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<blockquote data-quote="Mistwell" data-source="post: 3653145" data-attributes="member: 2525">I would allow an AOO in the surprise round for someone with Combat Reflexes.The general rule is that you cannot act in the surprise round.&nbsp; However, like most rules, there is a specific exception - Combat Reflexes.The way that &quot;unaware&quot; is represented in the rules is by applying the flat-footed status (which, due to the efficiency of the rules, is a rule that can be applied to many situations).&nbsp; However, Combat Reflexes specifically lets you make an AOO when flat-footed (in any of those situations).Now, if something else prevents an AOO, like total cover or concealment or inability to actually hit them due to how far they are away from you or something else, then those things of course still apply.&nbsp; But &quot;unaware&quot; alone isn't itself a status - just a description of an event that triggers the flat-footed rule.&nbsp; Much like &quot;unaware&quot; could be a description applied to being attacked by someone who uses the Complete Adventurer rules for moving while still hidden away from cover or concealment to attack with a melee attack - which again applies the flat-footed rules.Combat reflexes is sort of akin to the Uncanny Dodge chain of abilities.&nbsp; Both let you do something in &quot;unaware&quot; type situations that others cannot do under the general rules.&nbsp; Sort of your reflexes reacting even when your conscious mind is still trying to catch up.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Mistwell, post: 3653145, member: 2525"] I would allow an AOO in the surprise round for someone with Combat Reflexes. The general rule is that you cannot act in the surprise round. However, like most rules, there is a specific exception - Combat Reflexes. The way that "unaware" is represented in the rules is by applying the flat-footed status (which, due to the efficiency of the rules, is a rule that can be applied to many situations). However, Combat Reflexes specifically lets you make an AOO when flat-footed (in any of those situations). Now, if something else prevents an AOO, like total cover or concealment or inability to actually hit them due to how far they are away from you or something else, then those things of course still apply. But "unaware" alone isn't itself a status - just a description of an event that triggers the flat-footed rule. Much like "unaware" could be a description applied to being attacked by someone who uses the Complete Adventurer rules for moving while still hidden away from cover or concealment to attack with a melee attack - which again applies the flat-footed rules. Combat reflexes is sort of akin to the Uncanny Dodge chain of abilities. Both let you do something in "unaware" type situations that others cannot do under the general rules. Sort of your reflexes reacting even when your conscious mind is still trying to catch up. [/QUOTE]

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