Ask Wizards: 02/04/2008 (4e Grapple)

[PnP News Bot]

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Check out this new article Wizards of the Coast posted recently:

Ask Wizards: 02/04/2008 (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/4ask/20080204a)

Is grapple still in the game, and will it require a feat or power? What about other special combat maneuvers (like trip, disarm, etc.)? How have they changed?

[Mulsiphix]

At least he didn't use the word streamlined. Integrated and intuitive were nice to hear. Anybody have thoughts on how grapple could be more "integrated" and "intuitive"? I'm drawing a blank.

[rabkala]

If they treat it as just another attack instead of a separate attack with it's own mechanic, it will be better integrated.

[Mulsiphix]

I thought grapple was a situation, not an attack. Once you grapple an opponent the rules change because everything your doing is in intensely closed quarters and movement is quite limited. If I am wrong, could somebody explain to me what grappling is then?

[Maelstrom]

Yes, but we have learned from experience that making a whole set of new rules is a royal pain. Abstraction of grappling for the sake of sanity in the game is not a bad thing.

Taking a shot in the dark, this is how it could work better for me:
Grappling is just another attack, but against Def(Ref). If successful, you deal damage to the opponent each round unless:
A) They make a successful attack roll against you (at a penalty). If they do they can either choose to exit the grapple or start as if they just grappled you.
B) Make an escape artist skill check (if skill checks are in the game). If made, they exit the grapple.

Any other bonuses, special abilities, etc would be handled by powers which change the rules in clear ways. (+4 to grapple attacks, extra damage during grapple, etc).

[cplmac]

I always thought that grapple was like when fighting in close quarters, like hand to hand combat, only one person or creature was trying to either overwhelm or disarm their opponent.

[Mulsiphix]

I've seen a lot of negative references to it on these boards and over at the WOTC forums, but the only real ideas I have about it come from the dictionary definition and the picture of a warrior holding an ogre from one of their D&D 4E presentations.