What is the Rule of Flanking 5e?
Flanking is a tactical maneuver in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) that allows characters to gain an advantage in combat by positioning themselves on opposite sides of an enemy. In this article, we will delve into the rules of flanking, its benefits, and how to apply it in your 5e campaigns.
What is Flanking?
Flanking is a combat tactic that allows two or more characters to attack an enemy from opposite sides, increasing their chances of hitting and dealing damage. This tactic is particularly effective against enemies with high armor class or those who are difficult to hit.
How Does Flanking Work?
To flank an enemy, the following conditions must be met:
- Two or more characters must be adjacent to the enemy and on opposite sides of its space.
- The characters must be able to see the enemy.
- The enemy must not be invisible or heavily obscured.
Benefits of Flanking
Flanking provides several benefits, including:
- Advantage on Melee Attack Rolls: Characters who flank an enemy gain advantage on their melee attack rolls, making it more likely for them to hit and deal damage.
- Increased Damage: Flanking can increase the damage dealt to an enemy, especially if the characters are using high-damage weapons or abilities.
- Improved Positioning: Flanking allows characters to position themselves in a way that makes it difficult for the enemy to retaliate, giving them an advantage in combat.
Flanking and Reach
When using a Reach weapon, characters can count any squares they "pass through" as a square for flanking. This means that characters with Reach can flank an enemy even if they are not adjacent to it.
Flanking and Spiritual Weapons
Spiritual Weapons do not count as creatures or allies, and therefore do not provide advantage on melee attack rolls when flanking.
Do Multiple Characters Flanking an Enemy Stack Their Advantage?
No, multiple characters flanking an enemy do not stack their advantage. Each character gains advantage on their melee attack rolls, but the advantage does not multiply.
Do Resistance and Vulnerability Stack?
No, multiple instances of resistance or vulnerability that affect the same damage type count as only one instance. This means that characters who are resistant or vulnerable to a particular type of damage will not stack their resistance or vulnerability.
Conclusion
Flanking is a powerful combat tactic in 5e that can give characters an advantage in combat. By positioning themselves on opposite sides of an enemy, characters can gain advantage on their melee attack rolls, increase their damage output, and improve their positioning. Remember to follow the rules of flanking, including the conditions for flanking, the benefits of flanking, and how flanking interacts with Reach and Spiritual Weapons. With practice and strategy, flanking can become a key part of your 5e combat tactics.