Dealing w/ Imp. Grab [Archive] - Wizards Community

Dealing w/ Imp. Grab [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
MerlintheTuna
06-02-06, 03:18 PM So, for whatever reason, just about 90% of all of the enemies we face in my current campaign have Improved Grab, Improved Grapple, or both. Be they Skullcrusher Ogres, Flaming Oozes, Yuan-Ti Abominations, Shrapnel Ragamuffins... needless to say, we make a lot of grapple checks. And okay, sure, it's a viable tactic, but it's really starting to be a pain. And though my DM recognizes that this has become repetitive and annoying, he insists that a pretty large chunk of monsters have Imp. Grab, so we shouldn't expect changes. (Note: We're currently 7th level, all PHB races)

That having been said, is there really any way to deal with an Improved Grabber? Given that the things generally have pretty colossal grapple checks, it's hard enough to escape the grapple, and even if we do get out, moving away provokes attacks of opportunity, which then put us back IN the grapple. At this point I've had to resort to idiotic tactics like attempting a pin on the off chance that I roll well and the monster rolls terribly. Is there any simple way to shut down Improved Grab at all?
pileobone
06-02-06, 03:56 PM Three words, in italics: Freedom of Movement
A wonderful little 4'th level spell that makes grappling the creature under it's effects impossible. Check it out.
Medicelious-Melharmonac
06-02-06, 04:03 PM That having been said, is there really any way to deal with an Improved Grabber?

Close Quarters Fighting will allow you an attack of opportunity against them (regardless of improved grab). Make the most of it because it adds to your check to resist the grapple.
utilitarian
06-02-06, 04:47 PM for the melee people, go for things like Close Quarters Fighting, Clever Wrestling, or a shiny new set of armor spikes.

For the casters, look for spells that will either keep you out of grapples or help you in them.

For avoiding, things like Mirror Image, Blink, and of course Freedom of Movement will either keep you from getting hit (and thus grappled) and Freedom of Movement as stated will completely make the action ineffective

Or, if you're feeling really mean, try stuff like Balor Nimbus. 3rd level spell for acane or divine casters that makes any creature grappling you take a whipping 6d6 fire damage a round. Yowch! For a druid try Poison Thorns for damage AND a nasty poison. One of my personal favorite spells is Fearsome Grapple. It's a lovely IMMEDIATE action spell that gives you a +4 (or +8 after... uh... 10th level? 8th? I can't remember) to grapple checks, and I think it's only 2nd level if memory serves. Let's see those puny creatures get ahold of you now!

(All spells referenced from PHP or Spell Compendium. Don't have Spell Compendium? GET IT!)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MerlintheTuna 06-02-06, 03:18 PM	So, for whatever reason, just about 90% of all of the enemies we face in my current campaign have Improved Grab, Improved Grapple, or both. Be they Skullcrusher Ogres, Flaming Oozes, Yuan-Ti Abominations, Shrapnel Ragamuffins... needless to say, we make a lot of grapple checks. And okay, sure, it's a viable tactic, but it's really starting to be a pain. And though my DM recognizes that this has become repetitive and annoying, he insists that a pretty large chunk of monsters have Imp. Grab, so we shouldn't expect changes. (Note: We're currently 7th level, all PHB races) That having been said, is there really any way to deal with an Improved Grabber? Given that the things generally have pretty colossal grapple checks, it's hard enough to escape the grapple, and even if we do get out, moving away provokes attacks of opportunity, which then put us back IN the grapple. At this point I've had to resort to idiotic tactics like attempting a pin on the off chance that I roll well and the monster rolls terribly. Is there any simple way to shut down Improved Grab at all?
pileobone 06-02-06, 03:56 PM	Three words, in italics: Freedom of Movement A wonderful little 4'th level spell that makes grappling the creature under it's effects impossible. Check it out.
Medicelious-Melharmonac 06-02-06, 04:03 PM	That having been said, is there really any way to deal with an Improved Grabber? Close Quarters Fighting will allow you an attack of opportunity against them (regardless of improved grab). Make the most of it because it adds to your check to resist the grapple.
utilitarian 06-02-06, 04:47 PM	for the melee people, go for things like Close Quarters Fighting, Clever Wrestling, or a shiny new set of armor spikes. For the casters, look for spells that will either keep you out of grapples or help you in them. For avoiding, things like Mirror Image, Blink, and of course Freedom of Movement will either keep you from getting hit (and thus grappled) and Freedom of Movement as stated will completely make the action ineffective Or, if you're feeling really mean, try stuff like Balor Nimbus. 3rd level spell for acane or divine casters that makes any creature grappling you take a whipping 6d6 fire damage a round. Yowch! For a druid try Poison Thorns for damage AND a nasty poison. One of my personal favorite spells is Fearsome Grapple. It's a lovely IMMEDIATE action spell that gives you a +4 (or +8 after... uh... 10th level? 8th? I can't remember) to grapple checks, and I think it's only 2nd level if memory serves. Let's see those puny creatures get ahold of you now! (All spells referenced from PHP or Spell Compendium. Don't have Spell Compendium? GET IT!)