Is grappling broke?

[LokiDR]

In CotSQ, a group ran up against a Fiendish Kraken. 100 foot reach, 40 grapple check. What the hell were we supposed to do? The afore mentioned grapple artist could have a chance to beat it, but what are average characters supposed to do?

IMO, a creature shouldn't have the ability to shut a creature down indefinately, as a gargantuan anything can do with grapple checks if they have improved grapple. If a person could be swallowed faster, then they would have a chance to get out faster, but most large monsters have at least enough int to know "if it is squirming, chew more". Monster grappling is broken.

For character on character, it seems a bit slow but balanced.

 

[Brekki]

But a raging barbarian is not the ideal grappling character, you need a character that's polymorphed or otherwise enlarged.

With a polymorphed expanded character (HUGE) with enhanced strength you can grapple a huge red dragon ..... with some luck

 

[Willtell]

Broken

Evey creature that tries to grapple you is bigger, stronger, has more attacks, has improved grap and often has the construct ability.

 

[Brekki]

Re: Broken

Evey creature that tries to grapple you is bigger, stronger, has more attacks, has improved grap and often has the construct ability.

Not always ... I once build a character (lvl 12) who became huge regularly with str 32 and a grapple check of +32 ... you can beat quite a few large and huge monsters with that.

 

[SimonMoon5]

Also, "improved grab" is not a feat, it is a special ability that monster have or don't have, you can't "take" the ability.

Well, renamed "Improved Grapple," it is a feat in Oriental Adventures.

 

[Brekki]

Well, renamed "Improved Grapple," it is a feat in Oriental Adventures.

Definately NOT ... some things that improved grab has that improved grapple doesn't have:
- automatically pull opponent into your space
- grapple check does damage as with the appendix that triggers the improved grab
- not taking -20 on initial grapple check but still holding the opponent in one appendix

 

[Antikinesis]

Re: Broken

Evey creature that tries to grapple you is bigger, stronger, has more attacks, has improved grap and often has the construct ability.

Does that mean that the Kracken is a construct?

(Just kidding. I suspect you're referring to the "constrict" ability.)

-AK

 

[whatisitgoodfor]

Brekki:

grapple check does damage as with the appendix

Wow, grappling with an appendix.

That's a disturbing image.

I think you might mean appendage.

 

[IceBear]

Considering how every rule, class, spell, monster, etc is "broken", I think I'll just give up on D&D.

Hmmmm - since no one RPG system is "perfect" I guess I'll give up on RPGs.

Oh well, I guess I'll have lots of money and have more free time now.

IceBear

 

[Brekki]

Yes I ment appendage ... otherwise it would be scary ... something for the BoVD ??