Is sunder _this_ easy?

[billd91]

I think giants are given Improved Sunder because, in essence, they excel at smashing the crap out of stuff without suffering consequences for doing so. I can see them smashing shields and any other piece of equipment interposed between the giant and their target if it thwarts them too often. I really can't see them smashing at a quiver or bag intentionally, because they'd much rather smash the man holding it and, in most circumstances, it's far from clear that the object is getting in the way of the giant accomplishing that goal like a shield or other barrier would.
One thing to keep in mind, any character can try to sunder something. Improved Sunder just makes it a lot easier to do so without getting burned. The question is what would the NPC try to sunder and why? Can you justify smashing up all of the PC's magic items given this particular NPC's mentality just because it can be done?

 

[Dr_Rictus]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure you can teleport out of a grapple, as it only has a Verbal component (thus no Somatic component).

You also need to make a Concentration check (DC 25 in this case) to cast a spell while grappling, irrespective of what its components may be. And if damage dealt to you by the grapple is considered continuous damage (hardly unreasonable) that's another check.

 

[apsuman]

The question is what would the NPC try to sunder and why? Can you justify smashing up all of the PC's magic items given this particular NPC's mentality just because it can be done?

Reasons to sunder:

To make it easier to capture the PC.
To show off to the PC.
If you are so dumb, you think the sword is what is hurting you not the PC.
Because it was yours and the PC stole it.
Because it bears the image of the despised (fill in the blank).
To deny the PC a favored tactic.
To hinder the PC.
That was your mission.
Because *that* sword is the PC's heirloom.
Because sunder is *your* tactic.
IYO sundering the item will make the PC leave you alone.​

 

[Hypersmurf]

Yep, you can do that, unless you are pinned and cannot speak. Then you would need a silent teleport or dimension door.

... which a Sorcerer, of course, cannot cast while grappling at all.

-Hyp.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Sundering is what the DM uses when the players are abusing the rules.

"Oh, you want to do the scry-teleport-instant death spells routine, AGAIN?"

OK... btw, random encounter with a dozen giants wielding adamantine sledgehammers who are specialized in the art of sundering!!!

 

[Evilhalfling]

I think sundering would be a common tactic, mabey not with hill, but stone,frost and fire would all consider it, something like,

"I hit the guy, and it didn't kill him, I know know he can hurt me with that little sword, Ill break the sword" I agree that this logic could easily apply to rods and wands. I would have to say breaking random magic items is out of line but might be done on orders from a BBEG who is counting on the gaints dying anyway.

However I have a blue (psionic) goblin tribe showing up. Using sonic damage (ignores hardness) to strip off useful equipment would certainly occur to them.

 

[Thanee]

... which a Sorcerer, of course, cannot cast while grappling at all.

That at all is a bit much there, but yeah, not without some major investment.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Thanee]

Edit: If I hadnt been answering your other post thanee I could have beat you on this one.

Awww...

I see your game now

I'm not sure what you mean here. Which 'game' are you talking about?

Bye
Thanee

 

[Scion]

remember the wink, the wink is all knowing.

I still want to see one of these giants with combat brute though.. now there is something to worry about!

 

[Hypersmurf]

That at all is a bit much there, but yeah, not without some major investment.

Arcane Preparation and the like?

-Hyp.