Does Forced Movement Ignore Difficult Terrain?
Forced movement is a common phenomenon in Dungeons & Dragons, where a creature is moved from one location to another without its own agency. But does forced movement ignore difficult terrain? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Direct Answer
According to the official 5th edition Player’s Handbook, forced movement does ignore difficult terrain. On page 196, it states: "Flying, Jump, and forced movements are unaffected by difficult terrain." This implies that any movement that is not voluntary, such as a spell or an effect, is not affected by the terrain’s difficulties.
Rules and Examples
To further clarify this concept, let’s examine some rules and examples:
- Flying and Jump: As mentioned in the Player’s Handbook, flying and jumping movements are unaffected by difficult terrain. This means that creatures that can fly or jump can move through difficult terrain without any penalties or difficulties.
- Forced Movement: Any movement that is forced upon a creature, such as a spell or an effect, is also unaffected by difficult terrain. This includes spells like Teleport, Dimension Door, and others that move creatures from one location to another.
- Grapple and Restrained: Creatures that are grappled or restrained can be moved by their attacker, and this movement is considered forced. In these cases, the movement is also unaffected by difficult terrain.
- Opportunity Attacks: Creatures that are moved by an effect, such as a spell or an attack, do not provoke opportunity attacks. This means that the creature is not considered to be moving voluntarily, and therefore does not trigger an opportunity attack.
Table: Types of Movement
| Type of Movement | Affected by Difficult Terrain? |
|---|---|
| Voluntary Movement | Yes |
| Forced Movement | No |
| Flying and Jump | No |
| Teleport and Dimension Door | No |
| Grapple and Restrained | No |
Conclusion
In conclusion, forced movement in Dungeons & Dragons ignores difficult terrain. This means that creatures that are moved by an effect, such as a spell or an attack, do not have to worry about the difficulties of the terrain. Whether you’re flying, jumping, or being teleported, difficult terrain is no obstacle. Remember to keep this in mind when navigating the game world, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of movement.