Dazzling Display feat vs. just Intimidate skill


Rules Questions


What is the difference? It seems both affect all opponents within 30'. Is Intimidate supposed to be worded to affect only one?


Well, the description of the "demorialize" option of the skill does say "the target," not "the targets," so it does specify a singular target. Granted, when it mentions possible targets, plural, at the beginning of the section, it could easily be confused for granting the ability to intimidate all of the valid targets in the allowed area, but it does clear this up in the middle of the description.


KnightErrantJR wrote:
Well, the description of the "demorialize" option of the skill does say "the target," not "the targets," so it does specify a singular target. Granted, when it mentions possible targets, plural, at the beginning of the section, it could easily be confused for granting the ability to intimidate all of the valid targets in the allowed area, but it does clear this up in the middle of the description.

Looks like the demoralize section of the skill says "your opponents" plural and again "you can only threaten opponents this way if they are within 30ft" again referencing multiple targets. So both the skill and the feat affect all enemies within 30ft.

The only benefit I see with the feat is that it could be done silently, whereas the skill specifies "verbal threats and displays of prowess". A crafty DM could restrict or lessen the skill's effects when dealing with targets who can't understand the intimidator's language.

Screaming at something works, screaming, "I'm going to cut your heart out with a spoon!" works better.


Dirty Rat wrote:
KnightErrantJR wrote:
Well, the description of the "demorialize" option of the skill does say "the target," not "the targets," so it does specify a singular target. Granted, when it mentions possible targets, plural, at the beginning of the section, it could easily be confused for granting the ability to intimidate all of the valid targets in the allowed area, but it does clear this up in the middle of the description.

Looks like the demoralize section of the skill says "your opponents" plural and again "you can only threaten opponents this way if they are within 30ft" again referencing multiple targets. So both the skill and the feat affect all enemies within 30ft.

The only benefit I see with the feat is that it could be done silently, whereas the skill specifies "verbal threats and displays of prowess". A crafty DM could restrict or lessen the skill's effects when dealing with targets who can't understand the intimidator's language.

Screaming at something works, screaming, "I'm going to cut your heart out with a spoon!" works better.

If you are successful, the target is shaken for 1 round.

Target, singular. Sorry no dice man. You need Dazzling Display to demoralize everyone within 30'.


meatrace wrote:

If you are successful, the target is shaken for 1 round.

Target, singular. Sorry no dice man. You need Dazzling Display to demoralize everyone within 30'.

That's how I understood it as well. Thanks for verifying.

Scarab Sages

Though poorly worded, this has come up in other threads before.

Intimidate skill to Demoralize = a single opponent within 30 ft.
Dazzling Display = all opponents within 30 ft.

Community / Forums / Pathfinder / Pathfinder First Edition / Rules Questions / Dazzling Display feat vs. just Intimidate skill All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.