You have agreed that each allows exceptions outside their specific rule that explain they are used in attack actions. AoO specifically allows single melee attacks to be used as reaction with no exceptions or caveats. If they are in the subset of single melee attacks, they are specifically allowed by the wording.
Can grappled creatures take attacks of opportunity?
Yes. Their speed is reduced to 0 but they can make melee attacks without penalty, GRAPPLED said: A grappled creature’s speed becomes 0, and it can’t benefit from any bonus to its speed.
Is it an action to drop a grapple?
A grappled creature can use its action to escape. To do so, it must succeed on a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check contested by your Strength (Athletics) check.
What can you do with a grappled enemy?
As the grappled creature has 0 movement they are incapable of using their movement to get up again until they break the grapple (which uses their action), effectively leaving them fairly helpless. Which feats allow you to knock probe same turn without extra attack?
What’s the best way to grapple a monster?
Grapple them, knock them prone, don’t let them stand up, don’t let the run around: it’s “I hold, you punch” at its finest. Cripples offensive capabilities. Grappled monsters already don’t get free reign to choose targets or use their weapons.
Why is grappling important in dungeons and Dragons?
Both from a rules perspective (grappling acts on an axis that most enemies are unprepared for) and a flavor one (ever wanted to put a Dragon in a chokehold?), grappling is one of the most interesting and useful mechanics in the core rulebook.
Can You grapple ghosts in dungeons and Dragons?
Sure, you will fight monsters that can’t get grappled (Ghosts…why did it have to be ghosts…), but the vast majority of monsters will be crying uncle against a good grappler. That lets you dictate how the enemy moves, who they attack, how they take hits, etc.
