Mobility + Bull Rush + AoO

[jontherev]

Ah yes...

The ole SRD has let me down again. It appears there is an error on the SRD. Checking the PHB chart on page 128, it CLEARLY says that bullrush (charge OR attack) is a standard action that does NOT provoke an AoO. Therefore, it IS a movement-related AoO you receive when bullrushing and Mobility would work just fine.

 

[Artoomis]

Someone really worked those AoO entries in the SRD - they do not all agree iwth the PHB and are thus unreliable.

 

[SnowDog]

Re: Ah yes...

The ole SRD has let me down again. It appears there is an error on the SRD. Checking the PHB chart on page 128, it CLEARLY says that bullrush (charge OR attack) is a standard action that does NOT provoke an AoO. Therefore, it IS a movement-related AoO you receive when bullrushing and Mobility would work just fine.

Well, what do you know? *sigh* That's what I get for using the SRD to resolve my questions. So, I think it's pretty clear the movement is what causes the AoO in a bull rush.

Also, if you're only going 5' in your bull rush, you won't draw an AoO as a 5' move never draws AoO.

(EDIT: If this is true, what is the purpose of Improved Bull Rush? Is it only useful as part of a charge+bull rush? ... )

(EDIT take 2: Obviously if you move more than 5' because of the Bull Rush, that's a different story ... For what it's worth, I've mailed a detailed question on this to the Sage. We'll see if he has any insight).

Very interesting....

 

[SnowDog]

Sage Advice

Ok, I mailed the sage. Here's his response:

Q: When do you get AoO's as a result of a bull rush?

A: When the bull-rushing creature moves (assuming you threaten the space creature leaves). You might also get an AoO when the bull rushed creatures moves, provided you threaten the space the creature leaves.

Q: How does the Mobility feat factor into this?

A: It has the standard effect. (Remember that it's movement that triggers AoOs in a bull rush.

Q: How do the 5' movement rules factor into this?

A: It doesn't. Making a bull rush is not a 5-foot step. Neither is being moved as a result of a bull rush.

Q: Players' Handbook, Page 128, Table 8-4 Miscellaneous Actions says

Standard Actions Attack of Opportunity
Bull Rush (attack) No
Bull Rush (charge) No

This implies there is no implicit AoO from a bull rush.

A: For the bull rush action, correct.

Q: When we look at page 136, we see (excerpted):
First, you move into the defender's space. Moving in this way provokes an AoO from each foe that threatens you, probably including the defender.

A: Correct. (It's not the action, it's the movement.)

Q: Interestingly, if you are adjacent to someone and initiate a bull rush, you are only moving 5', and as mentioned in the PH, no AoO's are triggered if your only movement for the round is five feet.

A: No, moving into the foe's space triggers the AoO.

Q: So. If the AoO comes from the movement, and not the act of the bull rush, then it seems that the Mobility feat would grant you +4 AC against that AoO.

A: The AC bonus applies to your movement whenever you move.

So, there you go. Take it for what it's worth.