Post/Author/DateTime	Post
erc1971 07-18-05, 10:25 AM	Does anybody know if there are any rules regarding dead bodies on the battlefield? Our group can't find anything concrete in the PHB or DMG (we play 3.5 BTW). Obviously thier effects can vary depending on the size of the dead monster, and we would like to know so we have some written rules for everyone to go by (without making up our own). Thanks, Eric
Eliza_Stormwhisper 07-18-05, 10:36 AM	I'd just say treat it like part of the landscape, and use common sense. A dead human you could just walk over/through etc. but a dead dragon you'd have to climb over or go around.
Zorminster 07-18-05, 10:54 AM	we usually ignore most corpses on the field unless there are ALOT- (like, if tandar the barb was surrounded slew them all) then we treat it as hampered movement (-10') on premises that you have to be careful to not land on one or impale yourself on their weapons.
erc1971 07-18-05, 11:06 AM	We have multiple DM's in our group, and every one of us treats dead bodies differently, LOL. I was just hoping for something concrete. Dragons and other bigger creatures are obviously an obstruction, but how do medium size and smaller bodies affect someone charging through the square that they lie in? Can be pretty important. Maybe some errata will clarify things in the future, hehe
Ranix 07-18-05, 12:56 PM	We have always done penalties for "uneven footing" and given -1 to melee attack rolls. I think uneven ground penalties are in the combat section of the dmg.
StevenO 07-18-05, 11:31 PM	I'd vote for treating the area something your size or larger dies in as being difficult terrain and halve movement rates thru them. I wouldn't use attack penalties but penalized movement should have a sufficient effect. Blood and guts are slippery by it is possible to find good footing with a little effort. If a player doesn't want to take the penalty an move at full speed have them make a balance or tumble check at DC 15 to see if they make it over without slipping. If they miss DC 5 have them fall down.
weasel fierce 07-19-05, 01:02 AM	What kind of rules are nescesary for having dead people lying on the ground ?
mvincent 07-19-05, 12:23 PM	This part of the rules seem applicable: "You can move through a square occupied by a helpless opponent without penalty. (Some creatures, particularly very large ones, may present an obstacle even when helpless. In such cases, each square you move through counts as 2 squares.)" So I count dead large creatures (or piles of medium/small ones) as difficult terrain (i.e. 1/2 movement). Note: other than for movement, I haven't found any other modifiers for uneven terrain in the rules.
Jack Greylock 07-19-05, 01:39 PM	Heroes Of Battle actually has rules for fighting on top of piles of corpses. Unfourtanetly I am at work and the book is at home, or I'd list them here.
Arklich 07-19-05, 02:08 PM	But i thought on Battlefield the corpses faded after a few seconds... Ok, sorry... :tongue:
ATynam 07-19-05, 03:56 PM	Of the top of my head I would want to see Balance checks being made if a character elects to fight while standing in a square containing a body. No check if body 2 sizes smaller, DC 10 if 1 size smaller, DC 12 if same size, DC 15 if 1 size larger, 2 sizes or more need jump/climb checks to get on top of. Success: fight normally, failure: fall prone. A character can elect not to make a balance check by planting their feet firmly on the ground, but in doing so they loose any DEX based AC bonus. As a square that hampers movement a character cannot take a 5'-step into or out of a square that contains a fallen body. Just some random ideas to spice up the battlefield, and I would say none have been playtested.