If a creature with this special attack hits with the indicated attack (usually a claw or bite attack), it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. Unless otherwise noted, grab can only be used against targets of a size equal to or smaller than the creature with this ability. If the creature can use grab on creatures of other sizes, it is noted in the creature's Special Attacks line. The creature has the option to conduct the grapple normally, or simply use the part of its body it used in the grab to hold the opponent. If it chooses to do the latter, it takes a –20 penalty on its CMB check to make and maintain the grapple, but does not gain the grappled condition itself. A successful hold does not deal any extra damage unless the creature also has the constrict special attack. 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. Otherwise, it deals constriction damage as well (the amount is given in the creature’s descriptive text).
Creatures with the grab special attack receive a +4 bonus on combat maneuver checks made to start and maintain a grapple.
Above is the description for the monster ability Grab, and I was wondering how exactly it works. When a monster uses grab, is it still able to take any additional attacks despite being considered grappled? Or can it only take its extra attacks if it chooses to take the -20 penalty to grapple only with the attacking limb? (mouth, claw, tentacle, etc)
On the round of the attack, successfully grabbing somone has no effect on the rest of the creatures attacks.
Sp a Tentacle monster, with 8 tentacle attacks attacks 8 times. It gets all of these attacks. However, if it does not want to be reduced to a single standard action the next round; then it has to take the -20 on the grapple. Which im sure many authentic tentacle monsters can make.
IF it made the grapple with the -20 successfully, then the next round the only limb prevent from full attacking is the one with the successful grapple.
So round 1, 8 attacks GRapple at -20. Round 2 7 attacks, and 1 maintain attempt.
Is the the maintain also -20?
Uhh we were not discussing grappling in the normal way. We were discussing grab. Neither grab or the grapple condition prevent a full attack.
If the 8 armed tentacle monster does its 8 attacjs and chooses nit to take -20 all the attacks go through. Then in round 2 he maintains like anyone else.
If he takes the -20 then in round 2 he gets 7 attack and 1 maintain.
I'm not sure what I have wrong.
Don't you get a +4 to your grapple check to maintain a grapple?
Attacks made while grappling are at -2, but grappled gives you a -4 to dexterity so it's a wash unless you are using dexterity for your combat maneuvers.
I have a related question. Can a creature use the Grab Extraordinary Ability as part of an attack of opportunity?