How Does Constrict work?

[Old_school_overlord]

I'm a little confsed on constrict, is it:

a) Whenever the monster wins a grapple check, it deals Constrict damage to the other party.

b) Constrict is an extra option the monster has while grappling, which deals damage on a successful check, without requiring a roll to hit.

Thanks!

 

[frankthedm]

I'm a little confsed on constrict, is it:

a) Whenever the monster wins a grapple check, it deals Constrict damage to the other party.

Literally yes. IMHO the text is that the Critter's improved grab and constrict damage are dealt each time the monster makes a grapple check.

Successful Pin: Victim is pinned + [Grab damage]+[Constrict Damage]
Successful 'Damage Your Opponent': [Unarmed strike damage]+[Grab damage]+[Constrict Damage]

One could even read it as the monster deals constrict damage if the victim tries to "break grapple" and the victim fails the opposed roll. I do not recommend reading it this way at ALL.

Now as long as you do not reject the new[ish] Rules Compendium, Improved Grab & constrict basically replace the critter's unarmed strike damage in "Damage Your Opponent" attempts, rather than being bonus damage if the critter decided to Pin the victim or use another 'grapple option'.

Successful Pin: Victim is pinned
Successful 'Damage Your Opponent': [Grab damage]+[Constrict Damage]

I think the Rules Compendium is quite reasonable on the matter.

 

[Infiniti2000]

I think the Rules Compendium is quite reasonable on the matter.

I agree, especially if you think your other listed options are RAW.