Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Kuroimaken 04-28-08, 11:57 PM	I was reading up on the Intimidate skill (mainly its primary use: bullying people for info) as I was looking into a fear-stacking build, and it got me thinking: victims of the skill are essentially treated as Helpful for a while, as well as shaken for combat purposes, right? Suppose I manage to make a target cowering, preventing it from escaping as well as fighting -- would he be Helpful then? As in a "please, I'll do anything, just don't hurt me" kind of thing?
mplindustries 04-29-08, 01:02 AM	I was reading up on the Intimidate skill (mainly its primary use: bullying people for info) as I was looking into a fear-stacking build, and it got me thinking: victims of the skill are essentially treated as Helpful for a while, as well as shaken for combat purposes, right? Suppose I manage to make a target cowering, preventing it from escaping as well as fighting -- would he be Helpful then? As in a "please, I'll do anything, just don't hurt me" kind of thing? Cowering (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#cowering): "The character is frozen in fear and can take no actions. A cowering character takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class and loses her Dexterity bonus (if any)." So, strictly speaking, since talking is a free action and a cowering character can take no actions, the answer would be no. Thats the "by the rules" answer. The real answer is, ask the GM. I don't think it sounds unreasonable, and I'd probably allow it, though I don't know why you wouldn't just charm them or something else a little easier.
Kuroimaken 04-29-08, 12:31 PM	That's because not all of us get to charm people. Some of us are just good at being REALLY, REALLY creepy. Also, it doesn't fit some character concepts.
fridesgerte 04-29-08, 08:42 PM	Actually, if you use intimidate to demoralize your opponent in combat, he's Shaken, not Cowering. And it only lasts for 1 round, so it reduces your foe's attacks and saves, but doesn't improve your own. From the SRD: 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.
fridesgerte 04-29-08, 08:47 PM	double post
mplindustries 04-29-08, 10:45 PM	Actually, if you use intimidate to demoralize your opponent in combat, he's Shaken, not Cowering. And it only lasts for 1 round, so it reduces your foe's attacks and saves, but doesn't improve your own. It was my impression that he was using Intimidate along with other fear effects to stack them up to Cowering. Since I was assuming other fear effects, I guess I assumed spellcaster, which is why I suggested charm instead.
TeletubbiesMustDie 04-30-08, 02:36 PM	With the proper combo of feats/spells, intimidate could really helpful!!! Ex: Dreadful wrath feat combined in the next round with an intimidate check. The demoralize optimization link guide: http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=911167