Does Power attack's damage bonus apply to the Trample [Ex] ability?

[Slaved]

You can't use a bow and arrow to CDG.

But the line after the line you quoted says that you can use a bow or crossbow.

 

[Deset Gled]

But the line after the line you quoted says that you can use a bow or crossbow.

D'oh! That'll learn me to post too quickly.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

D'oh! That'll learn me to post too quickly.

--P

 

[UltimaGabe]

The rules do not explicitly say you need to make an attack to PA. According to one strict reading of this, I can use PA when I'm running, or casting a spell. As long as I decide to use PA before any attack rolls are made, it's perfectly legal. Meaningless, but legal. According to this rule, the only question in applying PA to Trample is whether or not Trample counts as a "melee damage roll".

So, in other words, shouldn't everyone get a free +2 dodge bonus to their AC from Fighting Defensively? In fact, shouldn't every single spellcaster decide to fight defensively all the time? As long as they don't cast any spells that require attack rolls, they could get the +2 to AC at no penalty all day! Even when they're concentrating on other spells, or even when they're not in combat! That's the greatest ruling ever!

Seriously, come on. You said yourself it's meaningless. If it's meaningless, then why in the world would you defend such a ruling?

 

[frankthedm]

The rules do not explicitly say you need to make an attack to PA. According to one strict reading of this, I can use PA when I'm running, or casting a spell. As long as I decide to use PA before any attack rolls are made, it's perfectly legal. Meaningless, but legal.

Legal and not meaningless. The PA can wind up applying to AoO's.

According to this rule, the only question in applying PA to Trample is whether or not Trample counts as a "melee damage roll".

That is how this ruleset works. Overly legalistic at times, but makes for fun trivia IMHO.

So, in other words, shouldn't everyone get a free +2 dodge bonus to their AC from Fighting Defensively? In fact, shouldn't every single spellcaster decide to fight defensively all the time? As long as they don't cast any spells that require attack rolls, they could get the +2 to AC at no penalty all day! Even when they're concentrating on other spells, or even when they're not in combat! That's the greatest ruling ever!

Gabe, Fighting defensively and using combat expertice require use of the attack action. Full defense requires its own standard action. Casting a spell and running are their own action types.

 

[green slime]

Are you allowed to power attack on a Coup de Grace? There's no attack roll, but I've never seen a game where it wasn't allowed.

It's also easy to think of instances where you would want to take the power attack penalty, even though you knew you weren't going to attack on your turn.

"I PA at -5 and ready an attack to interrupt the wizards casting".

"Knowing the Dread Blargleboom was going to attempt to rush past him through the door, escaping into the world to wreak havoc, Bob the Eldritch Knight power attacked for his full BAB and cast True Strike."

These are the clinchers for me.

So I say yes to Power Attack when Trampling (and Twohanded trampling, with Leap Attack, Dire Charge, and Rhino Armour)

It also means mounted combat just got a handy little bonus.

 

[frankthedm]

It also means mounted combat just got a handy little bonus.

No it does not. The Trample feat just lets your mount make a hoof attack as you move over someone. The Trample Extraordinary ability is completely seperate.

 

[green slime]

No it does not. The Trample feat just lets your mount make a hoof attack as you move over someone. The Trample Extraordinary ability is completely seperate.

D**n. Oh well.

 

[green slime]

So what creatures have the Trample ability?

Just checked the D20 srd:

Adamantine Golem (CR25, 8d10+30, DC57, BAB +40)
Elder Treant (CR25, 8d20+40 DC 54, BAB +37)
Treant (CR8, 2d6+13, DC22, BAB +5)
Razor Boar (CR10, 2d6+12, DC25, BAB +15)
Triceratops (CR9, 2d12+15, DC28, BAB +12)
Gorgon (CR8, 1d8+7, DC19, BAB +8)
Devastation Beetle (CR50, 30d10+24, DC90, BAB +96)
Scorpionfolk (CR7, 1d8+6, DC20, BAB +12)
Giant Stag Beetle (CR4, 2d8+3, DC19, BAB +5)
Animated Object, Large (CR3, 1d8+4, DC15, BAB +3)
Animated Object, Huge (CR5, 2d6+7, DC19, BAB +6)
Animated Object, Gargantuan (CR7, 2d8+10, DC25, BAB +12)
Animated Object, Colossal (CR10, 4d6+13, DC35, BAB +24)
Astral Construct, Large (B-menu item) (1d8+str )