My search didn't reveal the clarity I was looking for, so I was hoping for a little help.
A Giant Moray Eel attacks with and attempts to grab with his +16 grapple attack - is the check at -4 (-20 for grapple +16 bonus) vs PC CMD? And once grappled, the PC is automatically grabbed for the next round?
On the PCs turn, he attempts to free himself with his CMB vs the Eel CMD of 24? Grappled targets have -4 Dex and -2 attack.
Did I get this right?
Thanks for the help.
If an Eel hits, it automatically attempts to grab at -20 to its +16 bonus for a net of -4.
The PC can attempt to free himself - PC CMB vs Eel CMD
On the Eels turn, he attempts to maintain the grab at the normal grapple check. So +16 vs PC CMD.
If the Eel maintains the grab, it gets two attacks on the PC.
Does this sound right?
1. It hits, and automatically attempts to grapple at +16. There's no -20 penalty (see my "Note" below).
2. On the PC's turn, the PC can attempt to break free at CMB vs CMD.
3. On the eel's turn, it first deals automatic bite damage (no attack roll, 2d6+9 damage). It can then attempt to maintain at +21 (+5 bonus since the PC didn't break the grapple).
4. If the eel maintains, it can make a bite attack (+11 attack, 1d6+3 damage), as noted in the gnaw ability.
Note: There's only a -20 penalty if the creature attempts to perform the grapple without gaining the grappled condition. When performing the grapple normally (with both the creature and the PC gaining the grappled condition), there's no penalty.
Where is this -20 rule? That one is new to me.
In the "grab" ability, under "universal monster rules".