[RPG] Multiple Arms and Grappling in Pathfinder

pathfinder-1e

I built a creature with 16 limbs and a focus on grappling. However I could not find any bonus to grapple for having extra limbs. Searching online I found a few forum posts but they seemed primarily opinion based with no sources backing them.

From what I can tell having multiple arms grants NO bonuses to grapple at all. This seems like an oversight as it should be obvious that a creature with many limbs should be able to grapple with bonuses.

What are the bonuses to use the grapple maneuver for a creature having multiple arms? Please include sources.

If there are no bonuses is there a common house rule adding a bonus?

Best Answer

No, I could not find a bonus to multiple limbs in the rules.

If you're looking for a house rule, you could say you get a +2 to CMB for every additional limb beyond 2 (like animals get to CMD for being on all 4's).

However, if this is an eidolon or a creature you're defining, adding the Grab ability and MultiAttack monster feat would be hugely beneficial:

Grab (Ex) If a creature with this special attack hits with the indicated attack (usually a claw or bite attack), it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. Unless otherwise noted, grab can only be used against targets of a size equal to or smaller than the creature with this ability. If the creature can use grab on creatures of other sizes, it is noted in the creature's Special Attacks line. The creature has the option to conduct the grapple normally, or simply use the part of its body it used in the grab to hold the opponent. If it chooses to do the latter, it takes a –20 penalty on its CMB check to make and maintain the grapple, but does not gain the grappled condition itself. A successful hold does not deal any extra damage unless the creature also has the constrict special attack. If the creature does not constrict, each successful grapple check it makes during successive rounds automatically deals the damage indicated for the attack that established the hold. Otherwise, it deals constriction damage as well (the amount is given in the creature's descriptive text).

Creatures with the grab special attack receive a +4 bonus on combat maneuver checks made to start and maintain a grapple.

Format: grab; Location: individual attacks.

Emphasis mine.

Source: Paizo

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