Close your eyes and imagine you’ve just come face-to-face with a howling spectre in a decrepit castle corridor—your knees knock together like coconuts, and your heart attempts an acrobatic feat right out of your chest. Congratulations, you’re experiencing the Frightened condition, that quintessential reminder that sometimes being brave means ignoring your shaking boots long enough to swing your sword.
The Basics of the Frightened Condition
Being Frightened in D&D means:
You have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks while the source of your fear is within line of sight.
You can’t willingly move any closer to whatever is making you quake in said boots.
Whether it’s an enormous dragon baring fangs like cutlery in your direction or a piddly yet terrifyingly screechy kobold, the Frightened condition forces you to think twice before merrily skipping into harm’s way. It also grants the DM endless glee, as your previously fearless barbarian finds themselves decidedly more delicate in the face of nightmares made real.
Updates from the 2024 Edition
The Frightened condition in the 2024 Edition remains largely consistent with its past iteration—fleeing in terror is timeless, after all. However, you may see subtle clarifications ensuring that illusions, phantoms, and other intangible horrors neatly align with the condition’s mechanics. Expect a few streamlined paragraphs that eliminate head-scratching at the table when your bard’s illusions cause half the orc army to run for the hills.
Frightened Tips for Dungeon Masters
Pacing the Fear: Unleash the Frightened condition in moments of high suspense—an ominous chant in a haunted crypt, for instance. It keeps players on edge, encouraging them to rely on teamwork when terror sets in.
Creative Sources of Fear: Dragons, undead, and fiends often cause fear, but so can cursed items, malignant fey spirits, or even a particularly large swarm of buzzing insects. Variety is key for spicing up your party’s nightmares.
Narrative Twists: Remember that a frightened character cannot approach the source of their fear. This can lead to memorable story beats—like a paladin forced to confront an ancient vampire from afar instead of leaping valiantly into battle.
Frightened Tips for Players
Distance and Terrain: If you’re frightened, you still have options—ranged attacks, spells, or cunning plans to break line of sight can ensure you’re not fully out of the fight.
Buffs and Remedies: Certain class abilities, spells like Heroism, or inspiring words from your charismatic bard can either negate or mitigate the Frightened condition. Have these on standby for particularly chilling encounters.
Know Your Enemy: If you anticipate a scaly terror or other fearsome foe, come prepared. Spells and items that boost saving throws against fear (like certain auras or potions) can avert a humiliating retreat.
While terror might cause your valiant champion to quake in their boots, remember that fear is often the spark that lights the bravest of fires—so long as you can rally yourself (or rely on a friend’s hearty pep talk) to keep pressing onward. The Frightened condition offers a dash of unpredictability and drama, giving each encounter that extra jolt of excitement. Next time your heart starts racing at the sight of a toothy maw or malevolent spirit, take comfort in the knowledge that conquering fear is all part of the experience.