Monstrous Maneuvers...

[Blackfoot]

Is there a way to code maneuvers into NPC attacks?
Say the monster has improved grapple or a constrict attack...
Can you do something like:
Improved Grapple +10 cmb (1d6+4)
Or something like that.. or do you have to fudge it.. obviously the line I quoted doesn't work (I tried that one).. but is there another code for making a maneuver attack? (like melee or ranged)

[Nickademus]

I don't believe so. If you don't have any effects that boost CMB, then just do the math ahead of time and make the attack line using the CMB instead of BAB:

"grapple +4 melee (1d3+2 nonlethal)"

I generally put maneuvers in a spell class on the monsters' second tab. I use a template for NPCs so all the maneuvers are already setup when I duplicate the template and rename it for the creature.

[Blackfoot]

There are lots of work arounds for it.. but I was wondering if the 'simple' route worked and I just wasn't aware of it.

[darrenan]

If you create a spell, add a cast action, one of the options for an attack roll is CMB. You can then add any applicable modifiers (like grapple bonuses or whatnot) to it. I use this all the time for creatures with 'grab'.

[Nickademus]

I think what Blackfoot was looking for was a text option on the first tab in the attack section. Spell classes on monsters causes lag when the creature is added to the combat tracker and are better avoided. I myself have been trying to move away from using them for things such as maneuvers (even though, like I said above, I use them currently). A text alternative for such actions would be nice.

[Blackfoot]

Most of the code to make this work is already there. It would just be the front end where it reads 'ranged' or 'melee' adding 'maneuver' as another option... the rest is pretty much already being handled I believe.