Any way to make Grapple checks non-str?

[Particle_Man]

I had this idea for a monk that used the feat Intuitive Attack (from book of exalted deeds, use wis instead of strength for attack rolls) and wanted to apply that to grapple checks. To my surprise, it seems that grapple checks, while like attacks, are not attacks themselves. I am not certain if Weapon Finesse would apply to grapple checks either.

So, is there any way at all to have a grappling monk that does not rely upon strength for grapple checks? Is my character concept a non-starter? Or is there an argument for applying feats like Intuitive Attack and Weapon Finesse to grapple checks?

 

[MerakSpielman]

You could let Escape Artist work for getting out of a grapple. It might already, for all I know - it makes sense.

But other than that, I think the system works the way it is. Your BAB is included, which would cover knowledge of wrestling moves, joint locks, and pressure points. And STR is included becuase no matter how skilled you are, raw strength always helps you get the upper hand.

 

[moritheil]

You could let Escape Artist work for getting out of a grapple. It might already, for all I know - it makes sense.

But other than that, I think the system works the way it is. Your BAB is included, which would cover knowledge of wrestling moves, joint locks, and pressure points. And STR is included becuase no matter how skilled you are, raw strength always helps you get the upper hand.

That's the way it works. In fact, that's how I usually see Escape Artist used, especially by small characters.

 

[Saeviomagy]

I had this idea for a monk that used the feat Intuitive Attack (from book of exalted deeds, use wis instead of strength for attack rolls) and wanted to apply that to grapple checks. To my surprise, it seems that grapple checks, while like attacks, are not attacks themselves. I am not certain if Weapon Finesse would apply to grapple checks either.

So, is there any way at all to have a grappling monk that does not rely upon strength for grapple checks? Is my character concept a non-starter? Or is there an argument for applying feats like Intuitive Attack and Weapon Finesse to grapple checks?

There is an argument: specifically that the text for grapple says "a grapple check is like an attack roll".

 

[Hypersmurf]

There is an argument: specifically that the text for grapple says "a grapple check is like an attack roll".

There's also the conflicting answers in the Main FAQ: one stating that the -4 penalty to attack rolls for 'Attacker Prone' applies to grapple checks, and one stating that the exalted strike bonus to attack rolls for Vow of Poverty does not. ("... but a grapple check is not an attack roll, and thus the bonus wouldn’t apply to the grapple check.")

-Hyp.

 

[Saeviomagy]

There's also the conflicting answers in the Main FAQ: one stating that the -4 penalty to attack rolls for 'Attacker Prone' applies to grapple checks, and one stating that the exalted strike bonus to attack rolls for Vow of Poverty does not. ("... but a grapple check is not an attack roll, and thus the bonus wouldn’t apply to the grapple check.")

-Hyp.

I just said there was an argument, not that there was any clear winner...