GMs: How do you handle Dancing Leaf?

[BrotherHanson]

The wording for Dancing Leaf is pretty spare, and the feat clearly interacts with other rules for Leap, Long Jump, High Jump, Falling, and Grab an Edge that all have varied potential interpretations themselves. (Not to mention Powerful Leap, Crane Stance, etc., etc.)

So, some questions for those who've GM'd for or played a Monk with Dancing Leaf...

1) How literally do you define "wall"? Does a cliff face, scaffolding, or a giant beanstalk count? (I'd say "yes".) What about a waterfall, tapestry, or cobwebs? (I'd say "no", unless you also have Water Step.) A long strand of imprisoned prince Rapunzelo's hair? Chimney smoke? (I'd say "nope".)

2) How do you handle vertical distance? Dancing Leaf gives an extra 5' "When you Leap or succeed at a High Jump or Long Jump". So I read that as an auto-success if you try to Leap 8' vertically plus 5' horizontally, or 3' vertically plus 10' horizontally, because unmodified Leap allows 3' vertically plus 5' horizontally. Or, in the same vein, I'd think it gives 10' vertically if you succeed at a DC 30 High Jump that would normally give 5'.

3) What about failed jumps? If Deckard fails a DC 20 check to Long Jump 25' (say he's a Level 3 monk with 35' speed and Dancing Leaf), does he still jump the 20' and get a chance to Grab an Edge and/or girder?

I'm a big fan of feats and abilities often dismissed as "situational", but I'm curious how those more experienced than I treat the many potential situations!

[Finoan]

Not sure about more experienced. I just analyze rules text fairly well.

1) I would say anything that could potentially support the weight of the character at least temporarily. So the scaffolding or giant beanstalk (assuming it is thick enough to climb) would count, but the strand of rope, waterfall, and smoke would not.

I would also agree with you that Water Step would change the number of things that qualify as being able to support your weight temporarily.

2) It doesn't specify a distinction between vertical or horizontal distance, and it lists that it works for both High Jump and Long Jump. I am guessing that means it adds 5 feet distance to either or both in all cases. So if you High Jump, you can increase your vertical distance by 5 feet and also increase your horizontal distance by 5 feet.

I'm expecting people will argue with me on that one.

3) "When you ... succeed at High Jump or Long Jump". If you don't succeed, then you Leap normally - which for this Monk would include the extra 5 feet from Dancing Leaf because that applies to normal Leap actions.