Level Up (A5E) Burst of Strength & Grappled/Restrained

[Chazzimus]

Hi all!

I'm just curious about how one should interpret the effects of the Burst of Strength spell, particularly in the case of non-magical restraints, as I'm a little confused there.

The first section of the spell states:

In a sudden eruption of fortitude, you break bonds in inhuman fashion. If you are grappled by a creature or non-magical restraints when you take this action, you immediately escape the grapple.

As far as use cases go, I can see this obviously being a way for squishy spellcasters to break grapples opposing creatures, but it also specifically mentions being "grappled by... non-magical restraints."

My immediate interpretation of this was as a way of providing utility to spellcasters to escape restraints such as manacles or rope without the need for the sleight of hand or strength checks associated with rogues or barbarians, but the spell specifies and links to the grappled condition. Considering non-magical restraints such as manacles utilize the restrained condition, and NOT the grappled condition, I assume this interpretation is incorrect. My confusion lies here – what non-magical restraints don't apply the restrained condition? I imagine this line was added with specific mechanics in mind.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Selganor]

This spell seems to miss the "or restrained" after grapple (like in the second paragraph) in your underlined part.

Also, the last sentence "In either case" refers to both the first and the second option, so maybe it should have been placed in its own line since someone only using the first part (which is on it's own page in the original source) might overlook the real cost (a level of fatigue).

But then, many of the spells from the "Magics of the Weary Tower" article from GPG#15 seem to be things that the Narrator should take a close look at before allowing them in the game.

Alas, this is a case like the "Silvery Barbs" in D&D... Those spells are usually only taught to members of "The Weary Tower" but having them in a general list (like the a5e.tools) without the context/prerequisites can cause them to be widely spread.

 

[Morrus]

This spell seems to miss the "or restrained" after grapple (like in the second paragraph) in your underlined part.

Yes, this would be my interpretation. It makes no sense without the "or restrained".

 

[Chazzimus]

Yes, this would be my interpretation. It makes no sense without the "or restrained".

Gotcha — is this something I should drop in the errata thread, then?