Animate Rope questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Animate Rope questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
jaelis
11-12-04, 08:25 AM I have a few questions about animate rope. Here's the srd entry:

Animate Rope
Transmutation
Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Target: One ropelike object, length up to 50 ft. + 5 ft./level; see text
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

You can animate a nonliving ropelike object. The maximum length assumes a rope with a 1-inch diameter.

Reduce the maximum length by 50% for every additional inch of thickness, and increase it by 50% for each reduction of the rope’s diameter by half.
The possible commands are “coil” (form a neat, coiled stack), “coil and knot,” “loop,” “loop and knot,” “tie and knot,” and the opposites of all of the above (“uncoil,” and so forth). You can give one command each round as a move action, as if directing an active spell.

The rope can enwrap only a creature or an object within 1 foot of it—it does not snake outward—so it must be thrown near the intended target. Doing so requires a successful ranged touch attack roll (range increment 10 feet). A typical 1- inch-diameter hempen rope has 2 hit points, AC 10, and requires a DC 23 Strength check to burst it. The rope does not deal damage, but it can be used as a trip line or to cause a single opponent that fails a Reflex saving throw to become entangled. A creature capable of spellcasting that is bound by this spell must make a DC 15 Concentration check to cast a spell. An entangled creature can slip free with a DC 20 Escape Artist check.
The rope itself and any knots tied in it are not magical.
This spell grants a +2 bonus on any Use Rope checks you make when using the transmuted rope.

The spell cannot animate objects carried or worn by a creature.

1) If I cast the spell, can I throw the rope at an opponent in the same round? Normally with a ray or touch spell, I could. But maybe this is more like Magic Weapon, where I would enchant the weapon in one round and use it in the next. Note that if I can't attack in the same round, then the entangling function is unavailable to a level 1 caster due to the short duration.

2) If I make a ranged touch attack with the rope as a standard action, does the entangling effect automatically happen, or do I need to then spend a move action activating the rope?

3) If an opponent is entangled and cuts or bursts the rope, does the spell end, or do I still have a shorter animated rope?

4) If an opponent is entangled when the spell ends, does the entangling effect end? I don't know whether the rope is actively impeding the target or has just tied the target up and then gone inactive.

5) In the PHB, it gives some examples of "nonliving rope-like objects", one
of which is a "cable." Anyone have any idea what the stats for a cable would be?

My first impression would be:
1) You need another action to make the attack.

2) The entangling effect occurs as part of the attack.

3) The spell ends when the rope breaks

4) The entangling effect continues when the spell ends.

5) There's no such thing as a cable, it's just flavor text. The best standard item you can use is a silk rope. However, I'd let you animate any object that is described as being amenable to the Use Rope skill.

However, I don't have any rules arguments to back any of that up, and I'd like to hear what others have to say. Thanks!

jaelis
Shadowfax7
11-12-04, 03:09 PM 1) If I cast the spell, can I throw the rope at an opponent in the same round? Normally with a ray or touch spell, I could. But maybe this is more like Magic Weapon, where I would enchant the weapon in one round and use it in the next. Note that if I can't attack in the same round, then the entangling function is unavailable to a level 1 caster due to the short duration.

No, ray and touch spells use different rules. A 1st level caster would not be able to throw the rope while the spell was in effect, as it would require a standard action.

2) If I make a ranged touch attack with the rope as a standard action, does the entangling effect automatically happen, or do I need to then spend a move action activating the rope?

I would say it requires a move action..

3) If an opponent is entangled and cuts or bursts the rope, does the spell end, or do I still have a shorter animated rope?

I would say that you have one or more shorter ropes of which only one is animated (caster's choice).

4) If an opponent is entangled when the spell ends, does the entangling effect end? I don't know whether the rope is actively impeding the target or has just tied the target up and then gone inactive.

The rope doesn't entangle the opponent anymore, but if it had already tied him/her up with a knot(s) it doesn't loosen the knot(s).

5) In the PHB, it gives some examples of "nonliving rope-like objects", one of which is a "cable." Anyone have any idea what the stats for a cable would be?

I would say increase the hardness of the rope (cable) to 10 as steel and increase the hit points to 30 (for a 1 inch cable).
Aracor
11-12-04, 03:34 PM I'd agree with hardness 10 for a steel cable, but 30 hit points? I don't think so. A one-handed weapon and a chain each have 5 hit points. I think that sounds pretty close. Actually, that's what I'd use for a cable, is the same stats as a chain, which is fine.

Other than that, I'd pretty much agree with the above responses. The only other thing I'd disagree with is if they manage to break the rope, I'd say the spell ends until you could cast it again. Otherwise someone would be able to continue getting entangled with successively shorter and shorter ropes to the point of ridiculity.

~Aracor
jaelis
11-12-04, 03:37 PM The rope doesn't entangle the opponent anymore, but if it had already tied him/her up with a knot(s) it doesn't loosen the knot(s).

You're thinking that, once an opponent is entangled, the caster can later use a move action to command the rope to knot itself? I could see that.

I tend to agree about needing an extra round to make an attack. Too bad, though, I was imagining a pretty cool rope-weilding sorcerer. But it wouldn't be much fun if you couldn't do anything at all until 2nd level.

If you could get some cable like you describe, though, the spell would get pretty good. I'm skeptical however. Who would be making cable like that, and would the spell really work on it? Tying knots in a 1" steel cable sounds like it would take some serious work.

jaelis
Shadowfax7
11-12-04, 04:25 PM I'd agree with hardness 10 for a steel cable, but 30 hit points? I don't think so. A one-handed weapon and a chain each have 5 hit points. I think that sounds pretty close. Actually, that's what I'd use for a cable, is the same stats as a chain, which is fine.

Note that iron/steel is 30 hp/inch of thickness, thus a 1 inch steel rope would have 30 hp. 1 h weapons and chains are much thinner than 1".

You're thinking that, once an opponent is entangled, the caster can later use a move action to command the rope to knot itself? I could see that.

Or even 2 commands/round using 2 move actions/round.

[QUOTE=jaelis]If you could get some cable like you describe, though, the spell would get pretty good. I'm skeptical however. Who would be making cable like that, and would the spell really work on it? Tying knots in a 1" steel cable sounds like it would take some serious work.[QUOTE]

I would say that steel cable doesn't exist in a medieval world and I don't believe you could tie knots in steel cable.
Shadowfax7
11-12-04, 04:32 PM I'd agree with hardness 10 for a steel cable, but 30 hit points? I don't think so. A one-handed weapon and a chain each have 5 hit points. I think that sounds pretty close. Actually, that's what I'd use for a cable, is the same stats as a chain, which is fine.

Note that iron/steel is 30 hp/inch of thickness, thus a 1 inch steel rope would have 30 hp. 1 h weapons and chains are much thinner than 1".

You're thinking that, once an opponent is entangled, the caster can later use a move action to command the rope to knot itself? I could see that.

Or even 2 commands/round using 2 move actions/round.

If you could get some cable like you describe, though, the spell would get pretty good. I'm skeptical however. Who would be making cable like that, and would the spell really work on it? Tying knots in a 1" steel cable sounds like it would take some serious work.

I would say that steel cable doesn't exist in a medieval world and I don't believe you could tie knots in steel cable.
jaelis
11-12-04, 10:09 PM Darn, no one's going to come up with a reason that you should be able to attack with the rope the same round you cast the spell. Guess it's just destined to be a boring utility spell and no more.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
jaelis 11-12-04, 08:25 AM	I have a few questions about animate rope. Here's the srd entry: Animate Rope Transmutation Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1 Components: V, S Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Target: One ropelike object, length up to 50 ft. + 5 ft./level; see text Duration: 1 round/level Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No You can animate a nonliving ropelike object. The maximum length assumes a rope with a 1-inch diameter. Reduce the maximum length by 50% for every additional inch of thickness, and increase it by 50% for each reduction of the rope’s diameter by half. The possible commands are “coil” (form a neat, coiled stack), “coil and knot,” “loop,” “loop and knot,” “tie and knot,” and the opposites of all of the above (“uncoil,” and so forth). You can give one command each round as a move action, as if directing an active spell. The rope can enwrap only a creature or an object within 1 foot of it—it does not snake outward—so it must be thrown near the intended target. Doing so requires a successful ranged touch attack roll (range increment 10 feet). A typical 1- inch-diameter hempen rope has 2 hit points, AC 10, and requires a DC 23 Strength check to burst it. The rope does not deal damage, but it can be used as a trip line or to cause a single opponent that fails a Reflex saving throw to become entangled. A creature capable of spellcasting that is bound by this spell must make a DC 15 Concentration check to cast a spell. An entangled creature can slip free with a DC 20 Escape Artist check. The rope itself and any knots tied in it are not magical. This spell grants a +2 bonus on any Use Rope checks you make when using the transmuted rope. The spell cannot animate objects carried or worn by a creature. 1) If I cast the spell, can I throw the rope at an opponent in the same round? Normally with a ray or touch spell, I could. But maybe this is more like Magic Weapon, where I would enchant the weapon in one round and use it in the next. Note that if I can't attack in the same round, then the entangling function is unavailable to a level 1 caster due to the short duration. 2) If I make a ranged touch attack with the rope as a standard action, does the entangling effect automatically happen, or do I need to then spend a move action activating the rope? 3) If an opponent is entangled and cuts or bursts the rope, does the spell end, or do I still have a shorter animated rope? 4) If an opponent is entangled when the spell ends, does the entangling effect end? I don't know whether the rope is actively impeding the target or has just tied the target up and then gone inactive. 5) In the PHB, it gives some examples of "nonliving rope-like objects", one of which is a "cable." Anyone have any idea what the stats for a cable would be? My first impression would be: 1) You need another action to make the attack. 2) The entangling effect occurs as part of the attack. 3) The spell ends when the rope breaks 4) The entangling effect continues when the spell ends. 5) There's no such thing as a cable, it's just flavor text. The best standard item you can use is a silk rope. However, I'd let you animate any object that is described as being amenable to the Use Rope skill. However, I don't have any rules arguments to back any of that up, and I'd like to hear what others have to say. Thanks! jaelis
Shadowfax7 11-12-04, 03:09 PM	1) If I cast the spell, can I throw the rope at an opponent in the same round? Normally with a ray or touch spell, I could. But maybe this is more like Magic Weapon, where I would enchant the weapon in one round and use it in the next. Note that if I can't attack in the same round, then the entangling function is unavailable to a level 1 caster due to the short duration. No, ray and touch spells use different rules. A 1st level caster would not be able to throw the rope while the spell was in effect, as it would require a standard action. 2) If I make a ranged touch attack with the rope as a standard action, does the entangling effect automatically happen, or do I need to then spend a move action activating the rope? I would say it requires a move action.. 3) If an opponent is entangled and cuts or bursts the rope, does the spell end, or do I still have a shorter animated rope? I would say that you have one or more shorter ropes of which only one is animated (caster's choice). 4) If an opponent is entangled when the spell ends, does the entangling effect end? I don't know whether the rope is actively impeding the target or has just tied the target up and then gone inactive. The rope doesn't entangle the opponent anymore, but if it had already tied him/her up with a knot(s) it doesn't loosen the knot(s). 5) In the PHB, it gives some examples of "nonliving rope-like objects", one of which is a "cable." Anyone have any idea what the stats for a cable would be? I would say increase the hardness of the rope (cable) to 10 as steel and increase the hit points to 30 (for a 1 inch cable).
Aracor 11-12-04, 03:34 PM	I'd agree with hardness 10 for a steel cable, but 30 hit points? I don't think so. A one-handed weapon and a chain each have 5 hit points. I think that sounds pretty close. Actually, that's what I'd use for a cable, is the same stats as a chain, which is fine. Other than that, I'd pretty much agree with the above responses. The only other thing I'd disagree with is if they manage to break the rope, I'd say the spell ends until you could cast it again. Otherwise someone would be able to continue getting entangled with successively shorter and shorter ropes to the point of ridiculity. ~Aracor
jaelis 11-12-04, 03:37 PM	The rope doesn't entangle the opponent anymore, but if it had already tied him/her up with a knot(s) it doesn't loosen the knot(s). You're thinking that, once an opponent is entangled, the caster can later use a move action to command the rope to knot itself? I could see that. I tend to agree about needing an extra round to make an attack. Too bad, though, I was imagining a pretty cool rope-weilding sorcerer. But it wouldn't be much fun if you couldn't do anything at all until 2nd level. If you could get some cable like you describe, though, the spell would get pretty good. I'm skeptical however. Who would be making cable like that, and would the spell really work on it? Tying knots in a 1" steel cable sounds like it would take some serious work. jaelis
Shadowfax7 11-12-04, 04:25 PM	I'd agree with hardness 10 for a steel cable, but 30 hit points? I don't think so. A one-handed weapon and a chain each have 5 hit points. I think that sounds pretty close. Actually, that's what I'd use for a cable, is the same stats as a chain, which is fine. Note that iron/steel is 30 hp/inch of thickness, thus a 1 inch steel rope would have 30 hp. 1 h weapons and chains are much thinner than 1". You're thinking that, once an opponent is entangled, the caster can later use a move action to command the rope to knot itself? I could see that. Or even 2 commands/round using 2 move actions/round. [QUOTE=jaelis]If you could get some cable like you describe, though, the spell would get pretty good. I'm skeptical however. Who would be making cable like that, and would the spell really work on it? Tying knots in a 1" steel cable sounds like it would take some serious work.[QUOTE] I would say that steel cable doesn't exist in a medieval world and I don't believe you could tie knots in steel cable.
Shadowfax7 11-12-04, 04:32 PM	I'd agree with hardness 10 for a steel cable, but 30 hit points? I don't think so. A one-handed weapon and a chain each have 5 hit points. I think that sounds pretty close. Actually, that's what I'd use for a cable, is the same stats as a chain, which is fine. Note that iron/steel is 30 hp/inch of thickness, thus a 1 inch steel rope would have 30 hp. 1 h weapons and chains are much thinner than 1". You're thinking that, once an opponent is entangled, the caster can later use a move action to command the rope to knot itself? I could see that. Or even 2 commands/round using 2 move actions/round. If you could get some cable like you describe, though, the spell would get pretty good. I'm skeptical however. Who would be making cable like that, and would the spell really work on it? Tying knots in a 1" steel cable sounds like it would take some serious work. I would say that steel cable doesn't exist in a medieval world and I don't believe you could tie knots in steel cable.
jaelis 11-12-04, 10:09 PM	Darn, no one's going to come up with a reason that you should be able to attack with the rope the same round you cast the spell. Guess it's just destined to be a boring utility spell and no more.