Getting those potions out in combat: How long?

[Ninja-to]

You're right. Move action.

PHB Page 141 on the table 8-2: Retrieve a stored item is a move action.

Also interesting to note, is that manipulating an item is a Move action (Page 143).

So, to retrive an item provokes one AoO, then actually drinking the potion could provoke another AoO (if the creature has Combat Reflexes or whatever).

Also, that means to drink a potion, you can only stand on the spot (or take a 5 foot step), get it out and ready to drink, then drink it down, and that's you done for the round.

We've been doing it wrong for quite a while.

 

[Ninja-to]

I too remember reading that it's a full round action to retrieve from a backpack. If drawing a weapon from your belt is a move action, there's no way pulling something out of a backpack doesn't take longer (assuming you're wearing the backpack, of course).

The potion belts from the FR books are actually pretty cool and we've introduced them into our game.

I swear I read this somewhere too. Maybe it's specific for backpacks I don't know, but I can't find that reference now. But it does say that retrieving a stored item is a Move on page 141...

 

[MerakSpielman]

I don't have a problem with letting somebody just "drink a potion" as a standard action, and assuming they have some way to get at them quickly.

I'd get strict about enforcing the move-action to retrieve the potion if my players ever actually remembered to drink potions in combat. They keep stockpiling their potions instead of using them...

 

[HeavyG]

Interesting. But sounds very Diablo 2-ish...

Default 3E *is* pretty Diablo 2-ish.

Of course, the potion belt is not going to fit in every game as is. Personally*, I treat retrieving a potion from a potion belt the same as drawing a weapon (since your sword scabbard is probably going to be in a very similar spot as the potions on your belt). That means you can do it as part of a move and can do it with a free action if you have Quick-draw.

* that means it's a House Rule, in case anyone is curious.

They keep stockpiling their potions instead of using them...

That is so true. When I'm a player, I usually sell any potion I come across, unless it's one of the save-your-ass basics (Fly, Darkvision if I don't have it and Remove Blindness if I'm a cleric).

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

If you have a potion you might need in combat, and are storing it in your backpack, you're (character is) a fool. Put it in your belt pouch or in a potion belt so it's easy to get to.

Personally, I'd drop my ruck at first contact, to make it easier to maneuver -- fighting in a full pack is exhausting.

 

[RangerWickett]

I still think that any society where there are beverages that can save your life would have invented the beer helmet. Just suck on that potion whenever you get thirsty. You could actually make it work legitimately and have it be safe and padded and stuff.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

And, according to the RAW, a potion inside a pouch inside a sack inside a box inside a chest inside a backpack can be retrieved as a stored item with a move action.

*rolls eyes*

The RAW should never replace common sense.

 

[Scion]

And, according to the RAW, a potion inside a pouch inside a sack inside a box inside a chest inside a backpack can be retrieved as a stored item with a move action.

Sounds more like a move action to find the chest, then another to get the box, then another to get the sack, then another to pouch, then another to get the potion.

And that is assuming that none of those are locked or tied or anything.

 

[micromaximum]

This brings up an interesting question of backpack design. I think the backpack is a relatively new invention. Characters would be hard-pressed to retrieve anything from the sort of the thing the backpack evolved from without dismantling the entire package. Of course, this is fantasy so that sort of logic doesn't apply. It's entirely possible that adventurers pay 2GP for a backpack design that would rival some of the expensive designs available now, with lots of easily accessable pockets and quick-access fasteners. I mean, who'd pay 2GP for a plain old leather sack with a strap sewn on to it?

 

[Silveras]

And, according to the RAW, a potion inside a pouch inside a sack inside a box inside a chest inside a backpack can be retrieved as a stored item with a move action.

*rolls eyes*

The RAW should never replace common sense.

I have to ask: How much common sense does this hypothetical adventurer have if s/he puts a useful potion "inside a pouch inside a sack inside a box inside a chest inside a backpack" ?