Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 El_Condoro May 29, 2015 0:39:39	The blinded condition only affects ability checks that require sight and attack rolls. It seems strange that it doesn't affect movement. Obviously, (some) jumping is precluded because it involves an ability check and sight, but a blinded character can still make a normal jump or dash without penalty, it seems.   Would you just go with this or add a movement effect? Or is there a rule somewhere that relates to this?
#2 MechaPilot May 29, 2015 0:52:51	I don't have a problem with blindness not affecting movement rate.  As for movement in general, a blind character will not be able to see any potential obstacles.  If a square contains any potential obstacles the blind character could trip over but a sighted character would easily avoid, I'd probably require a Dex save.  This would be especially pertinent when the character takes a first step in a square containing a downward flight of stairs.
#3 AaronOfBarbaria May 29, 2015 2:10:52	The only reason blind creatures might move slower is by choice so that they can reduce the force of accidentally running into something or the chance of trying to step where there isn't any ground or floor. It doesn't need to be modeled by the rules of a game.
#4 Imaculata May 29, 2015 2:39:09	A player can charge at full speed away from the action, but if there is difficult terrain, there is a chance he'll fall flat on his face. I would probably call for a balance check if the player runs across difficult terrain while blind. And if there's a wall, he'll take damage from running straight into it. He can still try to climb the wall of course, even if he's blind.   Other actions are also perfectly fine. Consuming a potion can be done blindly. But if the player first has to go through his backpack, and has multiple flasks, I'd roll randomly for which flask he drinks. Weapons can be drawn and sheathed while blind. But if the player dropped his weapon, and is trying to pick it up, then I would demand a search check to find it while blind.
(Reply to #3) El_Condoro	AaronOfBarbaria wrote:
#6 bawylie May 29, 2015 9:17:20	Blind people I know tend to know where doors are. Idk. Maybe that's familiarity or ... Idk.
#7 El_Condoro May 29, 2015 17:21:58	I have the utmost respect for blind people, too. What we're talking about here, though, are characters who are blinded momentarily and have no long-term experience of the condition.
#8 BRJN May 29, 2015 18:26:10	My Paladin got caught in a Darkness spell.  I told the DM - who thought he had me where he wanted me - "I pull out my rapier and use it like a blind man's cane.  I put my left hand out to feel the wall.  I'll keep moving down the left side of the hall but at half speed.  Tap, tap, tap."  The Fighter behind me had a slightly different idea: he let his sword drag on the ground behind him as he went.   Guess who found the sewer ahead of us by falling in?
#9 Nevvur May 29, 2015 18:48:33	If you're looking for a mechanic, I suggest that while blind, the creature must move at half speed, or make a DC 10 dexterity (acrobatics) check to avoid falling prone. It's not a massive penalty, but fits my sense of narrative.    I wouldn't impose this rule outside combat, unless movement speed were especially relevant to a non-combat situation.
(Reply to #7) bawylie	El_Condoro wrote:
#11 El_Condoro May 29, 2015 18:55:46	To me, the two suggestions above represent contrasting approaches to playing 5e D&D: one is a role playing solution adopted through player agency, which negates the need for a die roll in my opinion, and the second is an equally valid mechanical solution adapted by the DM. They are not a dichotomy and I like them both; they represent what I like about 5e. Thanks for your input.
#12 Imaculata May 30, 2015 3:20:22	The moving at half speed sounds reasonable, if the player is deliberately being careful where he's going. But I'd definitely also allow players to move at full speed too, if they choose to do so. But then they would be more likely to fall on their face, or run into things, and a check might be called for.
#13 SadisticLeprechaun May 30, 2015 5:34:30	Agreed. Moving half speed, or a check if there are obstacles and such, sounds like a good house rule. 5e seems to have either left out some rules, or left it to discussions between strict and loose constitutionalists lol. Understandable from both sides, and although the rule is not there, my common sense would say 1/2 speed.   Try closing your eyes, and put on a battle scene from a movie really loud in the background. Then try and jog around your house, which is easy compared to a cave or dungon or place you have never been. Toss in some stairs or furniture or stalagmites I would be surprised if someone made it 30 or 60 feet!    Just my view of course. Some will say it isn't in the rules, and so its fine.