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Trying to code Arms of The Abyss in AnyDice, I understood that I don't actually understand the rule. Or do I? As I get it for now, it works like this.

  1. You roll Manipulation + Occult to determine the number of tentacles.

  2. You sum your Potence + Obtenebration for tentacle STR, and Celerity + Obtenebration for tentacle DEX (I don't cover using more blood to make tentacles stronger, it is too expensive as for me).

  3. Each tentacle rolls to hit by DEX, then to damage, adding additional to-hit successes to STR dicepool. Each tentacle counts as an additional opponent, bumping the difficulties to fight against the swarm.

  4. An enemy may spend an action to break free in a resisted roll against each tentacle (one action covers all).

Or does the 4th action happen elsewhen?

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    \$\begingroup\$ Is the difficulty just with the 4th point? I'm asking to see if the title can be made more descriptive. \$\endgroup\$ Aug 22, 2016 at 17:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ @SevenSidedDie Yes. With the moment when it occurs. Thank you for the edits. \$\endgroup\$ Aug 22, 2016 at 17:33

1 Answer 1

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Ambiguous phrasing

Separately from when the action occurs, I feel the rules are also not clear enough on how the constriction happens, i.e. whether it happens automatically or if it should be considered a separate attack option. Going by RAW the tentacles constrict as part of a successful attack, which is what makes them an unbelievably powerful tool. In addition, the exact wording indicates they do not necessarily have to constrict each time they attack;

Tentacles may constrict foes, inflicting (Strength+1) lethal damage per turn. - V20 p. 189

That said, to answer your question we need to take a look at the nature of the attack. As the constriction aims to deal damage as well as prevent movement, it is essentially a clinch.

Combat sequence

Starting from your third point and keeping in mind the rules for a clinch, the sequence would look like this;

3.1. The spawned tentacles can each be used to attack enemies within their reach using Dexterity and do damage with Strength + additional successes from their Dex roll.

3.2. In case of a successful hit, the Lasombra may choose to have that particular tentacle constrict the enemy.

4.1. At the start of a constricted enemy's turn, a separate contested Strength check is made against each tentacle. The enemy needs to beat the tentacle's successes to free his limb.

4.2. If the enemy breaks free, he may take any action as per normal. Should he fail to break free of one or more tentacles, he is limited in his actions as per a clinch. Keep in mind that he is most likely still free to bite, claw, head butt or do damage in other ways. In case of a Kindred, biting is most effective since the tentacles cannot soak Aggravated damage.

5. When the Lasombra’s next turn comes up, he can direct any tentacles still constricting the enemy to deal the crushing damage (Strength+1) and any others to attack as per point 3.1.

Sadly, while the rules indicate the Lasombra does not need to concentrate to direct the tentacles, they neglect to state whether this happens at the start or end of his turn.

Swarming is a tactical choice

I'd also take a look at point three as bumping the difficulty would be a case-by-case thing. As you mentioned in point 1, the number of successes determine the number of tentacles to be spawned. But they do not necessarily need to originate in the same location. As long as there are enough shadows within line of sight, they may be tactically placed around the area. This means you lose the advantage of flanking him by introducing multiple 'combatants' within reach, but it can be a tactical choice to control the field when encountering multiple targets.

Updated rules in DAV20

Depending on which rule set you are using, it might be entirely different. Although the flavor text still mentions grappling, the ability to constrict was completely removed from the system text in DAV20. Furthermore, the tentacles must originate within 20ft of the caster and receive a Strength and Dexterity rating equal to his Obtenebration rating without a boost from Potence or Celerity. Tentacles attack using Dexterity and deal Stenght+1 points of bashing damage.

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