Defender in grapple, which flowchart is correct?

[Mok]

This just came up and was debated a bit at our table last night.

The issue is whether the defender in a grapple needs to make a CMB check to perform an action with one hand, such as cast a spell or make an attack. Or can the defender simply take these action (with appropriate modifiers) and remain in the defenders position of the grapple?

There are two different flow charts linked through on the PFSRD.org website with conflicting stances on this:

#1 - Defender needs to make a CMB check to do anything at all.

#2 - Defender can take one-handed actions without a CMB check.

Which way to go with this? The entry on grapple happens to be just vague enough that it caused half the table to favor one way, and another half of the table to favor the other way.

[Tom Baumbach]

I daresay flowchart #1 is wrong. The language is pretty clear, presenting three distinct concepts:

1) If you are grappled, you can attempt to break the grapple as a standard action by making a combat maneuver check (DC equal to your opponent's CMD; this does not provoke an attack of opportunity) or Escape Artist check (with a DC equal to your opponent's CMD). If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally. Alternatively, if you succeed, you can become the grappler, grappling the other creature (meaning that the other creature cannot freely release the grapple without making a combat maneuver check, while you can).

3) Instead of attempting to break or reverse the grapple, you can take any action that requires only one hand to perform, such as cast a spell or make an attack with a light or one-handed weapon against any creature within your reach, including the creature that is grappling you. See the grappled condition for additional details.

4) If you are pinned, your actions are very limited. See the pinned condition in Conditions for additional details.

[cwslyclgh]

The second one looks correct to me.

[d20pfsrd.com]

I have confirmed with other collaborators on d20pfsrd.com that the one chart that Tom says is wrong, is in fact wrong. The others I believe are correct. I'll be removing the incorrect one today.

[0gre]

#2 is the correct way to run it.

I've seen this same incorrect flow chart put up before (and commented on it being wrong). Hopefully John will remove it and that will be the end of it.

[d20pfsrd.com]

The incorrect flowchart(s) have been removed. There are links to correct charts in the grapple section of the combat page now. If anyone notices anything incorrect about the flowcharts please report them either here or in the d20pfsrd.com messageboards!