@Broseph: thanks for the reply.
Regarding layering, I recall reading something about layering working separately per item in the modding forum, but as usual, I must have misread it or confused something.
Regarding grabs, grip breaks versus bigger, stronger enemies seem to function along these lines (or this is how I remember doing them in 40.24):
- You are both at neutral, the next tick the opponent features grab attack. You opt for single action dodge away so as to leave one tile of separation inbetween. A successful grab is made on clothing or body part, however, since you're already dodging away, you still end up in your destination tile, and the grab is then broken. It's pretty much the DF version of a judo gi grip break.
- You are both at neutral, the next tick the opponent features grab attack. You choose something other than dodge away (likely you choose to disrupt the attack by attacking). If a successful grab is made against a body part, you'd have to sever the limb or make a killshot (here I also recall even if successful on either count, they too could be successful in tossing or cranking a limb). If a successful grab is made on clothing, you can choose to jump away to break the grip. I think this where you're correct about increasing number of grabbed targets as opposed to my thinking of reducing the number of targets (not sure why I came to that conclusion).
EDIT: An interesting thing to add, though very gamey (in terms of intent), is by wearing as much as possible versus an unarmed opponent, you can hopefully convert them to an oddly armed one. It is terrifying.