Move Action before Charge Attack

[tiornys]

It should be noted that multiple squares often qualify as the "nearest square", thanks to the way 4E counts distance. For example:

.......
...E...
..CCC..
.......
.......
...F...

The squares marked C are all options for the Fighter to end up in when he charges the Enemy.

t~

 

[Aust Meliamne]

In a situation like that (the code map above) you cannot move in an absolute straight line to occupy one of the side squares. You'd have to move one over and then forward during your charge.

Now I suppose a DM could rule that because you need to move in a straight line, the only square you could charge to would be the middle one, but I have a feeling that the RAI allows the charging character to charge without moving in a straight line as long as the charging character doesn't take the senic route to get to his target.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Umm, what?
You have to shoot in a straight line, but that doesn't mean you have to shoot along the gridlines.

 

[Fast Learner]

Agreed, all three of those are straight lines, and of equal distance in 4e

 

[Orcus Porkus]

Please help me out on this one...

.......
...E...
....o..
.....o.
..EEEo.
...Fo..

In the diagram above, "F" is a PC (fighter or whatever), "E" are enemies. "o" represents the intended line of movement.
Is it OK to speed past the frontline of enemies to get to the guy in the back as a part of moving during the charge attack?
The rules do NOT require a straight line - just a minimum of 2 squares and "directly" - since enemies block the alternatives, the movement presented is direct in my opinion. Of course he provokes opportunity attacks, but he doesn't care.

 

[peach]

the fighter in our party does this also. we especially like it when he charges and pushes the enemy to fall down wells.

 

[avin]

Wait, I was under impression that the movement should be on the same direction of charge, so you couldn't step to the right and then charge in some other direction...

 

[Ibixat]

Please help me out on this one...

.......
...E...
....o..
.....o.
..EEEo.
...Fo..

In the diagram above, "F" is a PC (fighter or whatever), "E" are enemies. "o" represents the intended line of movement.
Is it OK to speed past the frontline of enemies to get to the guy in the back as a part of moving during the charge attack?
The rules do NOT require a straight line - just a minimum of 2 squares and "directly" - since enemies block the alternatives, the movement presented is direct in my opinion. Of course he provokes opportunity attacks, but he doesn't care.

That looks valid to me, but if I were doing that, and I had my move action to use as well I'd naturally try to shift out first and avoid the OA's. One square shift back doesn't change the charge distance and eliminates two OA's =)

 

[excepti0n]

Now I suppose a DM could rule that because you need to move in a straight line

You don't have to move in a straight line. That's not a 4e stipulation. I admit though I played the two kobold KotS ambushes all wrong because I followed the old 3.5 straight line of thinking. They were hiding behind boulders and were supposed to charge in the surprise round. I think maybe one got a charge off.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Eh, I'd say directly means each square you move must take you 1 square closer.