Let's say I have a bite attack, with the Grab quality attached, plus constrict.
If I only make a single attack action (e.g. a bite) on my turn, I can multiply my damage dice via Vital Strike.
When I start doing automatic damage via the grappling rules... do I inflict single bite damage only, or is it multiplied as well?
Same question for constrict damage.
When I start doing automatic damage via the grappling rules... do I inflict single bite damage only, or is it multiplied as well?
Same question for constrict damage.
If you're using a standard action to maintain a grapple, you're not using the attack action which is required for vital strike.
A creature with [the constrict] special attack can crush an opponent, dealing bludgeoning damage, when it makes a successful grapple check (in addition to any other effects caused by a successful check, including additional damage). The amount of damage is given in the creature's entry and is typically equal to the amount of damage caused by the creature's melee attack.
Though I don't think it is so, it can certainly be argued that Vital Strike would carry over into the constrict damage. Even if it does work, due to limiting actions, you would only get the boost on the opening round though. However, there would be nothing stopping you from biting, grabbing, constricting, then letting the victim go at the start of your next turn as a free action only to start the whole business over again. In effect this would let you use Vital Strike AND constrict every round, provided you can make all the necessary rolls.
A creature with [the constrict] special attack can crush an opponent, dealing bludgeoning damage, when it makes a successful grapple check (in addition to any other effects caused by a successful check, including additional damage). The amount of damage is given in the creature's entry and is typically equal to the amount of damage caused by the creature's melee attack.Though I don't think it is so, it can certainly be argued that vital strike would carry over into the constrict damage. Due to limiting actions, you would only get the boost on the opening round, however.
Constrict is triggered by the successful grapple check.
A creature with Grab (Ex) attempts to start a grapple as a free action when it hits with that attack.
A free action (to start the grapple, which triggers the constrict) is not an attack action, and thus does not qualify for vital strike.
But it is a grapple check. Since it is a grapple check, it triggers constrict damage. Constrict damage is equal to the natural attack's damage (which has been increased by Vital Strike).
Again, I'm pretty much just playing Devil's advocate since I don't really believe it works that way.
But it is a grapple check. Since it is a grapple check, it triggers constrict damage. Constrict damage is equal to the natural attack's damage (which has been increased by Vital Strike).
Vital Strike: "When you use the attack action, you can make one attack at your highest base attack bonus that deals additional damage."
That one attack dealt additional damage. It's over now. As a separate action, you're making a grapple check, which may allow you to deal damage as given in the creature's Constrict entry, which is typically equal to the amount of damage caused by the creature's melee attack.
Ah, fair enough.