Help with a Small Grappler for PFS

[Imbicatus]

So I had a crazy idea to make a small Dex-Based Tetori for PFS. This means Gnome or Halfling. (Grippli or goblin would be better, but I don't have a boon.)Im leaning toward Halfling for the dex bonus, but gnome would open up arcane strike. I don't have a lot of experience with PFS, so I thought I would get some feedback here.

First off in home games, Weapon Finesse applies to grapples, but there is the Agile Maneuvers feat and Grapple isn't one of the "Weapon Based" Maneuvers. Is Agile Maneuvers needed for PFS?

I'm considering a two level dip into white haired witch for early access to constrict and final embrace. But reading the WHW description, the constrict ability takes a swift action instead of the free action it normally would be. Is it even worth taking constrict as a small grappler since you can only use constrict on creatures of your size with Final Embrace?

Any additional thought would be appreciated.

[XMorsX]

Agile Maneuvers is almost needed as far as I can tell.

I would probably go with a Halfling, you are going to be very feat-starved with all the grappling feats that exist anyway. Make sure you take the Fleet of Foot alternative class feature.

Adding more actions that require your swift round action is probably not optimal. In addition, the size restriction breaks the deal for me.

[Imbicatus]

XMorsX wrote:

Agile Maneuvers is almost needed as far as I can tell.

I would probably go with a Halfling, you are going to be very feat-starved with all the grappling feats that exist anyway. Make sure you take the Fleet of Foot alternative class feature.

Adding more actions that require your swift round action is probably not optimal. In addition, the size restriction breaks the deal for me.

Yeah, I know it's sub-optimal. However, I think it can be functional since the only real problem is a -1 size modifier and the inability to use constrict on almost everyone. Also I'd need to buy a new book to use Fleet of Foot, and monk fast movement would cover that in a few levels anyway.

[XMorsX]

I was talking about the constrict ability, for the fact that rewuires a swift actiona nd you can constrict only small creatures. For the general concept I believe tha it is viable for PFS and can have good results.

It does not worth to buy a new book just for this certainly. Can't you use thought the pfsrd?

[Imbicatus]

For PFS you have to have a print/purchased pdf copy of whatever book you are using rules from.

As for constrict requiring a swift action, if you get Final Embrace, that gives you constrict as a free action. The only problem is it only works on your size or smaller. I don't think it's worth it to try to go for constrict on a small race because of that.

[XMorsX]

This is what I believe too. The usual grappling feats will serve you better.

[Taenia]

The grab section of this feat is basically non-viable as Grab has been errata to allow you to grab creatures your size or smaller. In addition, constrict does not have a size limitation, only Grab does even Grapple does not restrict you on size.

This means if you get the Final Embrace feat you gain access to the Grab ability, which among other things gives you +4 on grapple checks. Constrict will apply anytime you make a grapple check so your small halfling with final embrace could grapple a frost giant and constrict it, he just couldnt use Grab on anything bigger than small.

Agile Maneuvers is required unless you are tiny or smaller.

Weapon finesse is still good when you can't grapple. Swarms, ghosts, and krakens are not good to grapple.

Considered a Grippli Grappler myself but keep in mind small size does hurt your grapple chance and increases their chance to get out.