When to Unleash a Trap

[steinwertm]

OK so this mostly applies to multi target traps. For instance let's say I have a 20x20 pit trap that triggers when when a pressure plate in the middle is stepped on. Should I trigger it as soon as someone steps on it or after everyone moves that round.

See I feel like multi target traps only hit the first person who moves per round even if the party realistically was walking side by side.

Has anyone done this where they basically see what everyone attempted to do and after its all said and done then they trigger traps.

[Ascalaphus]

I've wondered about this myself.

[fretgod99]

Depends on the trigger.

If it's a character crossing A square, it goes off as soon as that occurs.

If it's X number of characters being in B area, you wait until the conditions are satisfied.

As a GM, set your parameters. Scenario 1 is more likely to be triggered, but with fewer potential targets. Scenario 2 will likely hit more targets, but is less likely to actually occur.

[Ascalaphus]

Pit traps often have a "all characters in a 10x10ft area" effect with a trigger that even a single PC would set off.

During combat, in initiative, characters move one after another, so only one is going to fall in.

Outside of initiative, I guess you'd look at marching order? If there's two PCs moving side by side at the front of the group, they could both fall in. If there's only one PC at the front, only one is going to step onto the trap before it goes off.