Understanding Hold Person: A Comprehensive Guide to Paralyzing Your Foes in Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Introduction
Hold Person is a powerful spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5e that can incapacitate a single creature, leaving it vulnerable to attacks. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the spell, including its mechanics, strategies for effective use, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Mechanics of Hold Person
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Spell Level: 2nd-level spell
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Casting Time: 1 action
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Range: 60 feet
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Components: Verbal, Somatic, Material (a pinch of iron filings)
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Duration: Up to 1 minute
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Saving Throw: Wisdom
Effect: The spell targets a single humanoid creature. If the target fails its Wisdom saving throw, it becomes paralyzed for the duration of the spell. While paralyzed, the target is incapacitated and has disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws.
Effective Strategies for Using Hold Person
1. Target Isolation:
Use the spell on a creature that is isolated from its allies to prevent them from breaking the spell with attacks.
2. High Wisdom Targets:
Avoid casting Hold Person on creatures with high Wisdom modifiers, as they have a better chance of resisting the spell.
3. Combine with Attacks:
Once the target is paralyzed, have your allies focus their attacks on it to maximize damage output. Spells like Scorching Ray or Fireball can be particularly effective against paralyzed targets.
4. Spellcasting Interruption:
Use Hold Person to interrupt spellcasters, forcing them to make a Concentration check to maintain their spells.
5. Area of Effect:
Combine Hold Person with spells like Fog Cloud or Web to create an area of effect that can incapacitate multiple creatures.
Strategies to Counter Hold Person
1. Freedom of Movement:
Creatures with the Freedom of Movement spell or ability are immune to paralysis.
2. High Wisdom Saving Throws:
Creatures with high Wisdom modifiers have a greater chance of resisting the spell.
3. Counterspell:
Counterspell can be used to disrupt the casting of Hold Person.
Table 1: Spells that Synergize with Hold Person
| Spell |
Effect |
| Scorching Ray |
Deals multiple beams of fire damage |
| Fireball |
Deals area of effect fire damage |
| Web |
Restricts movement of multiple creatures |
| Fog Cloud |
Creates an area of difficult terrain |
| Shatter |
Deals thunder damage to creatures in an area |
Table 2: Creatures Immune to Hold Person
| Creature Type |
Immune Reason |
| Constructs |
Lack biological functions |
| Elementals |
Elemental nature |
| Undead |
Supernatural beings |
| Oozes |
Amorphous bodies |
Table 3: Saving Throw Bonuses for Wisdom
| Wisdom Modifier |
Bonus |
| +1 |
+2 |
| +2 |
+3 |
| +3 |
+4 |
| +4 |
+5 |
| +5 |
+6 |
FAQs
1. What happens if the target succeeds on its saving throw?
The spell has no effect on the target.
2. Can the spell be dispelled?
Yes, Hold Person can be dispelled by spells like Dispel Magic or Greater Dispel Magic.
3. What are the somatic components of the spell?
The somatic components involve making a grasping motion with one hand.
4. Can the target be attacked while paralyzed?
Yes, paralyzed targets have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws against attacks.
5. What happens if the target is unconscious?
The spell has no effect on unconscious targets.
6. Can the target break the paralysis by damaging the caster?
No, breaking the paralysis by attacking the caster is not possible in 5e.
Call to Action
Hold Person is a versatile and potent spell that can provide significant advantages in combat. By understanding its mechanics, employing effective strategies, and anticipating counters, players can harness the power of paralysis to overcome their foes and achieve victory.
