Clarification on Swallow Whole.


Rules Discussion


Hey all.

Just trying to get some clarification due to something that came up in a recent game.

A creature that has been swallowed whole (as per the monster ability) can cut their way out if they can do enough slashing/piercing damage to exceed the monster's threshold for that ability in a single strike.

Let's say those attacks don't exceed the threshold to cut out of the monster...does that monster (the monster that Swallowed Whole) still take damage against it's HP total for those attacks?

They did in 1st edition Pathfinder, but the wording is vague enough that we aren't sure in Pathfinder 2E.


Yes. I can't elaborate without knowing what your group considers vague


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Rupture is a property of both Engulf and Swallow Whole creature abilities.

The relevant part of Swallow Whole says, "A swallowed creature can attack the monster that has swallowed it, but only with unarmed attacks or with weapons of light Bulk or less. The engulfing creature is flat-footed against the attack. If the monster takes piercing or slashing damage equaling or exceeding the listed Rupture value from a single attack or spell, the engulfed creature cuts itself free. A creature that gets free by either Escaping or cutting itself free can immediately breathe and exits the swallowing monster’s space."

The first two sentences make clear that the attacks against the monster are just attacks. The character is not taking a special Rupture action. In addition, if a single attack (I also allow multiple attacks if they combine their damage before applying resistances, but that is my own rule) deals slashing or piercing damage at or beyond the Rupture number, it also cuts an exit out of the creature. The damage comes before the rupture, so failing to rupture does not negate the damage.

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