====== Helpless ======

The term "helpless" is used in multiple places throughout the books, including in the description of //[[stinking cloud]]//. However, "keyword mechanics" were not really a thing in AD&D, and so some interpretation is needed to establish a defined meaning for the word. Since helplessness is very deadly, it is critical that everyone at the table has a solid definition.

Non-magical sleep is a type of "helpless".

Helplessness is not quite as bad as being [[held]] (which includes magical sleep), because a helpless creature can often still move.

===== Attacks against a helpless creature =====

An attacker targeting a helpless opponent during an active combat automatically hits.((DMG 72.))

However, if the attacker is classed, they my choose to make an [[assassination]] attempt, regardless of their class. In such a case, regular weapon damage is still applied on failure. So unless an attacker does not want the target dead, this is always the better option, since it automatically hits as well.((DMG 75.))

===== Movement =====

Depends on what caused the helplessness. In the case of a [[unarmed combat|grapple]], of course the target can't use their [[MV]]. But in the case of //[[stinking cloud]]//, nothing is restricting movement.

Charging is not allowed in any case.

===== Attacking, casting spells, using devices =====

Helpless creatures cannot take any D or G actions (attacking, spells, devices, turning).