1.) Has anyone ever tried this?
2.) If so, how did it work out?
3.) How do you think the game would benefit/suffer from no AoO?
2.) If so, how did it work out?
3.) How do you think the game would benefit/suffer from no AoO?
No AoO?
- Thread starter Baby Samurai
- Start date
Mercule said:
I agree; I also find them a nice addition to the game. To me, they also give a sense of movement to combat, but maybe that's because I absolutely adore Immediate actions.
I was just wondering what are people's thought on axing AoO. Maybe it would make combat slightly less tactical (which could be a good thing), but quicker/smoother?
Satori said:
True, and Karmic Strike/Robilar's Gambit builds etc.
The game would definitely change (feats/builds etc), but how much, and in a good or bad way?
Voadam
Legend
I have not done so but here seem some implications.
Concentration is not as big a deal because you don't need to cast defensively, it is easier to cast in combat (readied actions still disrupt).
Tumble not such a combat skill.
A few feats no longer work or fully work (combat reflexes, mobility, spring attack).
Grappling becomes easier.
Special maneuvers become easier/less dangerous for those who have not taken specific feats (disarm, sunder, trip)
Can run around or by people with little risk
Can run away more effectively
Closing with creatures with reach becomes easier
Getting up from prone is safer
Concentration is not as big a deal because you don't need to cast defensively, it is easier to cast in combat (readied actions still disrupt).
Tumble not such a combat skill.
A few feats no longer work or fully work (combat reflexes, mobility, spring attack).
Grappling becomes easier.
Special maneuvers become easier/less dangerous for those who have not taken specific feats (disarm, sunder, trip)
Can run around or by people with little risk
Can run away more effectively
Closing with creatures with reach becomes easier
Getting up from prone is safer
Thornir Alekeg
Albatross!
My limited experience playing without AoOs noted much of what Voadam has listed.
The game becomes more free form since you don't have to worry about running past an opponent.
I didn't experience the grapple/special moves ease, because nobody tried them.
Reach was no longer as much of an advantage.
I found the Concentration/defensive casting was one of the more noticeable changes.
Pluses:
-Movement seems less like plotting a chess move - "I'll get an AoO to move straight to attack this person 10 feet away, but if I use all 30 feet of my movement this round I can loop around, ending up in the same place and not provoke any AoOs."
-A little less metagame thinking - "That guy already used his AoO for the round against Jozan. I can move in without worrying...unless he has Combat Reflexes."
-Can speed up combat a small, but not insignificant, amount depending upon the circumstances.
Having tried both ways, I found what I would like is a simpler system. I like the way it adds in that element of being able to strike someone when they are more vulnerable - moving past, casting, getting up, but keeping all the mechanics straight in a large, diverse group of players can be a PITA.
The game becomes more free form since you don't have to worry about running past an opponent.
I didn't experience the grapple/special moves ease, because nobody tried them.
Reach was no longer as much of an advantage.
I found the Concentration/defensive casting was one of the more noticeable changes.
Pluses:
-Movement seems less like plotting a chess move - "I'll get an AoO to move straight to attack this person 10 feet away, but if I use all 30 feet of my movement this round I can loop around, ending up in the same place and not provoke any AoOs."
-A little less metagame thinking - "That guy already used his AoO for the round against Jozan. I can move in without worrying...unless he has Combat Reflexes."
-Can speed up combat a small, but not insignificant, amount depending upon the circumstances.
Having tried both ways, I found what I would like is a simpler system. I like the way it adds in that element of being able to strike someone when they are more vulnerable - moving past, casting, getting up, but keeping all the mechanics straight in a large, diverse group of players can be a PITA.
Whizbang Dustyboots
Gnometown Hero
Skills and feats that only exist to deal with situations that only exist in a game, and not in reality, aren't likely to be missed.Satori said:
Baby Samurai said:
I'll point out that everyone who played D&D prior to 3E was doing that.
I do think that combat ran faster, and was less confusing to new players. Things that now cause AOO were basically prohibited (i.e., must stop when you contact a foe, cannot fire a bow in melee, etc.)
