Combat Reflexes a Rogue Must-Have Feat?

[bestone]

And you don't get an AoO if someone 5' steps and casts, or 5' steps and attacks with a bow.

Sure you do, if you can still hit them

 

[Particle_Man]

Robilar's Gambit from PHB II works nicely in synergy with Combat Reflexes, though if you are a Rogue you still would want Savvy Rogue and the Opportunist special ability (or find some other way to ensure you get sneak attack damage).

 

[airwalkrr]

For me, Combat Reflexes is only really worth it if you have reach, or a reach weapon. Otherwise you only get AoOs against people who shoot arrows or cast spells next to you(and a five foot step negates that) or people who move past you. Overall, I would consider it for a few seconds before taking something else. There are a lot of feats that wouldgive a stronger ability that could be sued all the time, not in a few special circumstances.

Hit it on the head. That is exactly what Combat Reflexes is great for. I think the only reason some people have the misconception that rogues should take Combat Reflexes (when in reality it is a sub-par decision) is simply because rogues are based on Dex and Combat Reflexes is also based on Dex. They put two and two together, but unfortunately, this time it does not equal four. Unless the rogue specializes in reach weapons, it is rarely to his ultimate advantage.

 

[Quartz]

However, the thing with AoOs is that they're not under your control.

Very true, but if you fight as a team, then you can force AoOs on your opponents. Here's another example: the fighter trips the enemy you've just hit. Not only does he get another attack, so do you.

If you fight as isolated individuals, then Combat Reflexes is indeed not so good.

 

[Klaus]

The mist-have feat for rogues is Telling Blow (PHB2). Adding sneak attack damage to every critical hit, regardless of flanking/flatfootedness, is BIG! It also makes crossbows more attractive than bows for rogues, with its larger threat range.

 

[bestone]

The mist-have feat for rogues is Telling Blow (PHB2). Adding sneak attack damage to every critical hit, regardless of flanking/flatfootedness, is BIG! It also makes crossbows more attractive than bows for rogues, with its larger threat range.

mmm that + keen rapier wow...just.... wow

 

[pawsplay]

One good reason to have Combat Reflexes is so that opponents with iterative attacks or multiple attacks don't start sundering or disarming you. Or multiple overruns and/or bullrushes. Or so you don't get rushed by Tiny summoned creatures. Or so a spellcaster, in the first round of combat, doesn't make a move and then slap a touch attack spell on you.

 

[axp_dave]

However, the thing with AoOs is that they're not under your control. Someone else has to do something to provoke them, and IME it's extremely rare that you'll get the chance to make more than 1 AoO in a round. Heck, even getting that 1 AoO is already pretty uncommon.

And you don't get an AoO if someone 5' steps and casts, or 5' steps and attacks with a bow.

I agree with Hong that is is not very common to get many AAO's in a combat, let alone for a rogue who is not always going to be in the front line. I took this feat as a front line fighter and never had the opportunity to use it more than once in a while and regretted the feat.

As a rogue, who has a lot less feats than a fighter, I don't believe it is a wise choice.
David

 

[Fieari]

Attacks of Opportunity don't come up multiple times a round often enough for it to be a must have by any means. On the other hand, as a DM, I enjoy giving it to single big monsters, since 1) Reach means more chances it'll be used, and 2) Since it's a single monster going up against a party, you're basically guaranteed to have a use for it.

Combat Reflexes are good when you have reach, and when you're outnumbered. Rarely if ever otherwise.

 

[Victim]

Very true, but if you fight as a team, then you can force AoOs on your opponents. Here's another example: the fighter trips the enemy you've just hit. Not only does he get another attack, so do you.

Okay, that's one AoO per round.