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<blockquote data-quote="jgsugden" data-source="post: 1370138" data-attributes="member: 2629">This does *not* follow the rules.The rules for improved grab say (with emphasis added):The creature has the option on how to conduct the whole grapple, not the option to handle individual rounds of the grapple differently. If it grapples someone with the -20 penalty, the -20 penalty is there for the entire grapple and the creature is treated as if it is not grappling. If it decides not to take the penalty, it follows normal grapple rules. If it wants to switch from one method to the other, it must start a new grapple. The only unanswered question is whether the grappler must end the initial grapple before trying to begin the other type of grapple.Further, your version leads to abuse.Example: Elf attacks bear (initiative 21). Immediately following, the bear grapples the elf on an attack without taking -20(initiative 20). On the elf's turn, it tries to escape, but fails against the bear's huge grapple check. The bear then switches to an improved grab and performs other action. Until the elf's next turn (almost a full round away), the elf is treated as grappled, but the bear is not and the bear never had to win a grapple check by 20. In the hands of a PC druid with a rogue ally, this creates a very easy sneak attack opportunity.That is a huge (and unfair) advantage for the bear.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="jgsugden, post: 1370138, member: 2629"] This does *not* follow the rules. The rules for improved grab say (with emphasis added):The creature has the option on how to conduct the whole grapple, not the option to handle individual rounds of the grapple differently. If it grapples someone with the -20 penalty, the -20 penalty is there for the entire grapple and the creature is treated as if it is not grappling. If it decides not to take the penalty, it follows normal grapple rules. If it wants to switch from one method to the other, it must start a new grapple. The only unanswered question is whether the grappler must end the initial grapple before trying to begin the other type of grapple. Further, your version leads to abuse. Example: Elf attacks bear (initiative 21). Immediately following, the bear grapples the elf on an attack without taking -20(initiative 20). On the elf's turn, it tries to escape, but fails against the bear's huge grapple check. The bear then switches to an improved grab and performs other action. Until the elf's next turn (almost a full round away), the elf is treated as grappled, but the bear is not and the bear never had to win a grapple check by 20. In the hands of a PC druid with a rogue ally, this creates a very easy sneak attack opportunity. That is a huge (and unfair) advantage for the bear. [/QUOTE]

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