To cast a spell, you must be able to speak (almost all spells has a verbal component).
Can I put my hand over the caster's mouth (would it work as a grapple attempt?) to shut him up so that he is not able to speak?
Wouldn't this easily shut down spellcasters?
Only if you pin him can you prevent him from speaking, grapple is not enough.
A pinned creature can still take verbal actions, he just cannot cast any spells that require a somatic or material component.
But the combat maneuver is not meant to grapple the spellcaster (so no –4 penalty to Dexterity and –2 penalty on all attack rolls, for instance), just to shut him up to avoid him to speak (so not only he can't cast, but he can't even call for help).
How can you do this following the Pathfinder rules?
There is Jawbreaker, based on Stunning Fist, which allows you to surpress spells with verbal components.
If you want to stick with grapple, Sleeper Hold is probably the closest thing - make them unconscious instead of just surpressing spells.
To cast a spell, you must be able to speak (almost all spells has a verbal component).
Can I put my hand over the caster's mouth (would it work as a grapple attempt?) to shut him up so that he is not able to speak?
Wouldn't this easily shut down spellcasters?
If he cooperates by standing absolutely still and offering no defense whatsoever, you're golden.
Most enemy spellcasters however, aren't nearly so cooperative.
I found stabbing is the best way to go. A living wizard NEVER shuts up for long.
I think the Chokehold feat causes them to hold their breath or suffocate. That means no verbal components.
I think the Chokehold feat causes them to hold their breath or suffocate. That means no verbal components.
Thanks! It seems that's what I was looking for.