Do items that aid Str checks aid a grapple?

[shilsen]

The MIC has a few items which provide a bonus to Str checks. Does grapple count as a Str check and would it benefit from such items?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pinotage]

I'd say yes, but then it would depend on the wording of the item. Strength checks or Strength based checks are two different things. For the latter, I'd include grapple, although I'd still say yes for the former even though you could argue otherwise.

Pinotage

 

[Infiniti2000]

No. A grapple check is like a melee attack roll, not like a strength check. In point of fact, it is neither, but it is closer to an attack roll than a strength check. For example, you can't get weapon focus (strength check).

 

[Hypersmurf]

It will help with Trips, Overruns, and Bull Rushes, though.

-Hyp.

 

[Mistwell]

It can help with some options while in a grapple. For example, if you pin your opponent, one option is to toss them:

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20050315a

Toss Your Foe: Make an opposed grapple check as a melee attack. If you succeed, you can literally pick up your foe (provided you can lift your foe's weight). Make a Strength check; if your result is at least 10, you toss your foe 5 feet. For every 5 points your Strength check result exceeds 10, you toss your foe another 5 feet, to a maximum of 25 feet.

 

[shilsen]

Thanks, folks.