5e: Prone not imposing disadvantage on melee attacks with reach beyond 5'

[stromguard555]

The Prone condition is not imposing disadvantage on melee attacks with reach beyond 5'. Having learned the rules for DnD by playing in FGU, surprised us when this was brought up at the table that using a polearm with reach was not good to partner with a prone mechanic, after it had been going on for some time due to the rolls automatically applying advantage to a prone target when the attack is made with a melee weapon. Sure, we hadn't read the rules closely, playing if FGU lets it happen thats whats supposed to happen. But technically is incorrect.

[LordEntrails]

Been awhile since I played 5E, but unless things have changed this is known. In general, FG does not calculate distance to target when calculating effects.

If no one else jumps in with more current knowledge...
There are probably some extensions that will do this for you though. You might also check the 5E sub-forums for discussion on how others are handling this.

[Tempered7]

This extension can do what OP wants. Walk This Way: https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/1940/view

The prone checker will also check for any conditions that disallow a creature to stand up. If it finds one, it will not ask the player if they want to stand up. The following conditions are currently supported.


Grappled; Paralyzed; Petrified; Restrained; Unconscious; Tasha’s Hideous Laughter; Unable to Stand; SPEED: none; NOSTAND; SPEED: max(0)

[MrDDT]

The Prone condition is not imposing disadvantage on melee attacks with reach beyond 5'. Having learned the rules for DnD by playing in FGU, surprised us when this was brought up at the table that using a polearm with reach was not good to partner with a prone mechanic, after it had been going on for some time due to the rolls automatically applying advantage to a prone target when the attack is made with a melee weapon. Sure, we hadn't read the rules closely, playing if FGU lets it happen thats whats supposed to happen. But technically is incorrect.


By the rules prone doesn't cause disadvantage on melee attackers attacks at any range.

[Trenloe]

By the rules prone doesn't cause disadvantage on melee attackers attacks at any range.
According to the 5E SRD: "An attack roll against the creature has advantage if the attacker is within 5 feet of the creature. Otherwise, the attack roll has disadvantage."

[MrDDT]

According to the 5E SRD: "An attack roll against the creature has advantage if the attacker is within 5 feet of the creature. Otherwise, the attack roll has disadvantage."


Thank you I stand corrected.

[Trenloe]

I must admit I didn't realize this was the rule either - I only checked based on the OP's comments in post #1.