Improved Grab

[Arnim Thayer]

So exactly what does this ability do in the 3P system? I've tried playtesting monsters with this ability to see if the new Grapple system works, but can't seem to get past this snag. Am I missing something? Replacing it with Improved Grapple is not a solution; that requires Improved Unarmed Strike!

[Shisumo]

At its core, improved grab appears to allow a standard attack (or an attack as part of a full attack action) to automatically trigger a grapple attempt if the initial attack is successful. This would appear to be the case still here. So, for example, if a tendriculos (CMB +17) hits with a tentacle or bite attack, it can automatically follow it up with a CMB check against the target's maneuver DC to see if the hold can be established. In essence, having improved grab allows the creature to make normal attacks and start grapples simultaneously, which is basically what the ability did in 3.5 as well.

Are there particular interactions you're wondering about?

[All DMs are evil]

I completely agree with the post of Shisumo.

I have a query, if a creature with multiple arms/tentacles hits with one of his arms/tentacles, is the grapple check at -4 because he is using one arm/tentacle, or is it assumed to be using its whole body?

Under 3.5 I always ruled it was its whole body, but that was a -20 penalty for not using the whole body, the -4 here seems less of a punishment.

How do other DM's rule on this?