Evocation based Grapples and Duration

[Ophidimancer]

So the basic rules for a Grapple are that the attacker needs to roll for every exchange.  What about Evocation based Grapples, though?  Can the spellcaster assign shifts to duration and then let the spell itself grapple the target?

[Tsunami]

Yupp, since a Grapple is simply a block, and blocks can be extended.

[Ophidimancer]

Ok cool, it was either that or roll for every exchange and accrue a lot of Evocation stress.

[JosephKell]

FYI: For Evocation grapples, the block value is based on shifts of power, not shifts of power + effect.

If you only do 6 shifts (3 for block and 3 for duration), it is a block of value 3 that lasts for your next 3 exchange actions (unless ended prematurely by an escape).  But you don't have to maintain it beyond the initial exchange.

A weak block might not be worth the exchange action or the stress you suffered for it, so this is a time to "up the ante" and invoke a few aspects to get the discipline check up there (7 block for 3 exchanges is better and worth the stress).

[GruffAndTumble]

It's also viable to extend the spell as it goes along--say, make two five shift effects as two separate actions. One to establish a Superb Grapple, and then pump five exchanges of duration into it, like you would a really good shield spell.

[JosephKell]

It's also viable to extend the spell as it goes along--say, make two five shift effects as two separate actions. One to establish a Superb Grapple, and then pump five exchanges of duration into it, like you would a really good shield spell.

Do you have a citation or did you come up with that on your own?

I don't really see a problem with this as you are expending two exchange actions for it (which is a big deal, action economy is king in all games, especially DFrpg).

[Tsunami]

Do you have a citation or did you come up with that on your own?

I don't really see a problem with this as you are expending two exchange actions for it (which is a big deal, action economy is king in all games, especially DFrpg).

Standard rules for prolonging spells. YS:259

[JosephKell]

Standard rules for prolonging spells. YS:259

Thank you.

[Ophidimancer]

Oof, now I'm coming up with a multiple target grapple spell to lock down entire groups of people.

[Deadmanwalking]

Check out Orbius on p. 294. that's how you build a damaging Grapple effect.

[GruffAndTumble]

Oof, now I'm coming up with a multiple target grapple spell to lock down entire groups of people.

....You're my new hero. Hello, 6 shifts Air grapple cyclone in rote form, baby!