Charge and Spring Attack

[nameless]

I'm considering the legality of Spring Attacking during a charge action. On one hand, the effect of Spring Attack is (roughly)allowing the attack action to take place in the middle of a move, or move-attack-move. On the other hand, Spring Attack is phrased in a way that might make it its own action type, separate from a Standard Action, or Full-attack action. (A charge might also be a separate action type.) In any case, you would be limited to moving no more than your speed despite what charging allows.

There is also the issue where a charge says that all movement must be in a straight line during the round.

So here's my thinking on the possible scenarios:

1) You can't charge and spring attack at the same time. Charging fails to meet the requirements of spring attack.

2) You can charge and spring attack, not provoking AoO's for movement, but can't keep going afterwards.

3) You can charge and spring attack, but have to keep moving past the opponent (fulfilling the "straight line" clause in charge) in a straight line. This means that you have to hit them at an angle, or tumble through his square.

4) Charge and Spring Attack can be fully integrated. You can charge in one direction, stop to attack, and spring back.

So what is the consensus on the exact interaction between Charging and Spring Attacks?

 

[drnuncheon]

2) You can charge and spring attack, not provoking AoO's for movement, but can't keep going afterwards.

I believe this is the Sage's interpretation.

3) You can charge and spring attack, but have to keep moving past the opponent (fulfilling the "straight line" clause in charge) in a straight line. This means that you have to hit them at an angle, or tumble through his square.

This is the one I personally use - it basically lets you make a 'run-by attack'.

Note that some DMs - myself included - don't let you tumble during a charge, since you're tumbling, not moving in a straight line.

J

 

[Mahali]

Problems:
1. When you charge you have to stop and attack as soon as you threaten the opponent.

2. A Charge is a specific action not allowed by Spring Attack (this is the usual reasoning for not allowing it).

Can't remember the others off the top of my head. Seen the topic several times though.

 

[AGGEMAM]

A charge is not the attack action, so you cannot charge with a spring attack.

 

[Kraedin]

Charge is an attack action. See Table 8-1: Fundamental Actions in Combat.

Edit: I've changed my mind. Spring Attack says "the" attack action, not "an" attack action, so charge doesn't qualify.