Movement while prone

[Postie]

I was just talking to my mate about a situation; if my PC had just tripped a mage and at the start of his turn he is prone in the next square to mine, could he still move back 5" and cast, remaining prone?

In my original query I was looking at the possiblity of a mage casting on the defensive while prone to avoide an AOO,but he couldn't see any reason why the mage couldn't use the old 5" step and cast even while prone, what do you think?

 

[Balthasar]

I would allow you to cast while prone, but not move. The 5' movement is based on the mobility of a standing character: I can't see you being able to move as far/fast while prone.

Either/or situation for my money...

 

[DM with a vengence]

I might allow a 5 foot roll backwards as a ME action, but no free 5-step while prone.

 

[Stalker0]

I would treat prone as entangled: give them half movement, no run or charge. I think 5 foot steps would also be an extra penalty.

 

[Postie]

I agree that there must be some penalty to movement for being prone. I just can't see why it should take a move equivilant action to stand when he could move normally without doing so.

If we say that the 5" move is still counted as a move equiviant action, would you allow a mage to cast on the defensive on the ground to avoid the aoo? It's a heroic image- a mage thrashing about at the feet of the fighter barely avoiding the blows to cast his retaliation ,but is it fair?