D&D 3E/3.5 [3.5] 5-Foot Step Rules Expanded

[DWARF]

Okay, aside from the fact that they say "no you can't do a 5-foot and a move" is there any reason for this mechanically? Or does a "Move-equivalent" action really mean that it's a "Move-minus-5-feet-equivalent-action" such that for a human, a move equivalent action chews up 25 feet of their "move" (15 feet in heavy armor) so that they have 5 feet left?

 

[Li Shenron]

Okay, aside from the fact that they say "no you can't do a 5-foot and a move" is there any reason for this mechanically? Or does a "Move-equivalent" action really mean that it's a "Move-minus-5-feet-equivalent-action" such that for a human, a move equivalent action chews up 25 feet of their "move" (15 feet in heavy armor) so that they have 5 feet left?

Don't think of the 5 foot step as your right. Think of it as a kind concession: if you don't move in this round, at least you get a step.

 

[the Jester]

Okay, aside from the fact that they say "no you can't do a 5-foot and a move" is there any reason for this mechanically? Or does a "Move-equivalent" action really mean that it's a "Move-minus-5-feet-equivalent-action" such that for a human, a move equivalent action chews up 25 feet of their "move" (15 feet in heavy armor) so that they have 5 feet left?

Mechanically, the difference comes down to whether you suffer an attack of opportunity.

What you're referring to (move in, strike, 5' back) is Spring Attack.

 

[sithramir]

The clarification is just that taking a MeA does not mean you still can't move a 5' step. In the sense of Stand up move 5' and attack. This is now clarified as ok.