Quick question about Zombies?

[brunswick]

Hiya folks,

If a zombie uses its standard action to successfully grab a target in the first round of combat (sustaining it in subsequent rounds with minor actions), can it use its slam attack to batter its grabbed victim in later rounds? Or, does it have to rely on allies to batter its grabbed victim for it?

Cheers,


Bruns.

 

[MrMyth]

It can continue to beat on its victim. Grabbing in 4E tends to represent just getting a firm grip on an enemy so they can't run away, rather than a complete wrestling body-hug that limits both fighters.

 

[brunswick]

Thats great - thanks for the quick reply. Kinda figured it wouldnt make much sense for the zombie to just 'bear hug' its target and not be able to do much else to it but I just wanted to check in case I was mistaken. Thanks again!

 

[Taed]

When I'm DMing, I give a running commentary of how the damage is done. Just two weeks ago, I had that exact scenario and described it as the zombie having a tight hold on the PC and slamming his shoulders hard against the wall (as it was just a few points of damage). Had the PC not then escaped, the zombie could have slammed his head against the wall (full damage), or even fallen against the floor with him (in which case, they'd both be prone, but the PC still grabbed and immobilized) just to make the fight interesting and "realistic" if they failed their escape but were close.

 

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Yeah, feel free to describe it as a full body "hug" if that's what you find more evocative - follow up attacks can be described as bites or being slammed into things, or however suits your fancy.