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I've been playing this grappling character for a while and I'm a bit confused about some feats, class features and magic items that are supposed to help, but don't.
You see, my character has a CMB of +34 when it comes to grappling, but a CMD of 26. Most of the grapple bonii I get are on CMB, but they don't mention CMD. Am I reading this wrong? Is this an oversight by the designers? Am I going crazy?
Perhaps if you were to explain where the numbers you are getting are coming from, it would be easier to answer your questions.
In general though, there are plenty of things that increase CMB but don't increase CMD. Most of CMD is passive and characters get what they get based on BAB etc. CMB is active and things like feats increase your ability to succeed at those actions.
Like Dave said, you might want to post specific builds if you want precise answers. Feats like Improved Grapple do indeed give a +2 to CMB and CMD with regards to grappling.
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Yeah, Improved Grapple does, then you look at Greater Grapple and you realize that Greater Grapple doesn't give a bonus to CMD. Weapon Focus only gives a bonus on grapple checks. (Okay, not the best feat.)
Inescapable Gloves give a +4 competence bonus to combat maneuver checks to grapple.
My biggest problem is the 3rd party Oracle Mystery I chose. The Snakes mystery has a revelation that let's you use your level instead of your BAB for grapple checks. You also add your charisma instead of your strength. Just not for CMD...
On another note, I do have a deflection, dodge and insight bonus to CMD.
ok.... so,
CMB, CMD
Improved Grapple +2 +2
Greater Grapple +2 +0
Weapon Focus +0 +0
Inescapable gloves +4 +0
S. Mystery(coils) +4 +0
S. Mystery(coils) +lvl(oracle) +0
S. Mystery(coils) +cha +0
So, lets assume you're a medium sized level 10 oracle and you have a 14 str, a 14 dex and a 20 cha.
CMB = [(oracle lvl) + Str + size mod] + [special abilities] + [feats] + [items]
CMB = [10+2+0]+[5+4]+[2+2+0]+[4] = 29
CMD = 10 + BaB + Str + Dex + Size + misc.
CMD = 10+7+2+2+0+2 = 23
I don't know what else you have, but certainly the abilities you've listed add to your CMB and not your CMD. I'm not sure about weapon focus though, even if you have weapon focus unarmed strike, a combat maneuver check is not an attack roll. You might be able to do a combat maneuver check as part of an attack roll (such as the case with the coils mystery) but that doesn't make it an attack roll.
I'm not sure about weapon focus though, even if you have weapon focus unarmed strike, a combat maneuver check is not an attack roll.
Actually, it is.
When you attempt to perform a combat maneuver, make an attack roll and add your CMB in place of your normal attack bonus. Add any bonuses you currently have on attack rolls due to spells, feats, and other effects. These bonuses must be applicable to the weapon or attack used to perform the maneuver. The DC of this maneuver is your target's Combat Maneuver Defense. Combat maneuvers are attack rolls, so you must roll for concealment and take any other penalties that would normally apply to an attack roll.
Weapon Focus (grapple) would be pretty pointless otherwise, and it's explicitly an option.
I'm not sure about weapon focus though, even if you have weapon focus unarmed strike, a combat maneuver check is not an attack roll.Actually, it is.
When you attempt to perform a combat maneuver, make an attack roll and add your CMB in place of your normal attack bonus. Add any bonuses you currently have on attack rolls due to spells, feats, and other effects. These bonuses must be applicable to the weapon or attack used to perform the maneuver. The DC of this maneuver is your target's Combat Maneuver Defense. Combat maneuvers are attack rolls, so you must roll for concealment and take any other penalties that would normally apply to an attack roll.Weapon Focus (grapple) would be pretty pointless otherwise, and it's explicitly an option.
huh, good to know. I guess the lesson here is I should keep reading. I read the 1st paragraph but not the second one which you quoted.
edit: With that being the case, it becomes extremely easy to have your CMB outstrip your CMD.