What are the rules for prone in 5e?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the prone condition is a common state that adventurers and monsters can find themselves in. When a creature is prone, it’s lying on the ground, and its mobility and combat effectiveness are limited. In this article, we’ll explore the rules for prone in 5e, covering the effects of being prone, how to become prone, and how to interact with prone creatures.
Effects of being prone
When a creature becomes prone, it suffers from the following effects:
- Disadvantage on attack rolls: A prone creature has disadvantage on attack rolls, making it harder for it to hit its targets.
- Advantage on attack rolls against: Any attack that hits a prone creature is a critical hit if the attacker is within 5 feet of the creature.
- Difficulty moving: A prone creature can only crawl, which means it can move at a speed of 5 feet per round, and it can’t use its speed to escape or pursue.
- Vulnerability to attacks: A prone creature is more vulnerable to attacks, as it’s harder to defend itself and can’t use its mobility to avoid attacks.
How to become prone
There are several ways a creature can become prone in 5e:
- Falling: If a creature falls from a height, it becomes prone at the end of the fall.
- Grappled: If a creature is grappled, it can become prone if the grappler chooses to pin it to the ground.
- Magic: Certain spells, such as the Knock Prone spell, can cause a creature to become prone.
- Terrain: A creature can become prone if it’s knocked prone by terrain, such as a steep slope or a patch of slippery ice.
Interacting with prone creatures
When interacting with a prone creature, there are some important rules to keep in mind:
- Helping a prone creature up: A creature can help another creature up from the prone position by using its action to lift the creature to its feet. This requires a successful Strength (Athletics) check.
- Attacking a prone creature: When attacking a prone creature, you can use your bonus action to make an opportunity attack.
- Moving past a prone creature: When moving past a prone creature, you can use your movement to avoid it, but you’ll need to make a successful Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to avoid tripping or falling.
Table: Prone Creature Rules
| Effect | Prone Creature | Attacker |
|---|---|---|
| Attack Rolls | Disadvantage | Advantage (within 5 feet) |
| Movement | Crawl (5 feet per round) | None |
| Vulnerability | More vulnerable to attacks | None |
Conclusion
In conclusion, being prone in 5e can be a significant disadvantage, limiting a creature’s mobility and combat effectiveness. However, with the right abilities and spells, a creature can still pose a threat even when prone. Remember to keep the prone creature’s effects in mind when designing encounters and battles, and use your abilities to take advantage of the situation.