Tome of Battle: Iron Heart Surge

[Caliber]

Quick question that I hope someone can help me with:

Would Iron Heart Surge from Tome of Battle end a Grapple?

Thanks!

 

[blargney the second]

Nope.

 

[Caliber]

Any reasoning why not?

 

[Runestar]

It is not an effect with a duration, nor can you move while in a grapple anyways (which you require in order to initiate a maneuver).

Though iron heart surge is fairly poorly conceptualized in that aspect, in that it works against everything it shouldn't be affecting (such as AMFs, epic spells, even conditions like hunger) but does not work on stuff it should (like being paralyzed by hold person, because you can't move).

 

[Runestar]

Stupid double post...

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Actually, you can move in a grapple, just not as freely as normal. It's still enough to use any other maneuver in the book while grappling, as there is no text saying you can't use maneuvers in a grapple. In fact, the supernatural ones automatically can be used, without question, just by being supernatural (a dragon can use its breath weapon while grappled, for another example). I, for one, refuse to believe the extraordinary maneuvers are more restrictive than the Su ones.

As for grappling, the text says "...select one spell, effect, or other condition currently affecting you..."

So...I decided to check out the handy 'ol "condition summary," and...what do you know? "Grappling" is on there. http://www.d20srd.org/indexes/conditions.htm

Now, I can think of reasons I wouldn't want to allow it as a DM, but it seems fine by RAW. And really, the custserv already said you can shout down an AMF, is it really so extreme that it also ungrapples you?

 

[Caliber]

Stream more or less covered my reasoning. Particularly relevant, I thought, was the whole "it's specifically listed as removing conditions and grappling is specifically listed as a condition".

Thanks for giving me some points for both sides.

 

[blargney the second]

Still doesn't change that grappling isn't an effect with a duration. No duration = IHS doesn't stop it.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Arguably, you could wait for a full round to transpire being grappled (such as readying an action to IHS when the foe's turn comes up), then use IHS, since it has now become an effect with a duration of one or more rounds.

 

[blargney the second]

Heh. That could lead to some funny stuff: "I've been falling for a round now. I use IHS to end gravity."
-blarg