Season 3 and Darkvision

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Kahless

Sep 02, 2015 22:56:27

With the upcoming Underdark campaign in Rage of Demons, I'm anticipating a lot of characters/races with darkvision (like my half-orc tempest cleric). But I recalled that in 5e darkvision doesn't seem to be the "get out of jail free" card I've often seen it used as. The PHB says that you see as if in dim light. This means everything is lightly obscured and you have disadvantage on perception checks that rely on sight. It will benefit sneaks, though, I guess, especially the Skulker feat.

 

My question is are there any other drawbacks? Like on ranged attacks? (Relies on sight) Seems like we might still need to be running around with a big neon light source announcing "Here we are!"

 

I know people complained that "too many races now have darkvision", but it doesn't seem so overpowered now that I've paid more attention to it.

 

#2

Elfcrusher

Sep 03, 2015 10:11:07

That's actually a really interesting point about ranged attacks.  No book in front of me...does low light impose Disadvantage on ranged attacks?  Or count as cover?

#3

Nevvur

Sep 03, 2015 10:12:19

Most darkvision only goes to 60', so enemies beyond that will be difficult or impossible to target. There's no inherent drawback (i.e. disadvantage on attacks) within that range, though.

 

As for giving away your location, it will probably come up a few times, but most encounters don't assume the party gains surprise on their enemies anyway. Even when light isn't an issue, there's usually some dumbface clanking around in armor and making his stealth checks at disadvantage. 

#4

LordCorwin

Sep 03, 2015 11:32:31

I do not believe Dim Light causes disadvantage on attacks. Onle Wisdom (Perception) checks involving sight.

#5

Noctaem

Sep 03, 2015 12:08:20

Elfcrusher wrote:
(Reply to #3)

Nevvur

Nevvur wrote:
#7

Noctaem

Sep 04, 2015 4:51:32

Ah oops, seems I confused the two for some reason.  My bad.

#8

Kahless

Sep 04, 2015 5:27:37

I guess it would be okay since you really only need to be able to see center mass to hit. Still, disadvantage on perception is going ot hurt, too!

 

(Reply to #6)

ezrider23

Nevvur wrote:
(Reply to #8)

Filksinger

Kahless wrote:
#11

Noctaem

Sep 05, 2015 5:43:21

Filksinger wrote: