Shaken Condition
Shaken is a legacy fear condition used in Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e-style rules. It represents a character who is frightened and unsettled but still capable of acting.
See the Conditions hub for the edition-by-edition condition lists and the wider legacy condition directory.
Legacy Mechanical Effect
A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks and ability checks. Shaken is less severe than the frightened or panicked states used by the same rules family.
| While shaken | Effect |
|---|---|
| Attack rolls | –2 penalty |
| Saving throws | –2 penalty |
| Skill checks | –2 penalty |
| Ability checks | –2 penalty |
Fear Severity
Shaken is the mildest of the classic escalating fear states. Effects that increase fear can push a creature into a more severe condition when the relevant edition says they stack or escalate. Always use the wording of the ability, spell or monster effect that caused the fear.
Edition Note
Do not apply this condition automatically to 5e/2014 or 5.5e/2024 characters. Those editions use their own condition and fear rules. This page preserves the legacy mechanic for games using Pathfinder 1e, D&D 3.5e or compatible material.
Running Shaken at the Table
The condition affects a broad range of rolls without preventing the character from choosing actions. That makes it useful for portraying fear before it becomes outright flight or panic. Track the duration carefully and note whether the source allows another save, ends when the source disappears or has a fixed duration.