Do Falling Objects Automatically Hit You?

[Atavar]

This past session I got into quite an argument with my players over the above question. The 3.5 DMG (p. 303 I believe) goes through clear rules on what happens when a heavy object falls on you (i.e. how to calculate damage). However, it says nothing about any way to avoid this damage, or that the damage is anything but automatic. Given the lack of any mention of avoiding the damage, I ruled at the time that there was no way, per RAW, to avoid this damage.

After the session my players essentially threatened me with how they can abuse this ruling to make automatic attacks against enemies with falling objects. Anyway, after much arguing I agreed that there is precedent for avoiding such damage in the form of falling block traps. In the case of such traps the falling blocks make an attack roll, and the total attack roll is determined by the trap builder.

My bottom-line question is, is there RAW that addresses if and how one can avoid damage from falling objects? If not, should I house-rule it? What would be a good house-rule for it? Should I have objects make an attack roll, and if so, what should the attack roll modifier be (and why)?

Thanks,

Atavar

 

[SadisticFishing]

I'm not sure, but I'd like to know too, as in one of our campaigns our flying invisible warlock emptied out his bag of older over all the BBEGs - killing the cleric, who rolled a natural 1 on his Reflex save (because that's what we'd heard it would be).

 

[Caliban]

Rule of thumb I use: If the falling object is less than 5' square, it's an attack roll. If it takes up a 5' square or more, then it's a reflex save to avoid being hit.

Calculating the attack bonus or DC's is an exercise left up to the student, because my formula involves an "how annoyed am I with the PC at the moment" adjustment...

 

[Nail]

Rule of thumb I use: If the falling object is less than 5' square, it's an attack roll. If it takes up a 5' square or more, then it's a reflex save to avoid being hit.

Interesting! I, too, use this ad hoc rule. Where'd it come from, I wonder?

 

[Caliban]

Interesting! I, too, use this ad hoc rule. Where'd it come from, I wonder?

For me it was the dreaded "common sense". If the object is smaller than your square, it has to hit you (as there is a chance it may miss even if you don't move). If it's larger than your square, it automatically hits unless you move out of it's way.

 

[Nail]

For me it was the dreaded "common sense".

Yeah....<shudder>. Why did a chill just pass down my spine?

 

[Atavar]

My players must've said the phrase "common sense" a dozen times during our argument. If the issue is addressed by the RAW, then "common sense" is irrelevant.

Don't get me wrong; I have plenty of house rules to cover things not covered in the RAW or that contradicts the RAW because I don't like how the RAW does it. My point is, while common sense has a role to play for house rules, it (sadly) has no role to play in the RAW.

The RAW is what it is, for good or for bad.

So, does the RAW address my question, or do I need to house-rule it?

Later

Atavar

 

[Nail]

So, does the RAW address my question, or do I need to house-rule it?

I believe the answer is: The SRD does not answer your question directly. A rule is hinted at in the Traps section, but not explicitly outilined.

 

[Nail]

It might be the case that somewhere, in some non-core supplement, a rule is given. Maybe in the area of the Hulking Hurler PrC?

 

[TheGogmagog]

I'm wondering about the description of the block traps. Are the blocks 5 ft square or larger.

I like the (house) rule mentioned above. I don't know of any RAW on the subject though.

So for about anything the characters are going to drop there would be an attack roll with the characters BAB, I guess you can throw in -4 improvised weapon. As long as there is an attacker, I might use this mechanic for items larger than 5x5. Mostly because determining a save DC will be tough. From memory I think the DMG lists suggested DC's depending on how tough the task is, but I might be thinking of skill or ability checks.

If the dropped item is larger than 5x5 you have two problems. First you have to determing the reflex DC. Then you need to decide what to do if it's not possible to occupy the space after the object drops. ie. do you force the targets who make thier save out of thier occupied space, are they now prone? Also does a save mean half damage or no damage? I tend to think the answer is wrong if it creates more questions. Using attack rolls for these situations still leaves just as many questions though.