[RPG] Consequences of a Tumble and Overrun

actionscombatcombat-maneuverdnd-5e

Page 272 of the DMG states:

Overrun

When a creature tries to move through a hostile creature's space, the mover can try to force its way through by overrunning the hostile creature

Tumble

A creature can try to tumble through a hostile creature's space, ducking and weaving past the opponent.

Both are optional Bonus/Actions a creature can make to move through another hostile creature. Now, my question is:

1.) Does a creature need to be 5 ft away from the hostile creature to do these actions?
What if there is a hallway 5 ft wide and a hostile creature battling a friendly creature that is positioned between you and the hostile. If you had enough movement to tumble/overrun, could you do it 10 or even 15 feet away, explaining it as a running start?

2.) If so, what is the consequence of failing the check?
More importantly, what square do you end up in on a failed Tumble/Overrun?

Best Answer

You are allowed to move through a space occupied by an ally, you just can't end your turn there. This means that you attempt to tumble or overrun when you are adjacent to the space you are trying to pass through. Remember that occupied spaces count as difficult terrain, so plan your movement accordingly. You still use up movement going through the enemy, and should have enough movement left to end up in an unoccupied space if you succeed.

If you fail to tumble or overrun, you would end up in the nearest unoccupied space. So in your example, you would end up behind your ally. It turns out that this general rule is not explicitly stated, however it is stated in every forced movement type of spell or ability, with no exception that I could find. If an action would normally place you into an occupied space, you instead get moved to the nearest unoccupied space. Since you never succeeded in moving into the enemy's space, the nearest unoccupied space is normally in the direction you just came from. If you have so many allies that the nearest unoccupied space is behind enemy lines, then it would be up to the DM to decide where you end up. If you are the DM, I recommend not allowing them to "succeed" in the overrun or tumble, even when they fail.