So... about the net...


Rules Questions

Dark Archive RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

Under the 'Weapons' section, we have an oft-overlooked exotic weapon called the 'net.' The net has the following explanation of it's use:

PRD wrote:

Net: A net is used to entangle enemies. When you throw a net, you make a ranged touch attack against your target. A net's maximum range is 10 feet. If you hit, the target is entangled. An entangled creature takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty on Dexterity, can move at only half speed, and cannot charge or run. If you control the trailing rope by succeeding on an opposed Strength check while holding it, the entangled creature can move only within the limits that the rope allows. If the entangled creature attempts to cast a spell, it must make a concentration check with a DC of 15 + the spell's level or be unable to cast the spell.

An entangled creature can escape with a DC 20 Escape Artist check (a full-round action). The net has 5 hit points and can be burst with a DC 25 Strength check (also a full-round action). A net is useful only against creatures within one size category of you.

A net must be folded to be thrown effectively. The first time you throw your net in a fight, you make a normal ranged touch attack roll. After the net is unfolded, you take a –4 penalty on attack rolls with it. It takes 2 rounds for a proficient user to fold a net and twice that long for a nonproficient one to do so.

So, what kind of action is it to "un-net" something? Once you've entangled a creature, can you simply employ the net against another creature in range by making another ranged touch attack (with the -4 for it being unfolded)? Does it take a full-round action to untangle your net from the corpse of an enemy slain while entangled or something?

Also, the statement "If you control the trailing rope by succeeding on an opposed Strength check while holding it, the entangled creature can move only within the limits that the rope allows" needs a little clarification. Do we assume that this rope allows the creature the full 10' of the net's normal range? Or can the net's wielder "choke up" on the rope to draw the creature closer to him and prevent it from moving away again?


Well, applying a little logic (I know, this is fantasy) but since their are rules on how the entangled enemy can escape the net, I assume that they are pretty well wrapped up in the net. It's not even a low DC to escape. So, I would, barring official word otherwise, say that you cannot re-use the net to tangle another foe until the current one has wormed its way loose.

Getting it off a corpse might actually take quite a long time, as their dead weight and lack of cooperation would make it hard to untangle them from the ropes. I suspect it would take more than six seconds to do, but a full round would probably be a relatively balanced time frame.

Also, I assume the ability to make extra attacks with the net at the -4 for being unfolded is in case you miss with the first try.

As far as "choking up" on the rope to limit the entangled enemy's movement, I would say that, as long as your other hand was free, that should be no problem. Trying to do that one handed, however, would be quite the trick. If something is actively trying to resist and pull away (opposed Strength checks) that as soon as you let go of the rope with one hand to take up some of the length, the rope is pulled from your reach. With a second hand, you can hand-over-hand the rope and haul the enemy closer.

I would also rule that you can decide to not start by tossing the full ten feet, and only toss it five.

Obviously none of this is definitive, as I am simply working based on how I would rule it in my games, and it all starts to change as soon as you start enhancing the net magically. Like what would returning do with a net? *shrug*

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