous Form that gives them a fly speed of 30 feet. Problem solved. If it’s an NPC, you can do whatever you want. The Monster Manual is full of abilities and features that break the rules of what’s expected for PCs. There’s no reason to hold yourself to PC rules when statting out NPCs.