Combat Expertise + Power Attack?

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Can you use both of these during the same turn? For example, can you pull 5 for Power Attack and pull an additional 5 for Combat Expertise on your same turn?

 

[Dandu]

Yes.

 

[shadyizok]

I don't see why not, allthough it does sound odd if you try to describe it:

The Orc in front of you takes up a defensive post and raises his blade with the clear intent to counter all your attacks, right before he screams and chops towards your eyes in a wild flurry

yeah... But technically it oughta work. Why do you ask though? I can't really think of a use for such an action.

 

[Runestar]

If you attack roll is so crap that you can't hit your foe, may as well sac your bab to both expertise (so you don't get hit) and power attack (so you deal more damage when you do hit), and pray for a lot of natural 20s.

May as well throw in fighting defensively while you are at it.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Why do you ask though? I can't really think of a use for such an action.

Really?

I've got a monster with an obscene attack bonus that's much more than needed to hit but its damage output and AC need boosting.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

in a 1 on 1 fight expertise wins over power attack... and in a 1 vs x fight even more so...

using both is usefull in some border cases, as already stated... but usually it is important to know when to use which of them...

 

[Nebten]

If you have combat expertise & power attack, that probably suggests you are a big fighter type. If you are not able to hit the creature and resulting to this tactic just on the off chance you get a 20 I recommend another tactic . . . Run Away.

 

[Dingleberry]

If you have combat expertise & power attack, that probably suggests you are a big fighter type. If you are not able to hit the creature and resulting to this tactic just on the off chance you get a 20 I recommend another tactic . . . Run Away.

Unless your real tactic is to keep that creature's focus on you and away from the rest of your party, e.g., while the wizard digs out a scroll to summon something bigger, or the cleric casts a key buff on you - or the rogue gets that door open so you actually have somewhere to run away!

 

[Aran Thule]

If you used it after casting true strike then you have points to spare even after subtracting for both, likewise if using wraithblade, find the gap or similar spells.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

I did full PA and full CE a lot with my Warblade, on the rounds I was recovering maneuvers and just attacking normally. Those rounds my damage potential dropped a lot, so I didn't really care about hitting so much as the bonus AC to stay alive. And if I happened to hit, may as well PA to make it a little more painful.