shortbow + OA

[komi]

If you're wielding a shortbow, can you take OAs?

 

[azarias]

Yes and no.

I'm statting up an elven cleric/ranger, with a longbow, and have been mulling over the same question. The rules are pretty clear:

(1) you can't take an OA with a ranged weapon
(2) you can take an OA with an unarmed attack
(3) unarmed attacks do not have to be made with the hands
(4) so, an archer can make an OA with a well-placed kick or headbutt.

It's not going to do much damage. A 'one-handed' unarmed attack does 1d4, which I reckon covers both kick and headbutt. But even 1d4 will do the trick against a minion.

 

[komi]

It sounds like you can, but with an unarmed attack. So unless there's some condition that prevents OAs (daze, stunned, etc.), you can always take an OA.

It makes me smile to think of a wizard headbutting a troll because he decided to walk away. But if I'm that wizard, I'll certainly take it.

 

[Nifft]

If you have Quickdraw, you can draw a weapon as part of an attack. So you could whip out a dagger, stab someone with it, and just leave it in them.

Cheers, -- N