Order of the Bow, Close Combat, and AOO's, oh my!

[JRRNeiklot]

Can an OBI with Close Combat, get AOO's with a bow? I've a player wanting to get AOO's within 5 ft. with his bow. He also wants to be able to flank from 5 ft., so as to gain sneak attack damage. I'm tempted to sat yes on the AOO and no on the sneak attack? Opinions?

 

[Axiomatic Unicorn]

An AoO is defined as a melee attack (PH page 122).

You threaten an area into which you can make a melee attack (PH page 122).

Nothing in the OBI class indicates that either of these rules are modified by the OBI.

Close combat Shot simply exempts the OBI from provoking AoOs by shooting while in a threatened area. Nothing more.

 

[Axiomatic Unicorn]

On further reading, the Free Attack ability specifically requires that an ally gain the AoO. This seems to clearly support the case that the OBI can not get the AoOs on his own.

Free Attack is a close as you can get.

 

[Crothian]

Ya, the only ranged weapon I've seen that can get AoO is the whip through the Laser prestige class.

 

[Bystander]

Doesnt it also have something to do with the fact that there is no arrow notched in time for the Aoo? You aren't ready to fire until your turn or somthing?

 

[Axiomatic Unicorn]

No. Even if you had a readied attack with your bow or simply stated that you were notching an arrow an waiting until your next turn, you would still not threaten an area or be able to take AoOs.

 

[Ancalagon]

The posters are correct.

This has several implications.

Basicaly, the OotB shouldn't abuse this ability to fire without triggering attacks of opportunity. First of all, he doesn't lose his -4 AC penalty for using a missile weapon in melee. Second of all, foes can try to sunder the bow. And because a bow doesn't threaten, even if the bow smasher doesn't have the feat he will not recieve an attack of opportunity.

So, if you are an archer, whether you are an OotB or not, stay out of melee!!!

Ancalagon

 

[coyote6]

First of all, he doesn't lose his -4 AC penalty for using a missile weapon in melee.

Where does this penalty come from? I don't recall this from the PHB or any other book. Is it a holdover from previous edition(s)?

 

[hong]

Where does this penalty come from? I don't recall this from the PHB or any other book. Is it a holdover from previous edition(s)?

PHB p.124, "Shooting or Throwing into Melee". The Precise Shot feat negates the -4 penalty.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Ya, the only ranged weapon I've seen that can get AoO is the whip through the Laser prestige class.

Laser prestige class?

Cool!

Lasers do, like, 3d10 damage, don't they?

-Hyp.