Can a creature swallowed by another creature with the Swallow Whole (Ex) ability try to damage the swallowing creature without trying to cut its way out?
A swallowed creature keeps the grappled condition, while the creature that did the swallowing does not. A swallowed creature can try to cut its way free with any light slashing or piercing weapon (the amount of cutting damage required to get free is equal to 1/10 the creature’s total hit points), or it can just try to escape the grapple.
From the description above it seems that a swallowed creature does only have two options
- cut its way out (with a light slashing or piercing weapon) or
- escape the grapple
It seems normal that a creature that can do bludgeoning damage will not be able to cut its way out but why should it not be able to just damage the stomach/intestines? Or use a potion or magic item? If the swallowed creature is able to move and attack with a piercing weapon it seems that it should be able to do more.
Or is the statement not exclusive — can you also take the actions allowed for grappled creatures?
you can take any action that doesn’t require two hands to perform, such as cast a spell or make an attack or full attack with a light or one-handed weapon against any creature within your reach, including the creature that is grappling you.