Constrict...Need Rulings on What Exactly It Does

[wayfare]

Hey Folks:

Can anybody give me a good summary of what Constrick does and why it might be useful for PCs to gain this ability?

Many Thanks

--Wayfare

[Gerrtt]

It's additional damage made with a grapple check. Furthermore, if you have improved grab you get that bonus damage in addition to the weapon you used to grab someone with in the first place.

[Telonius]

Basically, it's a set amount of damage on a Grapple. Usually the amount is more than a typical creature of its size would do if it were just going to use the regular Grapple rules for damage (1d2 for a Small creature, 1d3 for a Medium creature).

Constrict (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm):


Constrict

A creature with this special attack can crush an opponent, dealing bludgeoning damage, after making a successful grapple check. The amount of damage is given in the creature’s entry. If the creature also has the improved grab ability it deals constriction damage in addition to damage dealt by the weapon used to grab.

[wayfare]

Is it an auto-hit when you maintain the grapple?

[Gerrtt]

Yes. When you maintain the grapple it does bonus damage in addition to the damage done by grappling.

[Fouredged Sword]

Whenever you make a grapple check this damage is done if the check is successful.

Attacking with a light weapon? Make the grapple check to do so, then deal the constrict damage automatically as well if you pass on top of the attack damge.

Maintaining a grapple? Constrict damage.

Resisting an escape artist check? Damage.

Start a grapple? Damage!

Move the grapple? Damage!

This happens in response to things you do, as well as things your opponent does, so it allows you to deal damage outside your turn.

[wayfare]

Thanks for the input, folks.

Would you say this would be over-powered as a 7th level class ability?

[Fouredged Sword]

Depends on the damage amount. 1d4, no. 3d6 maybe. 10d6, right out.

[wayfare]

Depends on the damage amount. 1d4, no. 3d6 maybe. 10d6, right out.

The class gets superior unarmed strike as a class feature, so maybe something like 1d8 damage.

[Deaxsa]

The class gets superior unarmed strike as a class feature, so maybe something like 1d8 damage.

totally fine. remember that constrict damage almost always does 1.5x str modifier too

[Qc Storm]

Whenever you make a grapple check this damage is done if the check is successful.

Attacking with a light weapon? Make the grapple check to do so, then deal the constrict damage automatically as well if you pass on top of the attack damge.

Maintaining a grapple? Constrict damage.

Resisting an escape artist check? Damage.

Start a grapple? Damage!

Move the grapple? Damage!

This happens in response to things you do, as well as things your opponent does, so it allows you to deal damage outside your turn.

I thought it only happened for grapple checks you initiated yourself?

I'm not a grapple pro though. These things still confuse me after years of D&D.

[Urpriest]

The class gets superior unarmed strike as a class feature, so maybe something like 1d8 damage.

Sounds fine. Often Constrict adds Str bonus, that would probably still be fine and allow better scaling. Be aware that there's a ToB Stance that gives Constrict (Crushing Weight of the Mountain), so balance with that in mind.