Post/Author/DateTime

Post

#1 zombiegleemax Apr 08, 2002 2:08:00

Questions, comments, and concerns can be voiced at the living S&F, C&W FAQ. Section 1: Outside of Combat 1.1: Skills Q: When can I take 10? A: PHB, pg. 61 When you are not in a rush and not being threatened or distracted, you may choose to take 10. So you can take 10 to search for a trap, and you can take 10 on disarming it as well (which does *not* guarantee success however). It means that you are doing an "average" job of the skill. Note for DMs (DMG, pg. 91): Encourage your players to use the take 10 rule Q: Then when can I take 20? A: PHB, pg. 61 gives the details, which a re basically a) you can't be rushed, etc. as for taking 10 b) you must have enough time to perform the action (20 times as long as using the skill normally) c) there must be *no* penalty associated with failing the skill check So you can take 20 on searching for traps, but you can't take 20 on disarming them (because if you fail by 5 or more the trap goes off). Q: If I am a third level Rogue, and I add a level as a Fighter, do I still buy Rogue skills like Tumble at 1 rank per 1 skill point? A: No. You must buy skills that are cross-class for a fighter as though they are cross-class: 1/2 rank per 1 skill point. Furthermore, skills that are class exclusive to the Rogue cannot be advanced when you level as a Fighter (or any other class, unless that class also posesses the exclusive skill as a class skill). Q: Does that affect my maximum rank in Tumble then? A: No. For purposes of determining maximum ranks, all skills of both classes are considered class skills, except for exclusive skills. So your maximum Tumble rank is now 7 (character level 4 + 3), but if you increase your ranks in it this level, it is more expensive to buy. Q: So, that means that I could have 7 ranks in any skill from both classes? A: No. Rogues have Decipher Script, Read Lips, and Use Magic Device as exclusive class skills (some classes simply cannot buy ranks in these skills). For these skills, you only count ranks in classes that can purchase them to determine maximum rank. So, you could only have 6 (rogue level 3 + 3) ranks in these skills. If you added a level as a bard (becoming a 5th level character), most skills would now allow a maximum rank of 8, Decipher Script and Use Magic Device would max out at 7 (since they can be taken by both rogues and bards), and Read Lips would remain at 6 (since neither bards nor fighters can purchase ranks in this skill). Q: Why is my big ugly half-orc worse at intimidating than a weak but charismatic character? Shouldn't he get a bonus for being so strong? A: See pp. 91-92 in the DMG for a discussion of using alternate abilities with skills. For this specific case, the half-orc could use his strength instead of his charisma to modify the intimidate roll provided he somehow demonstrats his strength while intimidating. Q: If I want to be able to use a harp and a lute, do I have to take separate Perform skills for each? What about dancing and singing for the Bladesinger prestige class? A: No, each rank in Perform allows you to add another form of performance. All forms of performance that you know operate at your full Perform level. 1.2: Feats Q: Every character gains feats based on their level. Is that total character level, or is that based on each class? A: It is based on total character level. Class level only matters for gaining feats if the class grants bonus feats at certain levels. Q: If I have a Strength of 13 because of magic, can I learn the feat Power Attack? A: Yes. As long as you somehow meet the prerequisites for a feat, you can learn the feat. However--and this is a major point to consider--if you should lose that prerequisite, you cannot use the feat until you again qualify for it. For example, if I have Str 13 because of Gauntlets of Ogre Power +2, and I enter an anti-magic field, or a thief steals my Gauntlets, I cannot use Power Attack until my Str again rises to at least 13 (by leaving the anti-magic field, recovering my Gauntlets, or even by naturally increasing my stats through levels). This also applies for Prestige Classes (such as using a Ring of Evasion to qualify for a PrC that needs Evasion), with the same caveat (if you lose the prerequisite, you lose the PrC abilities). Q: Can a Sorcerer or Bard use the Quicken Spell feat? A: Yes, but the feat in isolation is useless for them. As an official clarification, it takes a full round action (the same as with any metamagic) to spontaneously cast a Quickened spell. They can use the Arcane Preparation feat to prepare a Quickened spell in the same way a Wizard does, or can wait until Epic feats become available. Q: Do I get extra movement from Spring Attack? A: No. Instead, you get an extra opportuinty to move. When using the Attack action, you must normally choose whether to move before attacking or after attacking. With Spring Attack, you may do both, as long as your total movement is less than or equal to your speed. Q: What is Manyshot? A: Manyshot is a non-epic feat found in the Epic Level Handbook. It allows a character to fire multiple arrows with a single shot, with various restrictions and penalties. Q: If I have Ambidexterity, do I get to apply my full strength bonus to damage with attacks from either hand? A: Yes, either hand can be your primary hand, and as such allows you to use your full Str bonus to damage. Q: Does that mean if I attack with two weapons when I have Ambidexterity, both hands use my full strength bonus? A: No. You can designate either of your hands to be primary at any given time, but your other hand is still your off hand, and still only allows you to use 1/2 your Str bonus to damage. Q: But Ambidexterity removes all penalties associated with using an off hand! A: True, but you still have an off hand, and the 1/2 Str bonus is not a penalty, it is a smaller bonus, and is therefore not affected by Ambidexterity. Q: If I and my equipment change size, how does that affect my weapon related feats? A: Strictly speaking, it doesn't. If you had Weapon Focus: Longsword when medium, and are now huge, you still have Weapon Focus in a medium sized longsword. As a reasonable house rule, your DM may wish to rule that Weapon Focus no longer applies to a medium sized longsword, but now applies to a huge sized longsword. Q: How could I create a balanced feat, similar to Weapon Finesse, that lets me use my Dex modifier for damage? A: Most people feel this kind of feat is inherently unbalancing. If you still wish to try, I suggest Weapon Finesse as a prerequisite, and allowing use of the feat only against creatures vulnerable to criticals. Playtest heavily, and don't be afraid to modify the feat, or eliminate it altogether. 1.3: Equipment Q: How does a Double Weapon work? A: That depends on how you use it. If you wield it as though it were a single, two-handed weapon, you treat it as such: make attacks as normal for your BAB and action, and apply 1 1/2 Str damage as a bonus on a successful hit. However, if you wield it as though fighting with two weapons, you are considered to be using a one handed weapon in your primary hand and a light weapon in your off hand. You use the normal TWF rules, applying your normal Str bonus to your primary weapon and 1/2 your Str bonus to your off hand weapon. Q: Does the enhancement bonus on a magical/masterwork projectile (such as an arrow) stack with the enhancement bonus of a magical/masterwork weapon used to fire it (such as a bow)? A: Yes, but only the enhancement bonus of the projectile counts to overcome damage reduction. Q: What kind of AC bonus does a shield grant? A1: A shield grants a special type of armor bonus that stacks with the armor bonus provided by worn armor. It does not stack with any other armor bonus. A2: A shield grants a shield bonus. It stacks with all bonuses that are not shield bonuses. ---There are two answers to this question because the Sage has repeatedly ruled that the first is the case, and it is listed as an armor bonus on table 7-5 in the PHB and under the Stacking Glossary entry of the PHB, while the Armor Bonus and Shield Bonus Glossary entries of the PHB imply that the second is true. The DMG does not list shield bonus among the bonus types, but it also does not specify that a shield provides an armor bonus, and it includes examples of shields stacking with armor bonuses that come from other sources than armor. Q: Wouldn't it be cool to use two shields at the same time, one on each arm? A: It might look cool, depending on what your tastes are, but you gain no benefit from doing so. Both shields provide the same type of bonus to AC, and like bonuses don't stack, so you only benefit from whichever shield is better. (It is technically possible to benefit from a tower shield and a normal shield at the same time, since tower shields provide cover bonuses.) __________________________________________________ Section 2: Combat 2.1: Actions in Combat Q: What are the types of actions available in combat? How are they different from each other? A: During a normal combat round, a combatant may take either a Standard action or a Full Round action. * A Standard action (example: Aid Another) allows you to do something and move your speed. * A Full-Round action (example: Full Attack) consumes all of your effort in a round. * Some actions are Move-equivalent actions (example: Drink a Potion). These actions take the place of the movement during a Standard action. You may perform any Move-equivalent action as a Standard action. For example, you could Drink a Potion as a Standard action, allowing you to also move (or perform another Move-equivalent action). * Free Actions (example: Speak) take a negligible amount of time. They generally do not count against the actions you may take in a round. * Partial Actions (example: Partial Charge) take as much effort as Standard actions, but are performed in less time. You use a Partial action when circumstances force you to do so, as when surprised. You can use a Partial action to perform any Standard action but cannot also move (or take a Move-equivalent action). * Finally, some activities are simply Not an Action. 2.2: Two-Weapon Fighting Q: How does Two-Weapon Fighting/Ambidexterity work? A: Pg. 124-5 of your PHB gives a full account. But as an example, we'll take an 11th level fighter. (bonuses with (*) are for the off-hand) +11/+6/+1 is his BAB. +5/0/-5/+1(*) is for wielding two weapons of his size and no feats +7/+2/-3/+3(*) is for having a "light" weapon in his off hand +7/+2/-3/+7(*) is for having Ambidexterity +9/+4/-1/+9(*) is for having Amb. and TWPF +9/+4/-1/+9(*)/+4(*) is for having Amb., TWPF, and Improved TWPF Q: If I attack with two weapons during a full round of attacks, and later make an extra attack (such as an AoO or during a haste round), do I still apply the TWF'ing penalties to my attack rolls? A: No, since nowhere does the PHB state that the penalties for TWF last for the remainder of the round. This has been supported by the Sage in reference to AoO's. Note that this is never specifically mentioned in the PHB. Q: Why do some people say that two-weapon fighting is weak? A: Two-weapon fighting is a style that values offense over defense (compare with sword and shield). However, statistically speaking, the majority of characters can deal more damage with a two-handed weapon (another offense-first style), spending no feats, than they can with two weapons after spending two feats on Ambidexterity and Two-Weapon Fighting. Furthermore, the style is inflexible, operating only when you can take a Full Attack action. Q: If that is true, why does anyone see two-weapon fighting as strong? A: Because for exceptional characters, the style shines. For some, having extra attacks is more valuable than the damage caused by each attack. Others can outdo the two-handed style when they use two weapons, often because they deal large amounts of bonus damage with each successful attack. For these characters, according to some, the style is worth its feat cost and therefore a viable style. Q: Can two-weapon fighting be used with ranged weapons? A: Yes and no. The fighting style can be used with ranged weapons, at the appropriate penalties (see the combat section). However, the feat Two-Weapon Fighting does not apply to ranged weapons, making it more difficult to reduce the attack penalties when using this style with ranged weapons. Q: If I use both ends of my double weapon during a full attack action as though I were fighting with two weapons, and I gain another attack during that same round (from haste or an attack of opportunity, for example), could I make that attack as though I were using a two-handed weapon? A: Yes. That flexibility is the greatest advantage of a double weapon. 2.3: Attacks of Opportunity Q: I'm confused by attacks of opportunity! Help! A: You can make an attack of opportunity whenever an opponent does something that draws an attack of opportunity within an area you threaten. You threaten any area into which you could make a melee attack (It is unclear from the PHB whether you must be armed to threaten; as an official ruling, unarmed characters do not threaten an area). You cannot make an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has 1/2 cover or better against you. Q: Okay, but what kinds of things draw attacks of opportunity. A: Any action that is listed as drawing an attack of opportunity on tables 8-1, 8-3, or 8-4 in the PHB, any action that explicitly states that it draws an attack of opportunity in its description, and certain kinds of movement. Q: Care to explain what kinds of movement you mean? A: You draw an attack of opportunity when you leave a threatened area. You also draw an attack of opportunity when you move around within a threatened area. That said, let's list some movement that doesn't draw attacks of opportunity. ---If your only movement for the round is a 5' step, you do not draw an attack of opportunity. ---If you successfully tumble through an area, you can avoid attacks of opportunity. ---If you move INTO a threatened area, you do not draw an attack of opportunity. ---One final exception of note: if all you do is move (not run) during a round, the area where you start is not considered threatened, so you essentially get your first 5' free when you do nothing but move. Q: Wait, I'm confused about that 5' step thing. You're saying that any time I move only 5' I don't draw an attack of opportunity? A: Close, but not quite. A "5' Step" is defined as the only movement you make during the round. Therefore, any time you move only 5' during the entire round, your movement does not draw an attack of opportunity. Q: So what about something like a charge? It says it doesn't draw an attack of opportunity on the table, so doesn't that let me move without drawing attacks of opportunity? A: No. Charging someone doesn't draw an attack of opportunity, but the movement still can. Q: That doesn't make sense. How about an example? A: Okay. For our first example, let's say that you charge at me from 30 feet away, passing my friend Bob as you do. When you enter the area the Bob threatens, you're fine. As you move through and exit that area however, Bob has the chance to make an attack of opportunity against you if he wants. When you reach me and enter the area that I threaten, you do not draw an attack of opportunity, and when you make your attack from charging, you again do so without drawing an attack of opportunity. Compare this to a situation where instead of charging me, you move up and attempt to disarm me. You draw the same attack of opportunity from Bob, but when you attempt to disarm me, I do get an attack of opportunity since disarms draw attacks of opportunity. If you're still confused, check this link, or this link. Q: When does an AoO take place and resolve? A: You resolve the AoO immediately before the action that triggered it. Q: Can I make multiple AoO in one round? A: No. Only the Combat Reflexes feat will allow you to make more than one AoO in a round. Q: Can I make multiple AoO against the same target in one round? A1: No. Even Combat Reflexes does NOT let you take additional AoO against the SAME target. A2: (Unofficial!) Yes, but only one AoO can be taken as the result of any one action. ---There are two answers to this question because the people who wrote the feat disagree on its interpretation, and the wording leaves just enough of a hole to make the second interpretation valid. However, the first answer is the official response. Q: Does a successful AoO ruin what my opponent was trying to do? A: Only if their action is explicitly stopped by a successful AoO (such as a grapple, or spellcasting on a failed concentration check), or if some other result of your attack prevents them from finishing their action (such as if you kill them, or trip them when they were moving). Q: Trip them? Does that mean I can use AoO's for things other than simply attacking? A: Anything that can be done "as a melee attack" can be done as an AoO. This includes disarming and tripping, and maybe striking a weapon (its wording is contradictory with its listing on table 8-4). Q: But some of those actions draw AoO's! Can an AoO provoke an AoO? A: Yes, the character who is making the AoO can draw an AoO from the character who drew the original AoO. 2.4: Sneak Attacks Q: When can a Rogue sneak attack? And is there a limit to the number of sneak attacks in a round? A: A Rogue can sneak attack any time one of two conditions is met. They are: 1: the target is denied their Dex bonus to AC against the Rogue's attack (even if they have no Dex bonus) or 2: the target is flanked by the Rogue. The only limit on the number of sneak attacks in a round is the number of attacks the Rogue is capable of making. As long as each attack meets one of the two conditions above, the attack is a sneak attack. For example, a hasted Rogue with Expert Tactician, a +15 BAB, Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved TWF and Greater TWF, using the full attack action against a target that is denied their Dex bonus could potentially make 8 sneak attacks in the round: 3 primary weapon, 3 offhand weapon, one from haste, one from Expert Tactician. Q: When you say "denied Dex bonus", you basically mean "flat-footed", right? A: No. While catching your target flat-footed is generally the easiest way to deny them their Dex bonus, there are many other methods. If your opponent is unaware of you (if you are hidden or invisible, for example), he loses his Dex bonus to AC. This method, and flat-footed, are both negated by Uncanny Dodge (as is flanking at higher levels). The following methods will work even on a target who posesses Uncanny Dodge: attacking a stunned opponent, attacking your opponent when he is running, climbing, grappled, or otherwise unable to dodge, attacking your opponent when he is cowering, successfully using Bluff to feint against your opponent, or attacking your opponent when he is helpless (bound, held, sleeping, paralyzed, or unconscious). Q: Can a Rogue sneak attack with a ranged weapon? A: Yes. As long as their target is denied their Dex bonus to AC, then the Rogue can use their Sneak Attack ability (and the Rogue must be within 30 feet of their target). You cannot flank with a ranged weapon (by definition it is melee weapons only), so that condition has no effect on ranged sneak attacks. Q: Wait--why can't I flank with a ranged weapon? A: Because in order to flank you must be making a melee attack. Q: What if a character has uncanny dodge? Do I need two rogues four levels or higher to flank them? A: No, only the person attacking them needs to be a rogue at least four levels higher. Anyone can threaten the target from the other side, but unless they are also a rogue with high enough level, they do not flank the target when they attack. Q: Can I Sneak Attack with a magic missile spell? A: No, but you can make a Sneak Attack with any damaging spell which requires an *attack roll*. These are considered weaponlike spells and fall into three categories: touch attack spells, rays and energy missiles (flame arrow , etc); most combat-based feats can also be applied to these categories of weaponlike spells ("Weapon Focus: Rays", for example), as can character class powers such as Sneak Attack. (cf. Tome & Blood) Q: Can my Rogue make a Sneak Attack with multiple shuriken? A: No. The Sage has errata'd this, ruling that the shuriken are thrown as a single attack and therefore can deal the Sneak Attack bonus damage only once per batch of shuriken. So the general rule is: one sneak attack per "attack" (and throwing 3 shuriken is considered 1 attack). Q: Can I Sneak Attack twice with a double Melf's acid arrow (using the Twin Spell feat)? A: No - for the same reason as the shuriken. 2.5: How Many Attacks? Q: Can I move more than 5' and make multiple attacks in the same round? A: In general, No. It takes a Full-Round action to do multiple attacks in a round, and that only allows for a 5 foot step. Exceptions: Haste, Cleave, Expert Tactician, some animals Q: If I have multiple classes, how many attacks do I get during a Full Round Attack, and at what bonuses? A: The number of attacks you have is based purely off of your total BAB. Take the highest BAB listed for the appropriate level for each class and add them together. This is your total BAB. Now consult the fighter BAB listing on Table 3-1 at the class level equal to your total BAB. This will tell you how many attacks you have and what bonus they are at. For example, if you are a Fighter 9/Rogue 9/Wizard 2, you have a BAB of +9/+4 from Fighter 9, +6/+1 from Rogue 9, and +1 from Wizard 2. Ignoring the secondary figures, and summing the highest, you have a total BAB of 9+6+1=16. Consulting the fighter chart at level 16 gives your iterative attacks as +16/+11/+6/+1. Note: you can also figure your iterative attacks by repeatedly subtracting five from your BAB until you no longer have a positive number. Q: If my BAB is +7/+2, can I fire my bow twice? A: Yes and no. The issue isn't firing the bow, it's reloading it. A long/short bow can be reloaded as a free action (or "not-an-action"), while crossbows require a move-equivalent, standard or full-round action to reload. So Yes for the Short/Longbows (as you can take a full-round action to get all of your attacks), No for the x-bows (unless you have some way of reloading them quickly). Q: How many attacks can a character make when he has the form of a creature with natural weapons but uses his own BAB(such as with wildshape)? A: This is unclear, but the current ruling from the Sage is that you get no additional attacks from a high BAB when using natural weapons (although certain creatures have special properties that allow them iterative slam attacks). Furthermore, you can freely mix racial natural weapons with a standard (iterative) attack with a manufactured weapon. All natural weapons are considered secondary when this is done. Note that Polymorph is different, and a discussion can be found in the Monster Manual FAQ. 2.6: Miscellaneous Combat Q: When I score a critical hit, how do I figure the total damage? A: Multiply the number of base weapon dice by your multiplier, and roll these to determine base weapon damage. Multiply any damage represented as a flat bonus (not bonus dice) by the multiplier, and add this to your rolled damage. Finally roll, any damage represented as bonus dice one time only, and add this to the total. The simple rule to remember is: all damage is multiplied except for bonus dice damage. Q: How does flanking with reach weapons work? A: If you're using a battle mat, draw a line from the center of the target's square to the center of the attacker's square. The side of the target's square that the line passes through is the side that the attacker is considered to be on for flanking purposes. Q: I have a question about Dirty Fighting. Isn't it overpowered? A: Dirty Fighting requires a full round action, and only allows a single attack. It's actually severely underpowered, and nearly useless at high levels, since you must give up all of your iterative attacks for a small 1d4 bonus to damage. Q: When can I use Expertise? Does it apply to all attacks against me, or just melee attacks? And does it stack with Fighting Defensively or Full Defense? A: Current consensus seems to be that you can use it whenver you choose to take an attack action or full attack action, even if those actions have no target, that the AC bonus applies to all attacks, and that it stacks with both Fighting Defensively and Full Defense but is difficult or impossible to use while also using Full Defense. Q: Is it possible to deal normal damage with an attack that deals subdual damage, or vice versa? A: Yes, to both. Changing the type of damage dealt by the attack you are using incurs a -4 penalty to hit, and denies you the ability to make sneak attacks while using the attack in that manner. Q: What happens when I use a buckler and fight with a two-handed weapon? A: You don't get the AC bonus from the buckler unless you forfeit your attacks. And when you do attack, you get a -1 to hit on all attacks because of the weight of the buckler. Q: If I'm using Barbarian rage, and my character falls unconscious, do I stop raging? A: No, you continue to rage until the normal duration expires. Q: What is a partial charge? A:A partial charge is a partial action which allows you to move up to your movement and make a single attack. Like a charge, you must move in a straight line, must move at least 10 feat, gain a +2 to hit, and suffer a -2 to AC for a round. The action is listed on p. 127 of the PHB, in table 8-3: Partial Actions. Q: How do I make a called shot? A: Within the rules as written, you don't. Section 3: Frequently Debated Issues Q: What is the "Bag of Rats" trick I keep hearing about? A: It is a gross abuse of the rules for combining the feats Whirlwind Attack and Great Cleave. By dropping (as a free action) a bag of rats at the feet of your enemy and then triggering Whirlwind Attack, you can by the rules make one attack against each rat, and by the rules make an additional attack against your enemy due to Great Cleave for each rat you kill (all of this at your highest BAB). There are ways to get around this tactic, including use of the initiative system or the habits of real world rats, but most DMs just ban it as patently absurd. Q: When I use Ride-By Attack, does my mount provoke an attack of opportunity? A: Technically, by the wording of the PHB, yes. However, the Sage has stated that the mount should gain the same immunity to AoO's as the rider. Q: Can I use a feat/skill point/ability score increase/BAB increase from gaining a level to qualify for a Prestige Class at that level? A: Technically, no. The first thing you do when gaining a level is choose the class to which you are adding a level. This means that all prerequisites for a Prestige Class must be met before gaining the level. However, several people have house ruled some exceptions to this, most commonly ability score increases and feats gained from total character level. Q: Can I make the defensive side of an opposed attack roll when I can't make an attack? What about if I can't take actions? If I'm helpless? A: This is unclear from the PHB. The official FAQ states that "although the defender's roll is called an 'opposed attack roll' the defender is really just setting the DC for the attacker". This implies that a character could in fact make a roll to set the DC under any condition, even when helpless. However, the comment is made in reference to rolling ones and twenties, and may not apply here. Q: What about making attacks of opportunity under the same conditions? A: Since you only threaten an area into which you can make an attack, and under any of the above conditions you can't make an attack, you therefore don't threaten an area and can't make attacks of opportunity. Q: Does that mean I can't make attacks of opportunity when using Total Defense?!? A: That depends on how you interpret the phrase "you don't attack or perform any activity other than moving your speed". If you take this to mean that you can't attack or perform other actions at all, then you also can't make attacks of opportunity. However, nothing in the description of Total Defense explicitly says you can't take actions or make attacks. Note that the Sage has referenced attacks of opportunity made while using total defence, implying that you can make them (and at no penalty), but we have no direct statement of this. Q: Help! The bowmen/spellcasters in my game keep taking 5' steps to avoid attacks of opportunity! What can I do to stop this? A: While many people are bothered by this, and have proposed rule changes or feats to specifically counter or disallow the tactic, there are several solutions available within the written rules. If you are trying to disrupt a spell, you are better off readying an attack to do so, as you will be able to either 5' step or partial charge the spellcaster. You can also grapple a spellcaster to keep him from using this tactic, or simply wait until it is your turn and take a 5' step and full round attack. Both grappling and full round attacking are effective against bowmen, as are the options of disarming them or destroying their weapon. Since someone wielding a ranged weapon does not threaten an area, you will often be able to try these tactics without suffering the attacks of opportunity that they normally allow. If the area you are in allow limited mobility, you can try to back the bowman/spellcaster up against a wall to prevent them from stepping away. With the cooperation of another character, you can flank the bowman/spellcaster, thus leaving them no safe square within 5'. Finally, if you use a duom or spiked chain, you can threaten areas both 5' and 10' away, thus negating the tactic. Q: Can I use Spring Attack during a charge? A: Technically, no, because a charge is not "the attack action", which is required when using Spring Attack. Several people have house ruled to allow this tactic. Q: If I am hasted and use Spring Attack to move up, attack, and move away, can I get two attacks against my target? A: Technically, no, because the extra action granted by haste can only be taken at the beginning of your turn (before you move up) or at the end of your turn (after you move away). Again, several people have house-ruled to allow this tactic. Q: Since Whirlwind Attack is done as a full round attack action, and the full round attack action lets me take a 5' step between attacks, can I 5' step in the middle of my whirlwind? A: No. And yes. See below. Q: If I can take a 5' step in the middle of my Whirlwind, does that mean I can attack more people? A: By the Sage's ruling, no, because the Sage also disallowed a 5' step during a whirlwind, despite the clear reasoning that allows it. If you choose to ignore the Sage, the wording is unclear. As a suggestion, if you add the words "at the start of the whirlwind attack" to the end of the feat's description, you can now move during the whirlwind but don't gain additional attacks by doing so. Q: What if I'm a Weapon Master and can use a Whirlwind Attack as a standard action? Could I move during the attack and get more attacks then? A: This one is easier. Since you can't take a move-equivalent action in the middle of a standard action, the answer is no. However, in conjunction with spring attack, you can move before and after the Whirlwind (per Sage ruling). Q: Why is it so hard to draw weapons? If I don't have Quickdraw, why can't I move, draw my weapon, and attack in one round? A: Actually, you can do that, as long as you have at least a +1 BAB. You'll find the rule on p. 128 of the PHB, in the third footnote on table 8-4: Miscellaneous Actions. Q: Well, why would anyone take quickdraw then? Doesn't this rule make it useless? A: Not at all! Quickdraw has several applications, including: ---1) drawing a weapon and attacking when you also make a move-equivalent action (the free draw only works on a move) ---2) drawing a weapon and making a full round of attacks when your opponent is already within melee range (or missile range if you quickdraw a bow). ---3) drawing and throwing multiple weapons during a full round of attacks. ---4) rapidly switching between weapons, such as from a bow to a sword as enemies close in. Etc. Q: What are "fractional multiclass progressions"? A: They are an alternate way to calculate BAB and saves for a multiclass character. Under this method, you need to know the basic formulae used to calculate each class's BAB and saves. If L is the class level in question, then Fighter BAB is L * 1, Cleric BAB is L * 3/4, and Wizard BAB is L * 1/2. Good saves are (L * 1/2) + 2, and poor saves are L * 1/3. To calculate a fractional progression, figure the exact BAB or save granted by each class, add the fractions together, and round down. For good saves, it is strongly recommended that you add 2 once only, instead of once per class. Example: a Fighter 4/Cleric 2/Wizard 5, under the normal rules, has a BAB of 4 + 1 + 2 = 7, and saves Fort 4 + 3 + 1 = 8, Refl 1 + 0 + 1 = 2, Will 1 + 3 + 4 = 8. Under fractional progressions, the character has a BAB of 4 + (2 * 3/4) + (5 * 1/2) = 4 + 6/4 + 5/2 = 8, and saves Fort (2 + 1 + 5/3) + 2 = 6 2/3 = 6, Refl 4/3 + 2/3 + 5/3 = 3 2/3 = 3, Will (4/3 + 1 + 5/2) + 2 = 6 5/6 = 6. __________________________________________________ Section 4: Grappling Q: I need help with grappling! How does it work? A: My thanks to Kordak for typing this up: quote:Grapple Rules -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grappling A Grapple Roll is defined as a d20 + BAB + Str. mod. + a special size modifier where the special size modifier is: Colossal +16 Gargantuan +12 Huge +8 Large +4 Medium-size +0 Small -4 Tiny -8 Diminutive -12 Fine -16 To grapple, follow the following steps: 0. The character that wants to grapple is threatening the other character. Go to Step 1. 1. A combatant provokes an AoO from the target the combatant is trying to grapple. 1.a. If the attack of opportunity missed or causes no damage, go to step 2. 1.b. If the attack of opportunity deals the combatant damage, the combatant fails to start the grapple. Grapple fails, action ended. 2. Attempting to start a grapple is the equivalent of making a melee attack. If a combatant has a high enough BAB so that he gets multiple attacks in a round, a combatant can attempt to start a grapple multiple times (at successively lower base attack bonuses). A monk can use his unarmed attack rate of attacks per round while grappling. 2.a. Grab: Melee touch attack to grab the target. 2.a.i. If the combatant hits, go to step 2.b. 2.a.ii. If the combatant fails to hit the target, the combatant fails to start the grapple. Grapple fails, action ended. 2.b. Hold: Make an opposed grapple check. The combatant automatically loses an attempt to hold if the target is two or more size categories larger than the combatant is (but the combatant can still make an attempt to grab such a target, if that's all the combatant wants to do). 2.b.i. If the combatant succeeds, the combatant has started the grapple. The combatant deals damage to the target as if with an unarmed strike (1d2 for small attackers, 1d3 for medium attackers, and 1d4 for large attackers, plus Strength modifiers - all subdual damage - note that monks do more damage than other characters). Monks and creatures with Improved Grab can use their natural weapons in a grapple (doing normal damage, not subdual). Go to Step 2.c. 2.b.ii. If the combatant loses, the combatant fails to start the grapple. Grapple fails, action ended. 2.c. Move In: To maintain the grapple, the combatant must move into the target's space. Moving, as normal, provokes attacks of opportunity from threatening enemies, but not from the combatant's target. Go to step 2.d. 2.d. Grappling: The combatant and the target are now grappling. Additional Rules 1. If a combatant's target is already grappling someone else, then the combatant can use an attack to start a grapple, as above, except that the target doesn't get an attack of opportunity against the combatant, and the combatant's grab automatically succeeds. The combatant still has to make a successful opposed grapple check to deal damage and must still move in to be part of the grapple. 2. When a combatant is grappling (regardless of who started the grapple), the combatant can make an opposed grapple check as an attack. If the combatant wins, the combatant can do one of the following: 2.a. Damage a combatant's opponent: A combatant deals damage as with an unarmed strike (1d3 points for Medium-size attackers or 1d2 points for Small attackers, plus Strength modifiers). If a combatant wants to deal normal damage, the combatant suffers a -4 penalty on the grapple check. Exception: Monks deal more damage on an unarmed strike than other combatants, and the damage is normal. However, they can choose to deal their damage as subdual damage when grappling without paying the usual -4 penalty for changing normal damage to subdual damage. 2.b. Pin: A combatant can hold an opponent immobile for 1 round. (If a combatant gets multiple attacks, the combatant can use subsequent attacks to damage the opponent. A combatant can't use a weapon on a pinned opponent or attempt to damage or pin a second opponent while holding a pin on the first.) While a combatant is pinned, opponents other than the one pinning the combatant get a +4 bonus on attack rolls against the combatant (but the combatant is not helpless). 2.c. Break Another's Pin: A combatant can break the hold that an opponent has over an ally. 2.d. Escape: A combatant can escape the grapple. A combatant can take whatever movement the combatant gets. If more than one opponent is grappling a combatant, the combatant's grapple check result has to beat all their check results to escape. (Opponents don't have to try to hold a combatant if they don't want to.) 2.e. Move his opponent: the combatant must be strong enough to drag his opponent. You move with your opponent and provoke AoOs from any character that threatens your area. You may move your opponent without moving yourself, but this is a move-equivalent action and does not provoke AoOs. Additionally, if you're two or more size categories larger than the opponent you have grabbed, you can opt to pull the opponent into your space instead of entering the opponent's space. Yanking your opponent into your space doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity against your opponent. 3. When an opponent has pinned a combatant, the combatant is held immobile (but not helpless) for 1 round. The combatant can make an opposed grapple check as a melee attack (on the combatant's action). If the combatant wins, the combatant escapes the pin, but the combatant is still grappling. 4. In addition to making opposed grapple checks, a combatant has a few other options while grappling. 4.a. Weapons: A combatant can attack with a light weapon while grappling (but not while pinned or pinning). A combatant can't attack with two weapons while grappling. 4.b. Spells: You can attempt to cast a spell while being grappled or even while being pinned, provided that its casting time is no longer than 1 action, the spell has no somatic components and you have in hand the material components or focus (if any). A Concentration check (DC 20 + spell level) must be made or lose the spell. 4.c. Wriggle Free: A combatant can make an Escape Artist check (opposed by a combatant's opponent's grapple check) to get out of a grapple or out of being pinned (so that the combatant is just being grappled). Doing so counts as a standard action. If a combatant escapes a grapple, the combatant can also move in the same round. 5. Several combatants can be in a single grapple. Up to four combatants can grapple a single opponent in a given round. Opponents that are one size category smaller than a combatant count for half, opponents that are one size category larger than a combatant count double, and opponents two or more size categories larger count quadruple. 6. Additional enemies can aid their friends with the aid another action. 7. While a combatant is grappling, that combatant's ability to attack others and defend itself is limited. 7.a. No Threatened Area: A combatant doesn't threaten any area while grappling. 7.b. No Dexterity Bonus: A combatant loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if a it has one) against any opponents it isn't grappling. (A combatant can still use the bonus against opponents the combatant is grappling.) 8. If the creature has the improved grab special attack, it can opt to use only one appendage to make a grapple attack, but it suffers a -20 penalty to its grapple checks if it does so. A character also could use the -20 option, but the character also would have to use the two-weapon fighting rules. See Table 8-2 in the Player's Handbook, and remember that a character's own hands are considered light weapons. 9. The two-weapon fighting penalties apply to both grab attempts and any grapple checks that occur after successful grabs. The -20 penalty applies only to grapple checks. For example, a character that has both the Two-Weapon Fighting and Ambidexterity feats would suffer a -2 penalty to each grab attempt and a -22 penalty to any grapple check she makes after a successful grab. On her turn, the character can stop making separate grapple checks with each hand and instead use both hands on one opponent; if the character does so, neither the two-weapon penalties nor the -20 apply to grapple checks she makes that turn. [ November 23, 2002, 07:31 AM: Message edited by: tiornys ]