Demoralize Opponent [Archive] - Wizards Community

Demoralize Opponent [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
garner_adam
06-26-07, 03:26 PM Intimidate has an alternate use called Demoralize Opponent but I don't know whether it's a standard action, move action, or a free. Any one know where I can get a firm answer?
Slimgauge
06-26-07, 03:37 PM From the online SRD at d20.com (bolding mine)

Demoralize Opponent
You can also use Intimidate to weaken an opponent’s resolve in combat. To do so, make an Intimidate check opposed by the target’s modified level check (see above). If you win, the target becomes shaken for 1 round. A shaken character takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you.

Action
Varies. Changing another’s behavior requires 1 minute of interaction. Intimidating an opponent in combat is a standard action.
Howland Reed
06-26-07, 08:54 PM Can you answer me this one...is this actually a useful tactic?

You give up a standard action (and any chance of actually hurting/affecting your opponent) in order to give him a modest penalty. But it only lasts a single round...is that ever a worthwhile tradeoff?

It could have a modest application in group tactics (you intimidate someone, make him less effective in attacking your allies and/or make him easier for your casters to target), but in a one-on-one fight, it stinks (and I might sooner use Aid Another than Intimidate, to help a friend, depending on circumstances). Is there a way to make this a viable tactic in, say, a duel? Is there some application for this that I'm missing?
jaelis
06-26-07, 09:30 PM It's not very useful on it's own, but the you can take advantage of the way fear rules stack. If your opponent is already shaken by a spell or something, then he becomes frightened if you demoralize him, which can be definitely worth it. He loses his turn too, and likely provokes a bunch of AoOs by fleeing.
Centauri
06-26-07, 10:12 PM Is there a way to make this a viable tactic in, say, a duel? Is there some application for this that I'm missing?
In a duel, it's probably not that useful, unless you're simply trying to hold him off.

In certain circumstances, you might not be able to take a five-foot step out of your opponent's threatened area in order to perform some other move action such as retrieving a stored item, or, better yet, standing from prone. Demoralize your opponent first, and you'll have a better chance of avoiding the upcoming attack of opportunity. You could always just fight defensively, but a -4 penalty to your attack rolls leaves you open to being disarmed, sundered or grappled or more easily.
Vash_HS
06-26-07, 10:22 PM There are also some feats and Skill tricks that make it better.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
garner_adam 06-26-07, 03:26 PM	Intimidate has an alternate use called Demoralize Opponent but I don't know whether it's a standard action, move action, or a free. Any one know where I can get a firm answer?
Slimgauge 06-26-07, 03:37 PM	From the online SRD at d20.com (bolding mine) Demoralize Opponent You can also use Intimidate to weaken an opponent’s resolve in combat. To do so, make an Intimidate check opposed by the target’s modified level check (see above). If you win, the target becomes shaken for 1 round. A shaken character takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you. Action Varies. Changing another’s behavior requires 1 minute of interaction. Intimidating an opponent in combat is a standard action.
Howland Reed 06-26-07, 08:54 PM	Can you answer me this one...is this actually a useful tactic? You give up a standard action (and any chance of actually hurting/affecting your opponent) in order to give him a modest penalty. But it only lasts a single round...is that ever a worthwhile tradeoff? It could have a modest application in group tactics (you intimidate someone, make him less effective in attacking your allies and/or make him easier for your casters to target), but in a one-on-one fight, it stinks (and I might sooner use Aid Another than Intimidate, to help a friend, depending on circumstances). Is there a way to make this a viable tactic in, say, a duel? Is there some application for this that I'm missing?
jaelis 06-26-07, 09:30 PM	It's not very useful on it's own, but the you can take advantage of the way fear rules stack. If your opponent is already shaken by a spell or something, then he becomes frightened if you demoralize him, which can be definitely worth it. He loses his turn too, and likely provokes a bunch of AoOs by fleeing.
Centauri 06-26-07, 10:12 PM	Is there a way to make this a viable tactic in, say, a duel? Is there some application for this that I'm missing? In a duel, it's probably not that useful, unless you're simply trying to hold him off. In certain circumstances, you might not be able to take a five-foot step out of your opponent's threatened area in order to perform some other move action such as retrieving a stored item, or, better yet, standing from prone. Demoralize your opponent first, and you'll have a better chance of avoiding the upcoming attack of opportunity. You could always just fight defensively, but a -4 penalty to your attack rolls leaves you open to being disarmed, sundered or grappled or more easily.
Vash_HS 06-26-07, 10:22 PM	There are also some feats and Skill tricks that make it better.