Take a look a p. 206 in the PM. You'll notice that the descriptions for "prone" and "defenceless" (for the defender) both include a description that includes the word "bound". This is by intent. In the case of web, I tend to go with defenceless if we are talking about jabbing with a spear, but if you are throwing knives or shooting, I might go with "prone". Now, there is a grey area in this, too. One (with 9+ ST) can break out of web over time. If they are strong or robust, and they are struggling their way out (maybe they are 1 or 2 rounds away from breaking free), then I go with prone. That's how I play it.

Oh, sometimes I have to quickly dice for a monster's ST if I think they might be inclined to attempt to break free. It will typically be a 3d6 roll; or (sometimes) 4d6 drop low or even 4d6 drop high. 

Rastus_Burne wrote:

What say ye?

Situational for me. If an opponent has been trapped near an edge of the web accessible to the PCs, then he can be stabbed and killed immediately (with the right weapon, like a spear). If he's trapped near an inaccessible side (maybe next to a wall) or in the middle, he's effectively shielded from attack. In the latter case, if the PCs burn the web, they can plan to attack the opponent as it burns away, thereby killing him. Sometimes they may not want to burn the web, though, such as if it's blocking dozens of other opponents from accessing the PCs, so the opponent would probably live here, simply trapped for the spell's duration.

Where the opponent gets trapped in the web is also situational - did he just barely miss his saving throw? Are there other situational determinants? That sort of thing. I also might determine it randomly if there are no obvious influences.

Rastus_Burne wrote:

Thanks man, that sounds reasonable.

Sure. I responded before seeing Jeff's response, so I would defer to him.

I agree with my learned colleagues.  If enemies can reach the webbed victims, they can execute them with no roll.
When players of low level casters complain about their meager number of spells, it's worth pointing out that low level spells like sleep and web can be used to basically massacre a large number of foes.  The trick is saving them until they're really needed.  If the caster misjudges and uses his best spells too soon...

Blackadder23 wrote:

Speaking of massacre, I feel web in AS&SH needs a 5% cumulative chance of suffocation per turn.

That's a cool house rule.

Blackadder23 wrote:

Rastus_Burne wrote:

That's a cool house rule.

I can't take credit.  It's from AD&D.
 

No kidding! I don't recall reading that. You learn something new everyday.