▲ 10 r/OSE
Would monsters attack the light?
OSE suggests smart monsters would go for the light, but is little no GM guidance around how to rule this as far as I can tell. So below are my thoughts, would love additions and feedback.
Is it worth a monster trying to extinguish the PCs light source(s)?
Yes, if most of the party cannot see in the dark.
Why:
- It requires 1 round to use a tinder box, and there is a 2-in-6 chance of success per round. In combat, this means the party can be without light for quite a few rounds. OR it will require casting of a magic spell (which can be disrupted)
- If a PC does not have infravision or some other form of vision in the dark, then they are effectively blind. This either means they cannot attack or defend, or possibly at a strong penalty to attack/defend/save (OSE doesn’t specify so GM ruling). Movement is commonly also reduced (OSE doesn’t specify so GM ruling).
How would a smart monster go about extinguishing the PCs light source(s)?
For a torch:
- Knock from hand of carrier and once on ground:
- Kick into a ravine/hole/out of sight
- Kick into a pool of water
- Stomp it out
- Cover it with dirt/sand
- Either directly in hand of carrier or on ground:
- Smother/wrap with non flammable/wet rag/cloth
- Douse with bucket/flask/trap of water
- Strong blast of wind
For a lantern:
- Knock from hand so that glass breaks, possibly already dousing flame, and possibly also cracking oil container leading to large fire. If flame still burning then same as above for torch on ground.
Magical Light:
- Requires magic to counter.
How would a monster knock it from the hand of the carrier?
OSE doesn’t specify so some options on how to rule (GM fiat):
- Missile attack (shoot out of hand), but at a penalty to hit as small object, possibly with save for carrier to keep it in hand despite being hit
- Melee attack (knock out of hand), but at a penalty to hit as less easy target, again with possible save for carrier
- Grapple/pin attack (force to drop), PC gets a chance to save (GM choses saving throw), possibly with modifier (for size/str/dex mismatch and/or number of creatures involved etc)
u/Any_Second1769 — 10 days ago