Dropping a Pack

[Rhun]

I would rule that it is a Move Action if the character actually has to take the backpack off of his back. I would rule that it is a Free Action if the character merely had a bag or pack slung over his shoulder.

FWIW, I would think that the only tactically "smart" way to carry a heavy load out of a dungeon (loot, for example) would be to sling it over your shoulder so you could drop it quickly if the need arises.

 

[andargor]

Buy an "Adventurer's Pack" with quick-release shoulder straps, and make it a free action.

In the military, we had just that: a quick release on one strap, and on the belly strap. If you got fired on, it would take very little time (about 1-2 seconds) to remove it and place it as cover as you dropped behind it.

The pack weighed 66 lbs. (I actually weighed it), and at that weight the straps are taut to allow carrying efficiently. Removing the pack without the quick release involved a bit of jumping around to get the arms out of the straps. So I'd agree with a move action for that.

Andargor

 

[danzig138]

When I first got my group to play 3rd edition, I handed them character sheets, and on the back, where there was a table for the gear on your body, I had slots for weight with backpack and without backacks. They why, and I said, I'm going on the assumption that in combat, you might want to drop your backs for mobility. They were like "Whoa, good idea."

Typically, I treat dropping the pack as a move-equivalent action, but sometimes, it might be a standard or full round action. Generally if the character has a lot of crap over the pack, like bows, shields, cloaks, etc.

 

[azhrei_fje]

We use DMGenie. I have the players put the gear that is in their backpack into the backpack. When they drop the backpack, I right-click and select "Give it to the Treasure Window". After all, the gnoll they're running from will consider it treasure! And by moving the backpack off the PC, their weight is automatically adjusted, along with encumbrance penalties and all of the magical effects/conditions that might've gone with the backpack. (Such as the pearls of power, masterwork tools, etc.)

 

[Aaron L]

This is what rucksacks or one shoulder bags are for. Easliy a free action to let something slip off of your shoulder.

 

[MonsterMash]

I voted for it as a standard action (3.5), but can certainly see how it could work as a move action attracting an AoO, but any substantial pack will need to be much more than a free action. To be able to dodge/avoid blows I think I'd make it a full round action (6 seconds) and for either any shield larger than a buckler would need to be dropped first.

 

[Infiniti2000]

I voted for it as a standard action (3.5), but can certainly see how it could work as a move action attracting an AoO, but any substantial pack will need to be much more than a free action.

So, to take off the backpack and get something out of it is a move action, but just to take off the backpack is a standard action? How does that work?

 

[MonsterMash]

So, to take off the backpack and get something out of it is a move action, but just to take off the backpack is a standard action? How does that work?

I initally voted before reading the debate. On further reflection I think I'd do it this way:

I'd make it a full round action to remove a backpack and get something out of it, attracting AoO. With removal just being a move action (again attracting an AoO).

 

[wedgeski]

I initally voted before reading the debate. On further reflection I think I'd do it this way:

I'd make it a full round action to remove a backpack and get something out of it, attracting AoO. With removal just being a move action (again attracting an AoO).

As would I, and in fact this is how we do it in my game. The way I see it, if you want to adventure with a backpack on, and you don't want it to get in the way of anything you're doing adventuring-wise (searching etc.), and you don't want it to fall off your shoulders in the middle of a fight, then you've got to accept that it's going to be pretty securely strapped on there. Move-equivalent action all the way for me.

 

[Jdvn1]

I don't get it. Is it really unbalancing to allow it as a free action? I don't think so.

Are you looking for a rules answer or not?