Crawling

[Maximillian]

I've always allowed tactical movement from the prone position. In 3.0, our game became a lot more exciting when we realized we couldn't find rules prohibiting a 5-foot-step from prone. All of a sudden, tripped fighters realized that the -4 penalty to hit didn't out weigh the option to make their 4 or 5 attacks if they rolled five feet and started wailing.

I like Melkoriii's explanation. It doesn't say "half-speed" and it doesn't work like difficult terrain.

I think that tumble might be an exception, though, because it's more specific than the rules on crawling. It doesn't say you have to be standing to use the power, though... all this fracking vagueness gives me a headache.

 

[Kordeth]

In our game (with me DM'ing anyways), I consider crawling to be similar to difficult terrain in some sense.

ie. if you want to do a DOUBLE SHIFT (2 move actions into one), I will let a prone/crawling person shift, but other than that, you must be up and able to move tactically.

Basically, it doesnt really fit a particular rule like the Custserv note mentions....

Just in general...shifting while prone just doesn't "make sense" to me.

Alvo

Haven't you ever seen a movie where the villain knocks the hero down and the hero frantically tries to roll away ahead of the villain's strikes?

 

[Alvoros]

Haven't you ever seen a movie where the villain knocks the hero down and the hero frantically tries to roll away ahead of the villain's strikes?

Yes, and your description fits PERFECTLY with what I think the DOUBLE-SHIFT crawling maneuver is...the mad scramble on your hands/knees, avoiding the blow/swinging sword of the enemy.

Ah crap...now you all are making me re-think my position on this *sigh*.

The bottom line is, I just don't feel you should be able to SHIFT while crawling....at least not as easily as if you are standing anyways. But, perhaps I am being too harsh.

Thinking of the bigger "balance" picture...I don't want to UNDER value powers/abilities that knock creatures prone. If they can just shift/and then stand up, was being prone until their turn penalty enough?

Do you think that allowing the shift makes being prone not enough penalty for being placed in that position in the first place? Or is having to shift (MOVE), and then stand up (MOVE) penalty enough/balanced?

In general, when rules are vague, we usually just go for balance.

Alvo

 

[Felon]

OK, so basically it's my call. I may allow characters trained in Acrobatics to shift while prone.

 

[Alvoros]

OK, so basically it's my call. I may allow characters trained in Acrobatics to shift while prone.

Now THAT is a nice way to handle it.....places more benefit on taking a skill.

At least until official clarification is made...I am lovin that! New house rule.

 

[Particle_Man]

Why do ppl call CustServ? In 3.5 they gave crap for answers and they will for 4e.

Actually I think they are more attentive this time around than they were for 3.5.

 

[Zogmo]

OK, so basically it's my call. I may allow characters trained in Acrobatics to shift while prone.

Very cool. That seems to be a really good use of Acrobatics. New house rule methinks.