Grappling Bonuses

[NewXToa]

So, in the rules on the Grappling combat maneuver, it says:

The PRD wrote:

If you do not release the grapple, you must continue to make a check each round, as a standard action, to maintain the hold. If your target does not break the grapple, you get a +5 circumstance bonus on grapple checks made against the same target in subsequent rounds.

When do I start applying the bonus? Do I apply it the round after I succeed the grapple check to begin grappling?

[The Fox]

By a strict reading of the rule, you get the +5 bonus starting 1 round later and no earlier.

However, I think it is in the spirit of the rule that you get the bonus starting with your very next grapple check.

Can you give us the context of how this situation, whether real or hypothetical, arose?

[Secane]

Breakdown of grappling a Target -

Round 1)

You: You grapple Target successfully

Target: Tries to break free and fails or does not try to break free and decides to hit you instead OR enjoys being grappled by you and ask you to continue doing so.

Round 2)

You: Maintain your grapple with a +5 circumstance bonus on the grapple check. If you succeed you can perform one of the actions listed under the grapple rules.

Target: 1.- Tries to break free again and fails or does not try to break free at all = you continue to enjoy the +5 circumstance bonus on following checks
2.- If Targets break free, you don't get the +5 circumstance bonus anymore.

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Alternative flow of events:

Round 1)

Target: Goes first

You: You grapple Target successfully

Round 2)

Target: Tries to break free and fails or does not try to break free and decides to hit you instead OR enjoys being grappled by you and ask you to continue doing so.

You: Maintain your grapple with a +5 circumstance bonus on the grapple check. If you succeed you can perform one of the actions listed under the grapple rules.

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Hope this clears it up!

[wraithstrike]

Secane is correct.

[Rayne Oremé]

Alrighty, thanks!
I was in the PbP forums, and I had to grapple a young cockatrice. I succeeded the grapple check, buddies killed the other cockatrice, and I'm trying to continue grappling the first one :D

Anyway, thanks for the clarification!

[The Fox]

Wraithstrike and Secane, I'm curious how you rule for 8th-level maneuver master monks who can make two grapple checks as part of a flurry of maneuvers.

[Secane]

@The Fox,

Do you mean "What happens when my character can make more then 1 grapple check in 1 round?", which is possible not just with a maneuver master monk.
(Maneuver master monks can make a full round attack + 1 grapple attempt and a 2nd grapple check at lv 8.)

A straight up fighter with the right feats, Greater Grapple, swift grapple, could also make multiple grapple checks in 1 turn.
Standard - Grapple
Move - Maintain Grapple - Greater Grapple
Swift - Maintain Grapple - swift grapple

*So to your question* -
If a maneuver master monk make a full round attack + 2 extra grapples, they don't get the +5 to the 2nd grapple check, assuming the 1st attempt succeeded.
Why? - Cos the rule said "subsequent rounds". Not the next attempt to grapple. Unlike some disambiguate rules, there is no misunderstanding of the rules here. The +5 only kicks in on subsequent rounds.

*Disclaimer: There have been recent posts, suggesting the intent of Greater Grapple, swift grapple, etc is not to grapple a target multiple times in the FIRST round, but to MAINTAIN grapple in the subsequent rounds (And apply pin, damage,etc)
Just be ready for a possible FAQ on grapple.

[wraithstrike]

Fox Secane is correct again. I think the rul was written that way to give the victim at least onr chance to escape. A grappled creature can find itself in a lot of trouble, especially if the creature has constrict.

[The Fox]

Thanks guys. :) That is pretty much exactly what I thought.