grapple qes - noooo! don't run away

[Willtell]

If in the surprise round an Ankheg borrows up and atks a character:

1. can it start a grapple in the surprise round (it has improved grab)
2. can the surprised character make an opposed grapple check?

 

[Kwalish Kid]

1. Yes. Why not?
2. That's what grappling is all about, so yes. Surprised does not equal helpless.