1. It’s not automatic. The cave fisher must be grappling the target, and the target gets to make a Strength save to avoid it. While not unprecedented, it’s rare for an action to involve both an attack roll and a saving throw. Usually it’s one or the other, and in this case, since the target must already be grappled, letting the target save to avoid makes more sense than making the cave fisher roll to hit.
2. Yes. A creature can always willingly end a grapple unless some effect says otherwise.
I know this is old but I wanted to update this thread since the information about the filament mechanic is wrong.
1. The filament IS automatic. It has a range of 60ft it wouldn't make any sense that the target would need to be grappled first. The target gets to make grapple checks later as well as str checks to not be pulled so it isn't as powerful as it might sound.
Bonus monster tactics: cave fishers can climb. Have them up on walls or even ceilings pulling things in, making attacks, then dropping thier prey to the ground for extra damage.
I know this is old but I wanted to update this thread since the information about the filament mechanic is wrong.
1. The filament IS automatic. It has a range of 60ft it wouldn't make any sense that the target would need to be grappled first. The target gets to make grapple checks later as well as str checks to not be pulled so it isn't as powerful as it might sound.
Both the current and the legacy versions have two uses of their filament. One lets them catch and grapple a creature and this (bonus) action is automatic. The other lets them reel the creature in and attack them, this one needs a failed STR save and an attack roll and thus this action is anything but automatic. I'm not sure which part the OP asked about (but it looked like the first) but it is clear that Saga's answer was about the second and thus correct even if possibly a bit confusing.
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I've got two questions about the cave fisher from Volo's Guide to Monsters. Perhaps you can help me out.
1. Does the monster have to make a ranged attack to hit a target with its adhesive filament? It seems from the text that it is automatic.
2. Can the monster willingly end its grapple on a creature that is adhered to its filament?
1. It’s not automatic. The cave fisher must be grappling the target, and the target gets to make a Strength save to avoid it. While not unprecedented, it’s rare for an action to involve both an attack roll and a saving throw. Usually it’s one or the other, and in this case, since the target must already be grappled, letting the target save to avoid makes more sense than making the cave fisher roll to hit.
2. Yes. A creature can always willingly end a grapple unless some effect says otherwise.
That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification!
I know this is old but I wanted to update this thread since the information about the filament mechanic is wrong.
1. The filament IS automatic. It has a range of 60ft it wouldn't make any sense that the target would need to be grappled first. The target gets to make grapple checks later as well as str checks to not be pulled so it isn't as powerful as it might sound.
Bonus monster tactics: cave fishers can climb. Have them up on walls or even ceilings pulling things in, making attacks, then dropping thier prey to the ground for extra damage.
Both the current and the legacy versions have two uses of their filament. One lets them catch and grapple a creature and this (bonus) action is automatic. The other lets them reel the creature in and attack them, this one needs a failed STR save and an attack roll and thus this action is anything but automatic.
I'm not sure which part the OP asked about (but it looked like the first) but it is clear that Saga's answer was about the second and thus correct even if possibly a bit confusing.