[CONAN] Is Crimson Mist Mandatory?

[Supplement Four]

When a Barbarian makes a successful Terror check, does he HAVE to go into Crimson Mist? Or, can the player decide to stay normal or go into it?

 

[Jeraa]

That way its written in the 2nd edition of the rulebook, he has no choice.

Any time a barbarian of 2nd level or higher succeeds in a Will saving throw against Terror (see page 376), he flies into a furious anger instead of becoming terrified.

It doesn't say "he can fly into a furious anger". Any time he succeeds on the save, he automatically flies into a furious anger.

However, it changes if he has the Fighting-Madness feat.

A character who has the Fighting-Madness feat and is also a barbarian of 2nd level or higher may voluntarily go into a Fighting-Madness once per day and may also enter a crimson mist once per day if he succeeds in a Will saving throw against Terror.

If the barbarian has the Fighting Madness feat, he can choose to enter a Crimson Mist. Without the feat though, the wording forces the barbarian into a Crimson Mist on a successful save vs Terror.

 

[Supplement Four]

Hmmm...I think it is mandatory, but I don't think having Fighting Madness has anything to do with it. The rule is just saying that a character can go into Crimison Mist and Fighting Madness in the same day--they don't preclude each other.

But, then, you've got to ask youself, why is Fighting Madness volungtary and Crimson Mist not?

 

[Jeffreywns]

My take on it is the forced Crimson Mist is the knee-jerk reaction to the repulsion inspired by the un-natural (mostly) object that caused the Barbarian to make the fear check.
Fighting Madness is a more experienced warrior channeling that fury to use as he wishes. It's not automaticly avaliable to everyone, and can be used against "normal" enemies.

 

[Supplement Four]

My take on it is the forced Crimson Mist is the knee-jerk reaction to the repulsion inspired by the un-natural (mostly) object that caused the Barbarian to make the fear check.
Fighting Madness is a more experienced warrior channeling that fury to use as he wishes. It's not automaticly avaliable to everyone, and can be used against "normal" enemies.

Ding! You get the award for best answer, in my opinion.

And let's not forget that, although Crimison Mist is mandatory, the state does not control the character's actions. He can move and attack or run as he wishes while in the state. So, it's not a total lost of senses.