RPGbot argues for the value of the Grappler feat for moon druids as a means to provide advantage on attacks against a grappled opponent. Other than the giant scorpion and ape, and possibly the giant crayfish if that stat block is in play, how many beast forms can actually grapple and also have the multiattack feature allowing for at least one attack to be made against a grappled foe? I believe the crocodilians all include a caveat that their tail attack cannot be applied against a grappled enemy.
I think a big reason they promote the grappler feat is for forms that don’t already have a way to grapple. Because when you make an unarmed strike, you can also make the check to grapple. So as a bear when you hit with a claw swipe you can also attempt to grapple with the same attack once per turn. (I think some DM’s might rule that a bear claw attack is different from an unarmed strike RAW, but I think most reasonable dms would allow this).
Additionally, the grappler feat helps you move stuff after you grapple it at full speed, the taldorei Moorbounder is amazing at combining this with spike growth. No dm fiat needed.
That's correct. Natural weapons aren't unarmed strikes. I think the RPGBot site (or some other video I watched) even said that this aspect of the Grappler feat doesn't apply, but the other part of attacking a grappled creature with advantage and moving grappled creatures is what makes it worthwhile. Though given the few beasts that grapple, I'm still dubious. I would rather take Telekinetic!
I'm not certain, but I believe beast attacks count as natural weapons and not as unarmed strikes.
Natural weapons is no longer a thing in 2024 core rules revision. A Weapon is an object that is in the Simple or Martial weapon category. See also “Equipment” (“Weapons”).
A monster make a single melee attack listed in its stat block.
Melee Attacks
A melee attack allows you to attack a target within your reach. A melee attack typically uses a handheld weapon or an Unarmed Strike. Many monsters make melee attacks with claws, teeth, or other body parts. A few spells also involve melee attacks.
I'm not certain, but I believe beast attacks count as natural weapons and not as unarmed strikes.
Natural weapons is no longer a thing in 2024 core rules revision. A Weapon is an object that is in the Simple or Martial weapon category. See also “Equipment” (“Weapons”).
A monster make a single melee attack listed in its stat block.
Melee Attacks
A melee attack allows you to attack a target within your reach. A melee attack typically uses a handheld weapon or an Unarmed Strike. Many monsters make melee attacks with claws, teeth, or other body parts. A few spells also involve melee attacks.
So are you suggesting that melee attacks made in beast form now count as unarmed strikes? The text you linked references monster (beast) melee attacks, but I don't see a direct link between these and the reference to unarmed strikes. Moreover, I see nothing about monster melee attacks in the unarmed strikes description.
Not suggesting that, just saying there's no natural weapons classification in 2024, so monsters either use an attack in its statblock or make an Unarmed Strike. which, according to a new Sage Advice Compendium Q&A appears to be distinct;
What actions can monsters use to make Opportunity Attack? Are Multiattack and breath weapon actions allowed?
When making an Opportunity Attack, a monster can make any single melee attack listed in its stat block. A monster also has the option to make an Unarmed Strike as an Opportunity Attack, following the normal rules of an Unarmed Strike.
An action, such as a breath weapon effect, that doesn’t include a melee attack roll isn’t eligible to be chosen for an Opportunity Attack. Additionally, a monster can’t use its Multiattack when making an Opportunity Attack, because the use of Multiattack specifically predicates on taking the Attack action, and an Opportunity Attack takes a Reaction.
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RPGbot argues for the value of the Grappler feat for moon druids as a means to provide advantage on attacks against a grappled opponent. Other than the giant scorpion and ape, and possibly the giant crayfish if that stat block is in play, how many beast forms can actually grapple and also have the multiattack feature allowing for at least one attack to be made against a grappled foe? I believe the crocodilians all include a caveat that their tail attack cannot be applied against a grappled enemy.
Giant Constrictor Snake
Well that's one more! Still, like the ape, only one attack that would be at advantage.
I think a big reason they promote the grappler feat is for forms that don’t already have a way to grapple. Because when you make an unarmed strike, you can also make the check to grapple. So as a bear when you hit with a claw swipe you can also attempt to grapple with the same attack once per turn. (I think some DM’s might rule that a bear claw attack is different from an unarmed strike RAW, but I think most reasonable dms would allow this).
Additionally, the grappler feat helps you move stuff after you grapple it at full speed, the taldorei Moorbounder is amazing at combining this with spike growth. No dm fiat needed.
I'm not certain, but I believe beast attacks count as natural weapons and not as unarmed strikes.
That's correct. Natural weapons aren't unarmed strikes. I think the RPGBot site (or some other video I watched) even said that this aspect of the Grappler feat doesn't apply, but the other part of attacking a grappled creature with advantage and moving grappled creatures is what makes it worthwhile. Though given the few beasts that grapple, I'm still dubious. I would rather take Telekinetic!
Natural weapons is no longer a thing in 2024 core rules revision. A Weapon is an object that is in the Simple or Martial weapon category. See also “Equipment” (“Weapons”).
A monster make a single melee attack listed in its stat block.
So are you suggesting that melee attacks made in beast form now count as unarmed strikes? The text you linked references monster (beast) melee attacks, but I don't see a direct link between these and the reference to unarmed strikes. Moreover, I see nothing about monster melee attacks in the unarmed strikes description.
Not suggesting that, just saying there's no natural weapons classification in 2024, so monsters either use an attack in its statblock or make an Unarmed Strike. which, according to a new Sage Advice Compendium Q&A appears to be distinct;