Aquatic Combat Modifiers

[Rake]

Hi all. First post at EN World, longtime poster at WotC. Getting 3.5 help is virtually impossible over there, so I turn to you good folks for help.

I'm Getting ready to run a pirate-themed campaign in Eberron, and I've been reading up on aquatic and naval combat.

So the DMG says that bludgeoning damage is halved underwater, and slashing damage takes a -2 penalty. The paragraph opens with the declaration that land-based creatures have some troubles fighting in the water, but nothing else in the text specifies which, if any, creatures are exempt from the table. Do squids and krakens get their damage halved underwater? If not, to which creatures does the rule apply?

Ideally, I'm looking for a rule, not a houserule. Hopefully one exists.

 

[Mistah J]

Somewhere in the DMG there is a chart that lists out all the various conditions that can apply while being underwater and the corresponding penalties.

I think it is in the same section that talks about the various rules for various terrains.

As for a kraken, I would think that common sense says creatures with a swim speed, the aquatic subtype, and any other "underwater-y" theme would not have their attacks halved.

I don't know if there is a rule to confirm this though.. try the aquatic subtype description in the MM? I'm typing away from my books so I can't check just now.

Also, welcome to the boards!

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

This should help a little. Wilderness :: d20srd.org

Stormwrack could also be useful for naval combat rules, if you have the book.