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Let's assume that a dragon is grappling a PC in its mouth taking the -20 penalty to avoid taking the grappled condition.
What type of action does it take to maintain the grapple? Normally it takes a standard action but I am not certain this case. If it still takes a standard action the dragon could not use its breath weapon (which the Snatch description mentions) or make any other attacks. Not really sure how this one plays out.
It's like Grab, in which you have to do a normal grapple check to maintain in subsequent rounds. So, if I don't break out (at your -20) then you get a +5 the next round to maintain (as a standard action).
Unless the dragon has greater grapple.
You could take a full-round action to maintain then breath weapon, but no movement.
**EDIT**
Other than a 5ft step of course.
**EDIT to the EDIT**
Of course, you could just Snatch and fly straight up. Drop as a free action then breath weapon them as they plummet.
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Thanks for the replies. Here is the text on snatch:
This creature can grab other creatures with ease.
Prerequisite: Size Huge or larger.
Benefits: The creature can start a grapple when it hits with a claw or bite attack, as though it had the grab ability. If it grapples a creature three or more sizes smaller, it squeezes each round for automatic bite or claw damage with a successful grapple check. A snatched opponent held in the creature's mouth is not allowed a Reflex save against the creature's breath weapon, if it has one.
The creature can drop a creature it has snatched as a free action or use a standard action to fling it aside. A flung creature travels 1d6 × 10 feet, and takes 1d6 points of damage per 10 feet traveled. If the creature flings a snatched opponent while flying, the opponent takes this amount or falling damage, whichever is greater.
I can see that RAW the dragon needs to burn a standard action to maintain the grapple. However, the breath weapon and fling text makes me wonder about RAI. Somehow I wonder if the developers intended to make Greater Grapple necessary for the breath weapon or fling options to be usable.
Grapple was a tricky situation to begin with in prior versions of D&D. I like PF's much better in general...but situations like this are tricky.
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Grapple was a tricky situation to begin with in prior versions of D&D. I like PF's much better in general...but situations like this are tricky.
Agreed. I'm considering ruling that the breath weapon and fling represent additional options that can be done with a successful grapple check. Sound reasonable?
Does to me, I don't see any logical reason a Dragon wouldn't be able to breathe around a medium sized created in it's mouth. Or through it's nose for the intake.
As far as damaging during a grapple...we've houseruled that if you take a full action you can for example Flurry while grappling. Monsters should get the same kind of benefit so flinging should be fair game.