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Message: <blockquote data-quote="inati" data-source="post: 4480306" data-attributes="member: 71567">III. Pros and ConsThere are many people who are wary about exposing themselves to being hit by an OA.  To these players, I will say, “Stop being such pansies!”  But, for the people who need more convincing than the mere questioning of their masculinity, let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of performing this tactic: ProsDeals extra damageThis is the whole point to this tactic.  The Defender’s extra damage ability kicks in, thereby damaging the enemy more. Monster has -2 to hitBecause the monster is marked by the Defender, it has a -2 to hit against the PC, or looking at it in a more ‘glass is half full’ sort of way, the PC is enjoying an effective +2 to their AC defense.  For some classes, this will even bump up their effective AC to be on par with, or even more than, the Defender’s AC. Cause damage AND stay mobileMobility and positioning are key for all tactical games, and with 4E’s tactics heavy combat system, this is even more true than ever.  Instead of shifting away and then acting, not only does a player cause more damage by triggering the Defender by moving straight away, they also maintain that all important tactical mobility. Synergizes with other class featuresCertain classes were designed for mobility or their class has features that improve their AC when attacked by OAs (this means you, Strikers!)  Take advantage of this fact!  For example, Artful Dodger Rogues will turn into rockstars by employing this tactic.  Even Warlocks can join in on the fun with Shadow walk giving them an AC boost, although they will need to move three squares before they gain their concealment bonus (see Section IV). Synergizes with featsThere are feats that were placed specifically within the game that plays off of Opportunity Attacks for a reason. For example, Defensive Mobility (which Bow Rangers get for free) help out the player who drew the Opportunity Attack from the monster. The DM doesn’t need to play the monsters ‘dumb’Just as most players shy away from giving opportunity attacks to the monsters, most DMs will shy away from giving the players free opportunity attacks or activating Defender damage abilities by having the monsters make what they consider ‘dumb’ mistakes.  Leaving aside the argument over the nuances of how monsters should fight tactically, if the players intentionally provoke the monsters into attacking and consequently activate the Defender’s damage ability, the players reduce the need for the monsters to ‘intentionally’ make poor tactical decisions.By provoking the opportunity attack, the monster (and by extension the DM) no longer has to ponder if they should attack the squishier target or the Defender that marked them, but rather will they hit a vulnerable target or not.   If they go for the attack, they get nailed by the Defender.  If the monster is wise to the tactic however, and refuses to attack, the PCs still comes out ahead because the monster has just conceded its threatening area, which denies mobility and positioning on the battlemap to the players.  Arguably this is even more powerful than the damage itself. ConsA possibility of being hit by a basic melee attack.Always remember that the Opportunity Attack is not a guaranteed hit, merely a chance of being hit.  And even then, a melee basic attack from a monster will be their weakest attack. As shown above, the advantages and the payout for incorporating this fighting tactic into a group can more than outweigh the disadvantage of drawing an Opportunity Attack.  As with all things, however, there are some caveats.  Naturally, the usage of this tactical fighting style is ultimately a judgment call by the PCs.  If the monster has a particularly nasty basic melee attack, or if the PC is low on hitpoints or in a situation which calls for discretion on the PC’s part, the PC might be better off with shifting and running away than risk becoming a red smear all over the dungeon walls. -</blockquote>

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