DMPrata wrote:

Well, just from a pure role-playing perspective, I can't see the raging berserker standing still whilst his companions douse him in oil and set him alight.

Normally I never tell a player that his PC can't attempt a certain action (success is another matter) but in this case I agree.  An enraged berserker is not under full PC control and wouldn't just stand still for this.  Most likely I would have required him to attack the PC who tossed oil on him - potentially igniting that poor sap.
Regardless, if the players try this trick too many times, definitely have it blow up in their faces.  Players should never be able to fully rely on "combos", "buffs", or "stacks" in an Old School game, and they should have to constantly come up with fresh ideas.

Last edited by Blackadder23 (5/21/2016 12:33 pm)

Except for it being funny I really don't see the purpose of setting the Berserker on fire.  

For me it raises the question of what is normal fire?  Can the Berserker run through lava?  How about a steam geyser?  I can see him running through a burning woods or building or even over burning coals without harm.  But soaked with oil and set alight?  Not sure about that but the rule does say normal fire.  Just thinking out loud.

Morgan

Oh, I would surely inform the enraged berserker that the party member who doused him is now his enemy for the rage! And I'd smile all the while. But heck, this is your Hyperborea campaign, Mr. Midgard, so do as thou wilt!

Midgard, I absolutely love it when the players attempt crazy stunts (the dumber the better), so I certainly wouldn't tell them up front that it wasn't possible, though I would probably hint pretty bluntly that it might not go exactly as planned.

"Wait, so let me get this straight... you want to light an enraged, bloodthirsty berserker on fire as part of your plan? Are you serious? OK, this ought to be interesting!"

If they still insist, then I'd tell them the odds of the berserker turning on the party (situational) and we'd play it out normally from there. I can't see it becoming a regular tactic, at least not how I run my games. They'd never really know how easily it might backfire and I think that would dissuade them from doing it except maybe if they had nothing to lose.