Paralysation

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Paralysation is an attack form and an effect in which the body becomes partly or wholly incapable of movement. Only the muscles are affected, so that the victim's organs and breathing continues, though the latter can become extremely shallow. If a character becomes paralysed in an environment where moving is required for survival, such as being underwater and being unable to surface and breathe, or helplessly being forced to inhale gas that will not sustain the body, then death is automatic after a sufficient amount of time has passed. When attacked by paralysation, a saving throw is made on the paralysation column.

Different forms of paralysation will affect creatures for a few combat rounds), for hours, for days or even permanently.

Once the paralysation has passed, it requires a round for the character to acquire his or her senses before taking any action; during this period, the character's armour class is restored.

Additional Notes

Magical paralysing attacks include glyphs, hold person, hold animal and wyvern watch.

Magical items include the wand of paralysation, the rod of lordly might and the staff of power.

Some poisons can produce paralysis. Both awe and fear can sometime produce paralysation-like effects.

Creatures able to Paralyse

Monsters known to cause paralysis include:

• Carrion Crawler
• Gelatinous Cube
• Ghast
• Ghoul
• Ice Devil
• Lich
• Man-o-war
• Manta Ray
• Mummy
• Slithering Tracker
• Sting Ray
• Vampire
• Wasp (giant)
• Wraith
• Worm (giant blood)

Paralysation can be alleviated with the spell remove paralysis. Paralysis most likely last for only a few rounds, minutes or hours. Permanent paralysis is very rare and most likely the result of a disease.

See Also,
Natural Abilities
The Adventure