Tangentially related, from elsewhere on the forum:
NETS AND RETIARII
Are there any further specifics on nets? Since the Auran Empire is similar to the Roman Empire, I was making a few gladiator classes and got to the retiarius, the guys that fight with nets and tridents.
For the entangle duration my guess would be until the creature makes a Paralysis save.
Alex: The “entanglement” is handled as a Wrestling special maneuver. Therefore "The held opponent may make another saving throw versus Paralysis each round to attempt to escape the hold.”
Though a net shouldn’t be a problem for a creature larger than a humanoid.
Alex: I would offer a saving throw of +4 for larger-than-man sized creatures (horses, ogres), and then additional +4 for each size category larger.
I get the +2 on wrestling throws, but the way a retiarius fought is by entangling his foes in the net, and then proceeding to stab at them with their tridents.
Alex: The retiarius would attack with the net using a Wrestling special maneuver. This attempt calls for an attack throw at -4 (Wrestling special maneuver) +2 (because it’s a net), for a total penalty of -2. If the attack throw is successful, the retiarius’s target must save versus Paralyzation. If the save fails, the target is now entangled by the net. At this time “other combatants are at +4 on attack throws against the held opponent”. Since it’s the net that is doing the entangling (and not an actual wrestling hold by the wrestler), the retiarius who originally used the net would count as an “other combatant”. (That this MUST be the case can be seen by imagining the outcome of a net-trap or thrown net). Therefore the retiarius would get +4 to hit with his trident on targets he has entangled. It should simulate Roman retiarii tactics quite well!
Also using the net to disarm his opponents.
Alex: If you feel the historical case for a +2 bonus to disarm is justified, please feel free to do so! Special maneuvers are underutilized in the game.
CharlesDM: I suggest that a net is not especially well-suited to a Disarm special maneuver, except via the “entanglement” (Wrestling special maneuver) first. “A combatant who has grabbed an opponent may perform a brawl, force back, disarm, or knock down action each round without having to make an attack throw so long as the hold continues (the opponent still receives a saving throw).” ACKS p. 110
A fighter with a net and Combat Trickery(wrestling) could be very interesting …