Horror

In Dungeons & Dragons, Fear, Horror, and Madness checks are considered Will saves in all respects. In fact, the terms "Fear check," "Horror check," and "Madness check" are just shorthand to differentiate between the different causes and effects of these three Will saves. Anything that modifies a Will save likewise modifies Fear, Horror, and Madness checks. Fear, Horror, and Madness checks all use the same basic mechanic. When the situation calls for a character make any of the three types of check, make a Will save against a specified DC. Specific DCs depend on the situation and type of check being made, and are provided in the following sections. If the character succeeds at the Will save, then there is no effect (the character is not frightened, horrified, etc.), and she is immune to that specific source of fear, horror, or madness (depending on the successful check) for one day. If the character fails the Will save, then the result is determined by how much she failed the saving throw. Subtract the number rolled (including modifiers) from the DC; this result determines whether the character suffers a minor, moderate, or major effect.

Failure Margin Effect 1–5 points Minor 6–10 points Moderate 11–15 points Major 16+ points Major, plus additional effect (see below for specifics).

When determining the results of failed Horror and Madness checks, the player will also need to roll 1d4 to select a specific effect. Characters cannot take 10 or take 20 on Fear, Horror, or Madness checks. They can take 10 on any attempts to recover from failed checks, however. Creatures without Intelligence scores are immune to fear, horror, and madness. Lastly, remember that Fear, Horror, and Madness checks are always optional. If players roleplay the terror of their PCs without prompting, no check is needed.