So I'm looking around for a crocodile or Constrictor Snake animal companion, and I'm looking at their attacks. It's strange, but their base form seems to have bite [d6+grab] or [d3+grab], but their advancement form only says bite[d8] and bite [d4].
Now I think the intent was that since they are also going up in size, their damage dice goes up accordingly. However, my GM really sticks to the rules and says, if it doesn't say explicitly, go with it.
Is there an errata or someone that knows how it actually is? Is there some sneaking line in the handbook that says that it actually keeps the grab?
So I'm looking around for a crocodile or Constrictor Snake animal companion, and I'm looking at their attacks. It's strange, but their base form seems to have bite [d6+grab] or [d3+grab], but their advancement form only says bite[d6] and bite [d4].
Now I think the intent was that since they are also going up in size, their damage dice goes up accordingly. However, my GM really sticks to the rules and says, if it doesn't say explicitly, go with it.
Is there an errata or someone that knows how it actually is? Is there some sneaking line in the handbook that says that it actually keeps the grab?
Looking at the PRD, I see the damage dice going up for both creatures.
Croc starts with a 1d6 bite. At 4th level it gains a 1d8 bite or a 1d12 tail slap, along with the Death Roll, Grab and Sprint abilities.
Constrictor starts with a 1d3 bite and Grab. At 4th it goes up to a 1d4 bite, and also gains Constrict 1d4.
Yeah, it definitely gains damage dice, but does it retain its grab?
It should, but I don't see any line that says that compared to just replacing the bite.
Yeah, it definitely gains damage dice, but does it retain its grab?
Yes. The grab ability is listed separately under "special attacks", not as part of the bite's damage die. That should make it clear that the ability is not tied to how much damage the creature deals.
Also, the advancement section only lists the things that change; things that remain the same are not listed (such as a Badger's rage ability).
By the way, the companion stats for crocodile doesn't even provide grab until it advances. The base form doesn't have it at all.
Yeah, it definitely gains damage dice, but does it retain its grab?
It should, but I don't see any line that says that compared to just replacing the bite.
The advancements are meant to be in addition to the abilities granted, not replacements. Your DM doesn't think they'll lose low light vision and scent, does he? Or that 4th level horses and ponies have no attacks whatsoever?
Ah, thanks so much!