Grapple: Light weapon clarification

[tmaaas]

When is a creature's natural weapons considered 'light' for purposes of grappling? For instance, can any clawed creature uses its claws in a grapple to deal normal damage instead of subdual? Can it only use them if it has the 'Improved Grab' feat? What about bite or slam attacks?

Thanks,

tmaaas

 

[Thanee]

Yep, I think natural weapons should generally be considered light.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Stalker0]

natural weapons are always two size categories lower than the creature using them, and weapons two size categories lower than your size are always light weapons for you.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

And natural weapons such as claws or a slam attack are not unarmed strikes, so they do normal damage, even if used in the midst of a grapple.

 

[Brekki]

Any creature can use light weapons (which include unarmed attacks, PHB page 140) to attack in a grapple. But then you use your normal weapon attack role. If you want to do "real" damage with an opposed grapple check you have to have Improved Grab or Snatch or a similar feat (or be a monk).