Improved Grab, Grapple, Constrict and -20 penalty.

[Qwillion]

Ok I have a darkmantle on the ceiling on the suprise round he takes a 5' step and attacks with a tentcle, He attacks he hits deals damage 8 points, then he grapples with improved grab then he constricts and deals 8 points.

When do I apply the -20 to the creatures grapple check for using his tentacle instead of conducting the grapple as normal?

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Only when you want to.

If the darkmantle wants to be treated the whole time as ungrappled, then he applies it on the initial grapple check from Improved Grab. If he's successful anyway, he establishes the grapple but is not himself considered grappled.

Otherwise, make the decision at the beginning of his turn, and the penalty applies on all grapple checks until his next turn.

 

[Infiniti2000]

The first problem is the 5ft-step. I can't see how the darkmantle could take a 5ft-step. He has poor maneuverability, so he cannot hover, and he does not have a climb speed, so he cannot 5ft-step along the ceiling. He'll pretty much drop down, just like the monster description states.

Anyway, with improved grab, a monster draws their opponent into their square. Technically the darkmantle would be drawing its victim upwards as it latches on. Then, both would drop to the ground. If the darkmantle takes the -20, he is not considered grappled. But, with a grapple check of +0, it would be pretty stupid to try that.

Does that help?

 

[Durifern]

Does the Darkmantle deal constrict damage in the same round or in the next one?

 

[Ballard_Alvar]

Does the Darkmantle deal constrict damage in the same round or in the next one?

I believe it was " every time you initiate a successful grapple check" so yes, but when your opponent tries to escape from the grapple (opposed grapple checks) you do not deal the damage. I also believe the damage is applied after step three of the grapple.
So this is how it goes:

step one : Touch attack(AoO resoultion)
step two: Opposed grapple checks, Resolution (pinned, grappled, brain sucked out)
step three: Unarmed damage (non-leathal)


Edit: of course this is different if you opt to take the -20 penalty to doso with claws.
step one: Regular attack/damage
step two: Opposed grapple checks (Resolution)
step three:Natural weapon damage (damage)


Edit there is no step 4, that is inluded with step two.

 

[werk]

Does the Darkmantle deal constrict damage in the same round or in the next one?

SRD: If it wins the grapple check, it attaches to the opponent’s head and can constrict.

Constrict (Ex)
A darkmantle deals 1d4+4 points of damage with a successful grapple check.


Looks like he can do it any round he wins a grapple.

I usually have them grapple normally the first round, then -20 the following rounds (if needed). It means they are more likely to succeed the grapple, but are considered grappled until their next turn.

Keep in mind, it's a small creature.

 

[Infiniti2000]

werk, to do that they would have to break the grapple. Of course, if all involved parties are willing to brak the grapple, then that's okay, but then he has to start the grapple again before getting a grapple check.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

From what I understand, constrict damage can occur in the same round as the damage from the initial attack (claw, tentacle, whatever). That's why constrict damage is so nasty...

 

[werk]

werk, to do that they would have to break the grapple. Of course, if all involved parties are willing to brak the grapple, then that's okay, but then he has to start the grapple again before getting a grapple check.

gotcha, the -20 is needed for the hold.

 

[Qwillion]

So as I understand it, I have to make the decission on weather I want to be considered grappled or not, when I make the initial grapple check, thanks.