lev36's page

Thinking about it some more, I think if I was GMing the situation, I'd say the caster could automatically time it right vs. the initial grapple attack, since they can automatically time it right for a sword swing, but if they are trying to escape an already grappled condition, then the other grappler should make some kind of check or they lose the hold.

But you are only vaporous for one instant. Is that long enough to slip from a grapple?

Good question, and definitely a GM call. I could see having the caster make some kind of dex check or reflex save to time it just right, maybe. Or have the grappler make a check to maintain position for that moment, or they stumble and lose the hold due to the sudden lack of resistance. Or maybe the former for the initial grapple attack, and the latter for continuing grapple checks on an already-grappled caster.

I'd say Hendlebolaf is 83.3% correct. All the examples are right, but the grapple question is simply not addressed. If you go RAW, then you could certainly say it does nothing against a grapple, but as one of the designers (SKR) said in the thread on Grappling VS Gaseous Form, "You can't grapple a gaseous creature, that's obvious and we shouldn't need to state that in the rules. If a gaseous creature can slip through any crack because it's gaseous, it can easily slip through the gaps between your fingers or arms."

Given that both Gaseous Form and Windy Escape use the exact same descriptor ("insubstantial"), DR, etc., I'd say it's reasonable for a GM to rule they both are good vs. grappling. But if your GM sez "RAW!" on this one, that's a justifiable call.

I see the Gaseous Form/Grapple question has been brought before; I'll go read those threads, because it seems like the same ruling should apply.

By that logic, though, you're saying you could grapple someone who is in Gaseous Form - that spell uses the same wording, and does not specify that it grants the incorporeal condition:

School transmutation; Level bard 3, sorcerer/wizard 3
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components S, M/DF (a bit of gauze and a wisp of smoke)
Range touch
Target willing corporeal creature touched
Duration 2 min./level (D)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

The subject and all its gear become insubstantial, misty, and translucent. Its material armor (including natural armor) becomes worthless, though its size, Dexterity, deflection bonuses, and armor bonuses from force effects still apply. The subject gains DR 10/magic and becomes immune to poison, sneak attacks, and critical hits. It can't attack or cast spells with verbal, somatic, material, or focus components while in gaseous form. This does not rule out the use of certain spells that the subject may have prepared using the feats Silent Spell, Still Spell, and Eschew Materials. The subject also loses supernatural abilities while in gaseous form. If it has a touch spell ready to use, that spell is discharged harmlessly when the gaseous form spell takes effect.

A gaseous creature can't run, but it can fly at a speed of 10 feet and automatically succeeds on all Fly skill checks. It can pass through small holes or narrow openings, even mere cracks, with all it was wearing or holding in its hands, as long as the spell persists. The creature is subject to the effects of wind, and it can't enter water or other liquid. It also can't manipulate objects or activate items, even those carried along with its gaseous form. Continuously active items remain active, though in some cases their effects may be moot.

I agree a DR would not help against a grapple per se, but the spell says you become vaporous and insubstantial, which seems to me would make a grapple attempt fail.

Question: can a spellcaster use "Windy Escape" to avoid a grapple?

Windy Escape
Level: 1
School: Transmutation [air]
Components: V,S
Casting Time: 1 immediate action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
You respond to an attack by briefly becoming vaporous and insubstantial, allowing the attack to pass harmlessly through you. You gain DR 10/magic against this attack and are immune to any poison, sneak attacks, or critical hit effect from that attack.

You cannot use windy escape against an attack of opportunity you provoked by casting a spell, using a spell-like ability, or using any other magical ability that provokes an attack of opportunity whenused.

Appears In: Advanced Race Guide