[RPG] Can you apply multiple net effects to a single target

attackconditionsdnd-5eweapons

Yesterday, our group was fighting a boss, and I had successfully thrown a net to restrain him (a condition which he could end by either using an Action to make a DC 10 Strength check, or by doing 5 slashing damage to the net by attacking it at disadvantage).

On a subsequent turn, as the boss was still netted, I decided to throw another net (which hit him too), with the objective to force him to use two Actions (or two successful attacks) to free itself.

The DM accepted the "stacking nets" effect, but I'm wondering if it was legitimate, considering that same-name game effects cannot stack at the same place and time, or something like that.

My question is : can you apply multiple net effects to a single target, thus forcing it to spend multiple actions (or attacks) to free itself from the restrained condition ?

An argument in favor of a "yes" would be to say that the different nets cover different parts of the target's body. An argument for a "no" would be to say that a net, by default, covers the entire body, and therefore, the anti-same-name-effect-stacking rule would apply there.

Best Answer

It was legal, since there was no effect stacking

The Restrained description says:

A restrained creature’s speed becomes 0, and it can’t benefit from any bonus to its speed.
Attack rolls against the creature have advantage, and the creature’s attack rolls have disadvantage.
The creature has disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws.

None of these effects stack (I mean disadvantage and zero speed), but you didn't want to stack them. You didn't want to restrain the target more. You said you used another net to make the target waste two actions:

I decided to throw another net (which hit him too), with the objective to force him to use two Actions (or two successful attacks) to free itself.

A creature can attack the net, or win the STR contest to set itself free. But is not an effect, it is a possibility to get rid of the net. If you want to cut two different nets, you have to attack at least two times, the same with the STR contest. In this sense, multiple nets can "stack" indeed.

The DM might say otherwise

Results of the STR contest depends on the DM ruling though. He/she might say a creature can break itself free with a single burst (with a higher DC for the STR check, maybe). The details is up to the DM.