Standing up - AoO in D&D?

[Hypersmurf]

On the contrary, I've stated a number of times that it's an implied rule.

I say the implied rule is the opposite.

Why is your implied rule less of a house rule than mine?

-Hyp.

 

[Aithne]

Of course, that might mean that five feet per round is "normal" crawling (i.e., prone) movement.

Greg

That is probably more true than what I have stated. The reason I chose my house rule was that the crawler was under a certain condition that prevented them from crawling more than 5ft. A simpler rule would be to allow only 5ft of movement.

Aithne

 

[Zhure]

I say the implied rule is the opposite.

Why is your implied rule less of a house rule than mine?

-Hyp.

To clarify: My "house rule" is to allow 5-ft steps while prone. The rules-rule is that one can stand up as an MEA.

"Half move" or "climbing rate" or "moving as if using Hide" or quarter speed" or "moving like swimming" are house rules. All are fine house rules.

The three cases supported by the rules are either 1- one must stand up to move or 2- movement is unimpeded by being prone or 3- one may use an MEA to stand up, but never has to, to achieve regular movement.

I believe 3, while supported, is ludicrously unrepresentative of any level of a simulationist game, as is 2. The only case which both fits the rules and has any level of "realism" (realism being a relative term in a game involving flying dragons and invisibility), is case 1.

As I've stated a number of times, there's no direct rules citation for the above. Conversely, I've diligently searched all the available material for the counter-argument as well. I like my games to be well-grounded in the rules during combat or time critical situations. Outside of combat, it often doesn't matter how fast a character can move while prone. In combat, especially in a tactical group where Trip and Overbear and Grappling are common techniques, it's important to have a standard method of resolution.

I've seen different interpretations being used, and a high speed character who gets 1/2 movement while prone is barely hampered by being prone. He can easily scuttle away from the tripping monster (while prone) and charge a different target.

My interpretation - again, I'll say it clearly, it's an interpretation - both fits all the available rules cites and rewards those who invest in Prone Fighting feat, the Daredevil class (from d20 Modern), and the Thief-Acrobat (from Song & Silence). All of these become underpowered IMO if one allows full movement while prone.

Greg

 

[Hypersmurf]

"Half move" or "climbing rate" or "moving as if using Hide" or quarter speed" or "moving like swimming" are house rules.

I agree entirely.

The three cases supported by the rules are either 1- one must stand up to move or 2- movement is unimpeded by being prone or 3- one may use an MEA to stand up, but never has to, to achieve regular movement.

2 and 3 are the same case. They only differ by "one may use an MEA to stand up", and that is unambiguously true.

Given that this case is my contention, and you are admitting that it is as supported by the rules as your case 1 (however realistic or otherwise this may be), I am satisfied.

-Hyp.

 

[Mahali]

i ask you this, how could someone with a shield in one hand, a sword in the other, just stand up without leaving themselves just as open to an attack as someone firing a bow or other actions that provoke?

Very easily actually. As long as the shield is about 3 sq ft and you have a weapon in the other hand to block with. I can defend against two people without a problem unless they "flank" me and even then can usually stand up without getting hit.

As for movement while prone... it depends what prone is. 1. Bounding around on your knees you can move pretty quick. About the same speed as someone backpeddeling for all they're worth. 2. On your hands and knees it's slower and if your holding a shield much slower since your down a limb. 3. Belly to the ground real slow.
I'd say:
1. 1/2
2. 1/4
3. 5' step