#66548-38's page

Generally, no. Only if the ability states it does (such as the Improved Grapple feat).

That is one problem about being grapple focused. Luckily some racial favored class bonuses offer +1 CMD vs Grapple.

If you want to ensure that someone doesn't break out, investing your points there will be worth it.

Or tildes, like this.

But see, you have make the case that the tail can't do these things when using your interpretation of holding.

There's no need with my interpretation.

It's not pedantic. I generally get annoyed myself when people pick apart words in a sentence and completely invalidate abilities by skewing grammar. This isn't that. My view is heavily supported by my understanding of game balance.

Giving two races free access to what you're arguing is essentially a third limb is game-breaking. If your interpretation were valid, there would be no argument against the tail:

- holding a shield and benefitting from the AC bonus
- holding a metamagic rod and using it during Spell Combat
- activating a wand while your hands are occupied
- dual wielding guns and reloading them by holding them with your tail
- holding anything meant to take up an actual hand for balance purposes

In order to gain a "third limb", you generally have to spend a feat or equivalent ability, such as an Alchemist's Vestigial Arm or the Grasping Tail feat.

I do not believe that any race comes with that ability out of the gate.

Generally in Pathfinder you have what they call a "fluff" introduction before you find the "crunch" ability.

The "fluff" part of both abilities is "a long, flexible tail that she can use to carry objects".

The "crunch" part of both abilities is "the tail allows her to retrieve a small, stowed object carried on her person as a swift action".

That's it. Actually carrying and holding objects and treating your Tail as an extra Limb is too powerful of an ability for a basic racial trait.

This is further evidenced by the Grasping Tail feat, which expands on the Tiefling's base Prehensile Tail and allows you to actually "hold such objects with your tail".

The Grasping Tail feat would be worthless otherwise.

Edit: switched to my shiny new vanara alias. :)

Yours is prettier, but then again mine has a Charisma of 5 =P

The basic Prehensile Tail only allows retrieval of a stored item as a swift action. It can't hold items, wield weapons or act as a fifth limb.

Basically, ignore the real world examples of what prehensile tails do for New World monkeys.

Same for Tieflings (except they actually can upgrade their Prehensile Tail to a Grasping Tail, including the ability to hold items).

EDIT: switched to my shiny new Vanara alias.