Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 intently Sep 26, 2014 7:38:44	Just to see if I'm understanding the advantage/disadvantage system properly...   If two creatures without darkvision are fighting in the dark, they're both considered to be "blind". This means that they each attack with disadvantage and get *attacked* with advantage. So, if they attack each other, the advantage and disadvantage cancel out and they attack as normal -- with neither advantage nor disadvantage.   Right?
#2 bawylie Sep 26, 2014 7:47:23	I think so.
#3 Direach Sep 26, 2014 8:01:04	I would rule that two characters without darkvision fighting in complete darkness would both be disadvantaged when attacking one another.
#4 iserith Sep 26, 2014 8:06:14	Direach wrote:
#5 intently Sep 26, 2014 8:33:47	Direach wrote:
#6 Direach Sep 26, 2014 8:50:48	This scenario can create for an interesting situation for a DM, and for the participants. Ideally, you find a way to perceive your opponent without them also perceiving you. One participant could attempt to sneak around, while using Perception to try to hear his opponent, potentially granting a brief period of advantage (or more specifically, briefly canceling out their disadvantage). If both players are sneaking around, then it's basically a battle of Perception vs. Stealth to locate the other (like submarines hunting one another).   Another possibility is if one player successfully attacks and grapples their target, I would say that neither is disadvantaged by blindness provided they stay grappled together. Assuming you're fighting a humanoid opponent, it's pretty easy to know where to punch/stab them even when you can't see them, provided you are grappling them. The stronger opponent would be at an advantage here (not mechanically, just in terms of controlling the grapple and probably doing more damage). A weaker opponent would want to break the grapple as quickly as possible to even the odds again.
(Reply to #6) intently	Great idea to incorporate stealth and perception rolls into the combat situation, thanks for the inspiration!
#8 Timborama Sep 26, 2014 10:16:04	Let's not forget you have to attack the right square. So it may become a dance between using your Action to Hide and using your action to Attack!   And outside ranged attacks going in get even trickier! As a Devil's Sight Bladepact Warlock, I might have to say "NEVER HIT THE CENTER OF MY BUBBLE! Also, can you hit about 30 feet in front of you? That guy is looking at me funny while I'm dealing with his blinded buddy..."
#9 Direach Sep 26, 2014 11:12:12	Another way you could potentially locate your target in a darkened area is by having something noisy to scatter on the floor, preferably something that cracks or crunches when stepped on. Ball bearings or caltrops are also an option, potentially injuring or knocking down your opponent if he steps on them in the dark. You just have to be very careful not to walk into your own trap.