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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Valminder" data-source="post: 353207" data-attributes="member: 6991">If you want to read it, this is from the DndFAQ and it tries to explain the grapple checks.GRAPPLE:* -You can make one grapple check for every attack your BAB normally allows. The number of weapons you use doesn't affect the number of grapple checks you can make.* -When you opt to deal damage with a grapple, you deal subdual damage according to your size, not your natural weapon.* -The normal grappling rules assume that the attacker uses pretty much her whole body in the attack.-You can grapple while using a shield, but the shield's armor check penalty applies to your grapple check.-The two-weapon fighting penalties apply to both grab attempts and any grapple checks that occur after successful grabs. The -20 penalty applies only to grapple checks. For example, a character who has both the Two-Weapon Fighting and Ambidexterity feats would suffer a -2 penalty to each grab attempt and a -22 penalty to any grapple check she makes after a successful grab.-Any creature can opt to take -20 on a grapple check to avoid the more unpleasant aspects of grappling (such as losing your Dexterity bonus and being subject to sneak attacks from rogues), not just creatures with the improved grab ability. Once you decide to take the -20 penalty, the penalty applies to all grapple checks you make until your next turn. Should you succeed at a grapple check and actually establish a hold on an opponent despite the penalty, you are not considered grappled (If you fail to establish a hold, you wouldn't be grappling in any case, unless someone grabbed and held you.) On your next turn you can stop taking the -20 penalty (which could help you maintain your hold or pin your opponent), but if you do, you are considered grappled until it's your turn again, at which point you can either let go or start taking the penalty again. * -For the attacker (that is, the character trying ro disarm a foe or accomplish something with a grapple check) a natural 1 fails and a natural 20 succeeds, no matter what the defender rolls. Although the defender's roll is called an "opposed attack roll," the defender is really just setting the DC for the attacker: 1s and 20s aren't special for the defender. Just apply the defender's modifiers to set the DC for the attacker. If both the attacker and the defender roll a 1, the attacker fails. If both the attacker and the defender roll a 20, the attacker succeeds. Note that you cannot get a hold on a foe two or more sizes larger than you (see page 137 in the Player 's Handhook). …All of the foregoing assumes that you are indeed making an opposed attack roll, which is subject to automatic success or failure. Checks are not subject to automatic success or failure. For example, if you are making an opposed check (as you would when making a Hide check opposed by a foe's Spot check) a roll of 1 or 20 has no special significance. IMPROVED GRAB:* -Creatures with the improved grab special attack can use their natural weapons in a grapple. [Instead of the subdual damage based on size, this natural weapon is the one that can start an Improved Grab]* -Improved grab lets you attempt to grapple a foe after you have made a successful melee attack with a natural weapon, which is usually either a claw or a tentacle. (The creature description says which natural weapon can be used for improved grabs.)…On the first round of grappling, the grabbing creature inflicts damage normally with a successful melee hit. If the creature then decides to grab and it wins the ensuing grapple check (see page 137 in the Player's Handbook for the grappling procedure), it inflicts no extra damage unless it also has the constrict ability. If it can constrict, it inflicts constriction damage when it wins the grapp1e check. …If the creature begins its turn with an opponent in its grasp, the creature can just hold on or it can attempt another grappling check. If it elects to grapple again and it succeeds, the natural weapon the attacker used in the improved grab inflicts normal damage on the opponent. If the attacker also has the constriction ability, it inflicts constriction damage in addition to natural weapon damage. -As I see it, with Improved Grab, you're not considered grappling for the bad aspects of grappling. But you are still considered grappling with all your body, unless you take -20 on your grapple checks.     You still threaten adjacent squares. So you can make an AaO. If you do so, you are not using all your body to hold your prey and you'll suffer a -20 penalty to your grapple checks until the beginning of your next action.     If the attack of opportunity uses the weapon that holds your prey, it's not held anymore.</blockquote>

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