Calling all grappling experts!

[gfunk]

I just read through the D&D FAQ by Wizards and learned that we are doing grappling all wrong. I still have a couple of quick questions though,

1) Can a creature who has no levels of Monk and w/o Improved Grab deal normal damage with a grapple check simply by taking a -4 penalty?

2) If a creature has levels of Monk or Improved Grab, then that FAQ states that they may use their improved unarmed damage or natural weapon damage when making grappling checks. Is this damage normal? Or do Monks and creatures with Improved Grab need to take a -4 penalty as well?

Thanks for your time!

P.S. In the FAQ, I was really knocked on my ass to learn that Clerics CAN'T cast spells with S,M components if they are using ANY shield! This will greatly reduce the power of Clerics IMC (who were unbalanced anyway) since they were casting Magic Vestment on their shields and casting.

 

[Xahn'Tyr]

Usually, a monk's unarmed strikes deal normal damage rather than subdual damage. However, she can choose to deal her damage as subdual damage when grappling.

I'm thinking this means there is no penalty in either case for a monk.

For non-monks, yes you can choose to take the -4 penalty to to the other type of damage.

And as for the last, I am going to continue to cast my cleric spells while I have a buckler on my arm! If you want to argue about it, then I'll put 20 bucklers in my Haversack. I'll drop my current one (free), cast, and then pull out the next (also free). Don't force me to get silly!

 

[Virago]

I'll drop my current one (free), cast, and then pull out the next (also free). Don't force me to get silly!

Might force you to get correct

AFAIK:

Unstrap buckler from arm : MEA
Drop buckler : Free
Get next buckler from pack : MEA
Strap next buckler to arm : MEA


That aside, where is this bit of clerical lore in the FAQ? I missed it...

 

[Oracular Vision]

He clearly meant Hayward's Handy Haversack, with the errata, which allows you to draw whatever you are looking for automatically as a free action. Don't leave home without one!

 

[Virago]

Oops! My mistake. Still leaves two MEAs unaccounted for...

 

[Galfridus]

Unstrap buckler from arm : MEA
Drop buckler : Free
Get next buckler from pack : MEA
Strap next buckler to arm : MEA

Cast Harm on your draconic opponent: Priceless.

 

[Virago]

Hah, funny

 

[Zaruthustran]

The rules say that spells with somatic components only need one hand free. Why assume it's your shield hand? If you want to cast, simply drop or sheath your weapon.

Or, if you're using a Small shield, hold your weapon in your shield hand while you cast.

 

[Vaxalon]

All the clerics in my games use two handed weapons.

 

[Victim]

My cleric just leaves his weapon on his belt. If he has it out, and then needs to cast, I'll drop it have it catch on those wrist tethers that people have on their cameras. Or I'll summon another weapon.