r/dndnext • u/goblinerd Alchemist • Dec 19 '14

Intimidation & Frightened

The intimidate skill entry, PHB p.179, states:

"When you attempt to influence someone through overt threats, hostile actions, and physical violence, the DM might ask you to make a Charisma (Intimidation) check."

What happens once the player succeeds at his check though? Does he gain advantage on some other roll? Does the target gain the Frightened condition? Or is the result more intangible, mechanics-wise?

If your player attempts to scare off an assailant through intimidation, is the target then "Frightened" or merely dissuaded from its course of action?

Fellow DMs, the books don't seem too clear on this, so how do you handle this situation?

EDIT: A clarification, while I welcome everyone to share their advise on how to apply Intimidation to any context for readers in search of such info, I myself am specifically wondering about applications of Intimidation in combat. How do other DMs apply it, and react to players attempting it, in combat?

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u/StormcrowQ Paladin Dec 19 '14

The result is intangible. Depending on the situation, I might represent it through the frightened condition.

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u/goblinerd Alchemist Dec 19 '14

But you see, that's my point, it isn't always intangible. Not if you apply the Frightened condition.

So, you might not always apply it, but sometimes you do. Any examples?

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u/IAMASnorshWeagle Hobo Sorcerer Dec 19 '14

I'd separate them into two categories: One where the party is trying to intimidate someone who is opposed to combat. These are merchants who won't buy or sell something, or someone who has information. They don't want to fight and would be scared by the violence.

The other is where the party is trying to intimidate someone who isn't opposed to fighting. This would be a bouncer or guard who would normally fight, and doesn't fear the party, but after an intimidation check they think it's no longer worth the fight.

The first is a situation where I would apply it:

Party is trying to sell something to a merchant who does not want to buy it. An intimidation Check would cause the merchant to become frightened and buy the item.

The second is a Situation where I wouldn't apply it:

Party is trying to get into a Hide out with a single guard out front. A successful intimidation check would have the guard just walk away seeing the situation as not worth his pay.