ogg the cuff i would say they can do either pin or deal damage
I'm sure something similar has been many times before, but...a question regarding Grab and pinning.
So, the Grab ability mentions that it deals damage equal to the natural attack that started the grab. I presume occurs when the beasty uses the "Maintain the hold, inflict damage" option?
So what happens when the beasty with grab tries instead to pin the opponent on the round after initiating the grapple? Does grab STILL inflict damage from the originating natural attack on top of attempting to pin?
This is a little sticky of an issue.
Here's the relevant text of Grab:
If the creature does not constrict, each successful grapple check it makes during successive rounds automatically deals the damage indicated for the attack that established the hold.
To me, this looks like just an assumption that the creature will be using the damage option when maintaining, and is not a means to do twice as much damage per turn to a grappled foe [for that, you need constrict].
I'm sure something similar has been many times before, but...a question regarding Grab and pinning.
So, the Grab ability mentions that it deals damage equal to the natural attack that started the grab. I presume occurs when the beasty uses the "Maintain the hold, inflict damage" option?
So what happens when the beasty with grab tries instead to pin the opponent on the round after initiating the grapple? Does grab STILL inflict damage from the originating natural attack on top of attempting to pin?
Yes, it does the additonal damage.
"If the creature does not constrict, each successful grapple check it makes during successive rounds automatically deals the damage indicated for the attack that established the hold. (Bestiary, p. 301)"
It says "each successful grapple check" without regard to which option is chosen. You deal damage whether you move, damage, pin, or even tie up your opponent.