Hi all,
on p.316 (Nightmare spell) there is mentioning of a "condition" called "defenseless". here is the relevant text (this is repeated by another spell whose name i forgott):
"You are defenseless, both physically and mentally, while in the
trance. (You always fail Reflex and Will saving throws, for example.)"
So what exactly IS defenseless. Unless I'm blind, this condition is nowhere explained and the given examples are insufficient.
I would assume it is like helpless plus the given examples plus something more? something less? something completely different?
Any thoughts, hints, clarifications? Thanx
Great question. I would call it an errata and substitute in---
Helpless: A helpless character is paralyzed, held, bound, sleeping, unconscious, or otherwise completely at an opponent's mercy. A helpless target is treated as having a Dexterity of 0 (–5 modifier). Melee attacks against a helpless target get a +4 bonus (equivalent to attacking a prone target). Ranged attacks get no special bonus against helpless targets. Rogues can sneak attack helpless targets.
As a full-round action, an enemy can use a melee weapon to deliver a coup de grace to a helpless foe. An enemy can also use a bow or crossbow, provided he is adjacent to the target. The attacker automatically hits and scores a critical hit. (A rogue also gets his sneak attack damage bonus against a helpless foe when delivering a coup de grace.) If the defender survives, he must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage dealt) or die. Delivering a coup de grace provokes attacks of opportunity.
Creatures that are immune to critical hits do not take critical damage, nor do they need to make Fortitude saves to avoid being killed by a coup de grace.