Concentration Check to Avoid Attacks of Opportunity?

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

Concerning rules as written for 3.5...

When performing a distracting action, other than casting a spell, can a character or creature attempt a concentration check to avoid an Attack of Opportunity?

EXAMPLES:

Suppose I want my character to drink a potion while in a threated area. Can he attempt a concentration check to keep his guard up while drinking the potion?

Suppose I want my character (who doesn't have the Improved Bullrush/Disarm/Grapple feat) to attempt a Bullrush, Disarm, or Grapple. Can he attempt a concentration check to keep his guard up while attempting any of these manuevers?

 

[NewJeffCT]

I'm pretty sure the answer is "no" to both of your examples, but I don't have anything specific to support my point of view.

 

[Starbuck_II]

I'm pretty sure the answer is "no" to both of your examples, but I don't have anything specific to support my point of view.

Nope, you are sadly right.
Concentration doesn't help.

You'd need a new skill like Battle Skill.
Tumble is Concentration for movement AoO.
Concentration is itself for magic.

 

[Vegepygmy]

PHB, page 70: "You can use Concentration to cast a spell, use a spell-like ability, or use a skill defensively, so as to avoid attacks of opportunity altogether. This doesn't apply to other actions that might provoke attacks of opportunity (such as movement or loading a crossbow)."

PHB, page 142 says you can also activate spell completion items on the defensive, but that's about it.

 

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

Thank you all for the quick response!

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Vegepygmy's right. It works for spells and the like, and skills only. Tumble is the skill for movement, though. It's barely come up in my games, though there's been a few times the Bard was performing while threatened and needed a concentration check, that's the only cases I can remember.