Do Thri-Kreen Need Errata?

[Insight]

As you may know, the "Grappler" fighter has many abilities predicated on having "one hand free". Of course, the Thri-Kreen has four arms (and thus, four hands). One might presume from this situation that a Thri-Kreen grappler fighter might have a distinct advantage over other two-armed humanoids in terms of situations where the Thri-Kreen has "one hand free".

The DSCS does not provide any mechanical solution to this issue. Nor does it specify if Thri-Kreen can wield multiple weapons, shields, implements, etc.

Based on the Physical Description section, I am going to house-rule that only the more muscular upper limbs can be used to make attacks (and thus powers that require having a "free" hand). They would also not be able to wield shields or weapons effectively in the "middle hands". I suppose implements are a separate issue, since they don't require any force to use. Maybe that could be one area where the Thri-Kreen has a slight advantage (although you'd have to watch out for the Dual-Implement Spellcaster feat).

 

[malcolm_n]

Without mechanics to give use to the second set of arms, they become just fluff. I would assume it's intended that the thri-kreen be run as you would any other race. If he's wielding a 2-handed weapon, he can't use a shield, etc...

But, I guess after 2 years, they may have started assuming rules with art.

 

[Insight]

The problem is something the designers haven't had to consider. Until the Thri-Kreen, all playable races had two arms and two legs. Players, knowing full well that the Thri-Kreen has these extra limbs, are going to try to make use of them. The designers really should have at least put something mechanically into their write-up to state one way or the other how to adjudicate these extra limbs in play.

 

[malcolm_n]

I disagree. The Physical Qualities paragraph sums up nicely how they use weapons, and (as you stated) leaves implements unsaid. Again, though, if you have players who don't understand that art /= mechanics, I suggest setting aside dark sun for now and picking up a red box when they come out. It would be friendlier to said players.

That said, there's nothing that says future books can't offer us a feat or two that actually lets you use the second arms in some way.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

The problem is something the designers haven't had to consider. Until the Thri-Kreen, all playable races had two arms and two legs. Players, knowing full well that the Thri-Kreen has these extra limbs, are going to try to make use of them. The designers really should have at least put something mechanically into their write-up to state one way or the other how to adjudicate these extra limbs in play.

I agree, especially in the light of how the Thri-Kreen have been played in their previous incarnations- IOW, with 4 fully-functional arms.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Wasn´t it said, that a thri kreen has only 2 functional arms, and has something like automatic quick draw as quality?

 

[malcolm_n]

Yes, in their racial write-up for 4e.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Yes, in their racial write-up for 4e.

Yes, and why do we have this discussion?

 

[Insight]

The middle arms are not "non-functional". In fact, the flavor text of their racial encounter power implies that they can make attacks with those hands/claws.

All they really had to say is that Thri-Kreen cannot wield weapons or shields in those hands. Better yet, that for all power and item requirements (including wearing items), Thri-Kreen have two functional arms.

Otherwise, you could use a longsword and 3 light shields, or wear 2 sets of arm slot items.

I fully understand that some groups can live with DM fiat/interpretation, but others need things spelled out. Not to mention in organized play.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Yes, but wasn't it spelled out anywhere? I remember an article where it was explicitely stated...