Poisoned Condition 5e
A poisoned creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Effect
- A poisoned creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Note: The poisoned condition is separate from poison damage. You can take poison damage without being poisoned, and being poisoned doesn't necessarily deal damage.
Common Sources
Many monster attacks (Giant Spiders, Poisonous Snakes, Wyverns), poisons applied to weapons, Ray of Sickness spell, Cloudkill, Assassin's poison, and poisoned food/drink.
Key Interactions
- Dwarves have advantage on saves against poison and resistance to poison damage (Dwarven Resilience).
- Protection from Poison spell suppresses the condition and gives advantage on saves.
- Lesser Restoration cures the poisoned condition.
- Many creatures (undead, constructs, fiends) are immune to the poisoned condition.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Confusing poison damage with the poisoned condition — they're separate mechanics
Common Mistake
Forgetting that many creature types are immune to the poisoned condition
Common Mistake
Not distinguishing between the many types of poisons in the DMG
DM Tips
DM Tip
Poisoned is a common condition that's easy to apply and moderate in impact — good for low-level encounters
DM Tip
Make antidotes available as loot to encourage resource management