Grappled: targets, movement and dragging

SRD 5.2.1 · Conditions

At the table

1. Set the grappled creature’s Speed to zero; it cannot increase.
2. Apply Disadvantage to its attack rolls against targets other than the grappler.
3. When the grappler moves with it, charge one extra foot per foot unless the size exception applies. Use the grapple’s separate escape rules or effect to resolve escape.

Example decision

A grappled fighter attacks the creature holding them, then considers attacking another adjacent enemy. Which attack is penalized by the Grappled condition?

The attack against the other enemy.

Grappled applies its attack penalty to targets other than the grappler. It does not apply that penalty to the attack against the grappler itself. Other sources of Advantage or Disadvantage still matter. Speed zero restricts movement, but the condition does not say the creature loses its action.

Watch for this mistake

Do not grant incoming attacks Advantage solely because the target is Grappled. That is a feature of several other conditions, including Restrained. Also keep escape procedure separate from the condition’s ongoing effects.

Ask the table

Who is the grappler, who is the attack targeting, and which size exception applies to dragging?

Source rule

While you have the Grappled condition, you experience the following effects. Speed 0. Your Speed is 0 and can’t increase. Attacks Affected. You have Disadvantage on attack rolls against any target other than the grappler. Movable. The grappler can drag or carry you when it moves, but every foot of movement costs it 1 extra foot unless you are Tiny or two or more sizes smaller than it.

Source: SRD 5.2.1, 182. Online guide.