Can Grapple be an AoO?

[Taliesin]

Attack of Opportunity states that:

"An attack of opportunity is a single melee attack"

and Grapple states that:

"A grapple check is like a melee attack roll."

Therefore, can one begin a grapple as an Attack of Opportunity?

 

[Aus_Snow]

Yep.

Because you grapple as a melee attack, you can initiate a grapple as an attack of opportunity.

Link here, for reference.

 

[frankthedm]

You get to start the grapple, but since you don't get to take free actions whn not your turn, you never get to complete it. It is a technical reading, but that level of technicality also makes sure large reach monsters can't Reach & Rape using improved grab on an AoO.

Step 2
Grab. You make a melee touch attack to grab the target. If you fail to hit the target, the grapple attempt fails. If you succeed, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3
Hold. Make an opposed grapple check as a free action.

If you succeed, you and your target are now grappling, and you deal damage to the target as if with an unarmed strike.

 

[Aus_Snow]

Ha! Just goes to show. . . that I haven't run any D&D for a little while now, if nothing else.

Good catch.

 

[blargney the second]

I seem to remember reading that you couldn't start a grapple as an AoO unless you threatened with your unarmed attack (or whatever you grapple with).

 

[Runestar]

It was mentioned in the FAQ entry about close quarter fighting, IIRC. Just like how you cannot disarm someone with reach because you don't threaten him. Doesn't make sense, but if you go by a literal reading...