Intimidate to Demoralize has an error?

[Barachiel Shina]

"Demoralize: You can use this skill to cause an opponent to become shaken for a number of rounds. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target's Hit Dice + the target's Wisdom modifier. If you are successful, the target is shaken for 1 round. This duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which you beat the DC. You can only threaten an opponent in this way if they are within 30 feet and can clearly see and hear you. Using demoralize on the same creature only extends the duration; it does not create a stronger fear condition."

What exactly is the deal with this? Why does demoralize require BOTH sight and hearing? Shouldn't it be "can clearly see OR hear you?"

[Krodjin]

Ever witness the All Blacks perform the Haka before a Rugby match? Pretty intimidating stuff right? Not so much if the TV is on mute or if you just hear the chanting from the kitchen while you're grabbing another beer.

In all seriousness I don't know why it's and, and not or. But it is what it is. If a player could describe a reason why it should be one or the other; I'd allow it.

[blackbloodtroll]

There are some ways around that.

[claudekennilol]

I don't see any error..

[LeesusFreak]

Dazzling Display does it without requiring sound, so... Dunno. Guess the enemy just isn't as scared of your threats when you're on the other side of a glass wall.

Then again, that could actually be the case... WHO'S THE BOSS NOW, MR. TARANTULA?!

[blackbloodtroll]

Nightmare Weaver does it without sight.

[David knott 242]

Interesting -- so you would never be able to demoralize a Grimlock.

[Barachiel Shina]

Yeah, that's the problem. Me and my players were discussing it and it was clear that, say, a huge, hulking brute smashing things around would be just as scary as sitting in the dark and only hearing a gravelly, spooky voice describe how your death will come. It should be "see OR hear" but for some reason Paizo ruled to have both. Which makes no sense.

Here was the original ruling back in 3rd Edition D&D:

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Demoralize Opponent: You can also use Intimidate to weaken an opponent’s resolve in combat. To do so, make an Intimidate check opposed by the target’s modified level check (see above). If you win, the target becomes shaken for 1 round. A shaken character takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you.
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This version requires threatening in melee and only sight. So it's more limited than Pathfinder version. It also only shakens the enemy for 1 round, whereas Pathfinder allows more rounds the higher the check succeeds.

Why Paizo is going with the "see AND hear" route is beyond my understanding, I think most will house rule it as "see OR hear" as it should be.

[Kaisoku]

It's possible it's a restriction in place for making it more powerful than the 3.5e version. Gotta jump through more hoops to get the greater benefit?

Like you said though, I probably wouldn't have an issue with only sight or sound being a factor.
Actually, I'd go so far as to say that as long as the target can perceive your threatening posturing then it will work. Something with tremorsense feels your threatening stomps, etc.

[the secret fire]

Intimidate is the single corniest mechanic in the game, so don't be surprised that a lot of what's associated with it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

[LeesusFreak]

In the RoW game I'm currently playing, the DM gave us a mythic tier when we accepted the Black Rider's Mantle, and my Thug 1 / Sword Saint X took Mythic Dazzling Display. At level 5, I've pumped my Intimidate bonus to +28...

By spending my Swift Action on Dazzling Display, I can effectively frighten every enemy for 1 round, every round. Its an absurdly effective tactic.