I have three questions related to one event.
1) If 3 people are aiding one person to get a grapple he gets a +6 modifier to his grapple and that affects until the end of turn.. So if the person being grappled is trying to reverse the grapple on that one opponent does he get the +6 on his CMD as well as his CMB?
2) If there are 3 people grappling one person then a darkness spell is dropped in that area are they still able to aid the main grappler? Darkness doesn't really affect the two main grapplers because it gives them a +2 bonus to CMD which negates the -4 dex they have for being in a grapple, but how does it affect the multiple creatures aiding?
3)If you are the defender and keep your weapon in your hand do you get a - 4 to your grapple when you try to reverse the grapple? Because I know you get a -4 to your grapple, unless you have both hands free, but what about when you are trying to reverse the grapple?
1)Relevant text:
In melee combat, you can help a friend attack or defend by distracting or interfering with an opponent. If you're in position to make a melee attack on an opponent that is engaging a friend in melee combat, you can attempt to aid your friend as a standard action. You make an attack roll against AC 10. If you succeed, your friend gains either a +2 bonus on his next attack roll against that opponent or a +2 bonus to AC against that opponent's next attack (your choice), as long as that attack comes before the beginning of your next turn. Multiple characters can aid the same friend, and similar bonuses stack.
So aid another does not last "until end of turn"; it aids on the next attack of the ally or against the next attack of the enemy, your choice. Each of the three allies chooses +2 attack or +2 AC, and it lasts for one attack only. Some combination of CMD or CMB for one check, not both.
2) Technically, you're not "in position to make a melee attack on an opponent" that you can't see -- you can't target him with spells or do anything more than attack his square. You can't aid another if you can't see to attack the opponent.
3) I would rule that, yes, humanoids without two free hands take a penalty to break or reverse a grapple, since that would still be grappling a foe.
1)Relevant text:
So aid another does not last "until end of turn"; it aids on the next attack of the ally or against the next attack of the enemy, your choice. Each of the three allies chooses +2 attack or +2 AC, and it lasts for one attack only. Some combination of CMD or CMB for one check, not both.
Okay, I agree with that statment, but I'm wondering about is that the multiple grappler's section isn't as clear as Aid Another
Multiple Creatures: Multiple creatures can attempt to grapple one target. The creature that first initiates the grapple is the only one that makes a check, with a +2 bonus for each creature that assists in the grapple (using the Aid Another action). Multiple creatures can also assist another creature in breaking free from a grapple, with each creature that assists (using the Aid Another action) granting a +2 bonus on the grappled creature's combat maneuver check.
I think that they would only get the +2 to the initial grapple, but others might think it's the whole round.
Even the grapple rule only indicates that each side gets the bonus to the check; it doesn't say that either side gets a bonus to the CMD. If someone says that this rule overrides the general rule, it just means that Aid Another is not available to aid the CMD in a grapple -- you always have to aid another's CM check instead.
Thank you very much! You have been very helpful!! Even though I'm having problems with Combat Maneuvers it's much easier than 3.5!!
1) If 3 people are aiding one person to get a grapple he gets a +6 modifier to his grapple and that affects until the end of turn.. So if the person being grappled is trying to reverse the grapple on that one opponent does he get the +6 on his CMD as well as his CMB?
It seems to me that the 'multiple creatures' section of the Grapple rule states you can use aid another to assist in grappling a creature or you can use aid another to break free. So, you don't get a bonus to your CMD.
2) If there are 3 people grappling one person then a darkness spell is dropped in that area are they still able to aid the main grappler? Darkness doesn't really affect the two main grapplers because it gives them a +2 bonus to CMD which negates the -4 dex they have for being in a grapple, but how does it affect the multiple creatures aiding?
RAW, no effect whatsoever, but I'm beginning to wonder if there should not be a requirement that those wishing to aid roll a combat manuever check vs. DC 10. It seems every other aid another action requires at least this minimal success. Right now a fine-sized creature and colossal creature will both give an automatic +2 bonus, which just seems nonsensical.
3)If you are the defender and keep your weapon in your hand do you get a - 4 to your grapple when you try to reverse the grapple? Because I know you get a -4 to your grapple, unless you have both hands free, but what about when you are trying to reverse the grapple?
I would say yes you do. Logically, it makes sense, although I wish the rule was clearer. It states "Humanoid creatures without two free hands attempting to grapple a foe take a –4 penalty on the combat maneuver roll." Reversing a grapple calls for making a successful "combat manuever check."
I just read the SRD and it says
Humanoid creatures without two free hands attempting to grapple a foe take a –4 penalty on the combat maneuver roll.
But what it does not add that you get a -4 opponent when escaping the grapple, only when you try to grapple. So if you try to escape do you get the -4 to grapple?