Karmic Strike and Expertise

[Celtic_Bear]

I know my DM and I are about to discuss this so I thought I would get the mood of those here to include in our negotiations.

Question: Should Karmic Strike (Complete Fighter, take -4 to AC to allow attacks of opportunity against certain characters/monsters that hit you) be usable in the same round you use Expertise.

Example: My 9th level Weapon Master/7th level fighter uses Expertise to subtract 5 from his attack rolls and then invokes Karmic Strike. This gives him a net of +1 to AC, -5 to attacks, and the ability to AoO those who hit me.

My answer: They are compatible because Karmic Strike does not rule this out in the feat description.

 

[calypso15]

I see no reason why you couldn't use them both. They don't require an action.

Calypso

 

[Jdvn1]

Seconded.

 

[Crothian]

Ya, use them both and it does make a good combination

 

[youspoonybard]

You could, but I thought the whole point of Karmic Strike was getting hit as often as possible. Why would you want a higher AC?

 

[The Souljourner]

The whole point is getting hits on people who hit you. You don't really *want* to get hit more, you just want to be able to attack back when you are. I mean, ideally you'd never get hit, then your regular attacks would eventually take the guy(s) down. However, that's rarely the case. What you *don't* want is to die because you lowered your AC too much. It's a balancing act.

It's a lot like a barbarian with rage. Sure, +4 strength and con is awesome, but -2 AC and only light or medium armor might get you killed regardless. Which is better, a fighter in full plate or a barbarian with 5-6 less AC? Depends.

And yeah, obviously they work fine together. Unless two feats specifically mention restrictions on use which affect each other, you can use them together.

-The Souljourner

 

[ohGr]

Throw in Deft Opportunist (+4 to hit with AoOs) and you've got yourself a nifty little combo.

 

[monboesen]

What you actually want is some sort of Damage resistance. Optimally of a type and a quantum that the foe can't bypass.

Then let them wail on you in impunity and strike back at each wasted hit. Would be a great feat for a fiend (with dmr 10/good) fighting someone without a Good aligned weapon.

Or maybe someone under the affect of Righteous might, Stoneskin or Shapechanged into a Iron golem.