In the M&M 3E Hero's Handbook, it says under Elongation:
In addition, Elongation allows
you to wrap up and entangle an opponent so it grants a
+1 bonus to grab checks per rank (limited by PL).
It says that a Grab makes an attack check, and then a resistance check against Strength.
So, since Elongation is limited by PL, would it benefit an attack check or resistance check, and does that require me to reduce my ranks in Strength or Fighting to account for it with PL?
Best Answer
Grab Check is an undefined term in the Mutants & Masterminds rules. Which is really annoying. So, we have to determine what is meant by that phrase.
Grabbing is a Standard Action that can be performed by any character.
It involves a melee attack check, and causes a resistance check against the attacker's Strength or grabbing effect. Elongation can enhance a grab.
Combining the two passages implies that Elongation can be used as a grabbing effect, essentially increasing the Strength of a grab.
As an example:
Bendo the Stretching Man is a PL 7 character, with Strength 3, Fighting 7, and Elongation 9. Bendo can wrap foes with his elongated limbs, as a Grab attempt. His +7 attack bonus limits his effect rank to 7 (DC 17 to resist), despite the total +12 of his Strength plus Elongation ranks.
If Bendo increases to PL 10 without changing the relevant statistics then he could use his +7 attack bonus and his full +12 grabbing effect rank without interference from his PL limit.