still generally new to pathfinder2e and have questions on condition stacking


Rules Discussion


so how many times can something like frightened stack on itself? example does two instances of frightened 1 make it frightened 2. ect. can frightened be combined with idk sickened

can status penalty stack with stuff like flat-footed or other circumstance penalty?

what is the limit on status debuff stacking? especially something like ac

my players & i can't find the answers anywhere any response is appreciated! :)


As explained here on page 444 of the Core Rulebook, you apply only the highest of each type of bonus and penalty (status, circumstance, and item). For example, if you have the following effects on you, you apply the bolded ones only:

+1 conditional bonus
+1 status bonus
+2 status bonus
-1 status penalty
-2 status penalty

For a total of +1! (I don't know if you could actually have all those, but just to demonstrate how it works.) Also note that penalties that are untyped (not item, status, or conditional, ie, "a -2 penalty"), they always stack with everything else.

As for conditions, again, you generally only apply the highest one, but there are some nuances that are better explained here on page 618 of the Core Rulebook. But yes, you can pretty much combine any different conditions at the same time (frightened, sickened, enfeebled, stupefied, etc.).


Excellent reply theservantsllcleanitup.

To clarify with the specific examples listed in the OP: Two instances of frightened 1 will not combine to become frightened 2. You would still only have frightened 1.

Frightened can be combined with any other condition. However, the penalties that they apply may end up not stacking if they are of the same type.

And there is technically no limit to the amount of debuff that can be applied. Only the practical limit of having things not stack indefinitely. So for example, if you hit someone with all of Clumsy 1, Encumbered, Fatigued, Flat-Footed, Frightened 1, and Sickened 1...

Clumsy 1: -1 status to AC and other stuff
Encumbered : clumsy 1 and -10 ft to all speeds
Fatigued: -1 status to AC and saves
Flat-Footed: -2 circumstance to AC
Frightened 1: -1 status to all checks and DCs (including AC)
Sickened 1: -1 status to all checks and DCs and can't eat anything.

Looking at the penalties, we have a -2 circumstance to AC and a bunch of redundant -1 status penalties to AC. So a total -3 to AC.

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