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Message: <blockquote data-quote="eamon" data-source="post: 4047739" data-attributes="member: 51942">The spell speaks of a grapple check.  Not one per round, or one at the start of each creatures turn or any such phrasing; the spell asks for a grapple check.  Compare to Entangle: "A creature that succeeds on a Reflex save is not entangled but can still move at only half speed through the area. Each round on your turn, the plants once again attempt to entangle all creatures that have avoided or escaped entanglement."Entangle mentions what happens for the duration of the spell and mentions what happens initially.Consider Web: "Anyone in the effect’s area when the spell is cast must make a Reflex save. If this save succeeds, [...]. If the save fails, [...]. Once loose (either by making the initial Reflex save or a later Strength check or Escape Artist check), a creature remains entangled, but may move through the web very slowly. Each round devoted to moving allows the creature to make a new Strength check or Escape Artist check. The creature moves 5 feet for each full 5 points by which the check result exceeds 10." Web mentions what happens for the duration of the spell and mentions what happens initially.Consider Stinking cloud: "Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn."Stinking cloud mentions what happens for the duration of the spell and mentions what happens initially.And black tentacles? " Every creature within the area of the spell must make a grapple check, opposed by the grapple check of the tentacles. Treat the tentacles attacking a particular target as a Large creature with a base attack bonus equal to your caster level and a Strength score of 19. Thus, its grapple check modifier is equal to your caster level +8. The tentacles are immune to all types of damage.Once the tentacles grapple an opponent, they may make a grapple check each round on your turn to deal 1d6+4 points of bludgeoning damage. The tentacles continue to crush the opponent until the spell ends or the opponent escapes."Black tentacles mentions what happens on each round, and mentions what happens initally.  Just like every other spell.  It does not say anything about repeated grapple attempts - because there aren't any.You may find the concept of black tentacles odd and badly thought out, but the game mechanics are hardly different from many other spells - they say straightforwardly what to do:  Attempt to start a grapple, then, once grappled, attempt to do damage once per round.</blockquote>

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