Grappling, attacks, and Weapons

[Crellan]

All,

I have two questions:

1) Are there any restrictions as to what you have in your hands while you grapple someone? In this case the fighter normally uses a glaive, but often grapples. His position is the rules dont' say you can't so you can. He appears to be right unless I am missing something. If you have a light weapon, you can obviously attack with it... otherwise? The real question is whether if an attempt to initiate grapple fails, or if he stops grappling, is he armed with the glaive anymore?

2) When you use the "Damage opponent option" and do grappling damage to an opponent that you have grappled or pinned: If you have more than one attack per round, can you inflict damage more than once? Example: 6th level fighter has +6/+1 attacks... can he damage the person he is grappling twice? In the alternative can he use a light weapon twice?

 

[the Jester]

Wow... I would rule that if your hands are all full, you cannot start a grapple. Dropping the glaive is a free action, so it shouldn't be a big deal- unless he needs to grab it up again.

 

[kjenks]

The PH rules for grappling do not put a restriction on having a free hand (or even having ANY hands) for grappling. Bears, gators and snakes can grapple just fine, thanks, without any hands at all.

There is a Rules of the Game article which does impose this kind of restriction, but you know how bad those articles are.

 

[Sadrik]

I ruled once that you need to have your hands free.

I had a player who wanted to grapple with a heavy shield and spear. I said no, not possible without dropping his weapons.

 

[Blightersbane]

During grapple you may attempt to attack with a natural or light weapon at a -4. Any attempt with a two handed weapon would be an out right failure. Consult the website - srd 3.5 - look under grapple rules it should clear up any questions you have.

Blightersbane

 

[Crellan]

I know he can't attack with it...

Anyone know where I can find a Rules of the Game article that addresses this as posted above?

Its a realism clash with rules things to me - but RAW it seems like you can grapple while carrying virtually anything. Silly.

 

[Artoomis]

...
Anyone know where I can find a Rules of the Game article that addresses this as posted above?...

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20050301a

From that article:

"The rules don't go into much detail about when you're capable of making grapple attacks. Common sense, however, suggests that because it involves grabbing and holding a foe, you need at least one hand free to do it."

 

[mvincent]

Has no one here grappled with their hands full? It involves wrapping your arms around your opponent. I believe this is pretty much what bears or other animals do (since they don't really have grasping hands like we do). A person with a dagger in each hand is a lot like an animal grappler in this way.

 

[Iku Rex]

No-hands grappling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWhByQuLSPI

 

[zlorf]

Grappling

As mentioned above Wizards "Rules of the Game" go into more detail.
I specifically remember one line saying, "even though the rules dont say it, it is
assumed that you need a free hand to start a grapple"

The problem i have with the Dnd rules is that if its not in the RAW, common sense goes out the window. If it was in the RAW, then most people are happy to use it. People then start say, but what if they dont have hands. ...well i think a bears claw is even better.

Im guessing you dont what to cause any conflict with the player whos using the Glaive, who has taken improved grapple, but may not take it if you make the rule that he has to have a
free hand. You can let him choose another feat...if he argues against you.


Personally i think, people attacking into a grapple should have about 20% chance of hitting
their allie and the grappling people should get maybe +2 AC for cover. That would make it more interesting...well for the DM

Cheers
Sami

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20050301a

From that article:

"The rules don't go into much detail about when you're capable of making grapple attacks. Common sense, however, suggests that because it involves grabbing and holding a foe, you need at least one hand free to do it."