Some AoO mechanics questions

[Gaiden]

When you attempt to take a melee attack action that specifically provokes an AoO like a disarm attempt, in order for the opponent to make that AoO, is it true that they have to threaten the area of the one provoking the AoO to make the AoO?

Moreover, does provoking at AoO in this manner occur just to the opponent whom you are performing the special melee attack against, or is it a general AoO that everyone can make who threatens you?

Finally, does the same principle apply to trip attacks. It says under multiple weapon's descriptions that one can drop the weapon if they would be tripped because of their failed trip attempt. Many of these weapons have reach and it simply does not make sense to reference this unless an opponent can make a response trip attempt even if they don't threaten the area

 

[Kershek]

When you attempt to take a melee attack action that specifically provokes an AoO like a disarm attempt, in order for the opponent to make that AoO, is it true that they have to threaten the area of the one provoking the AoO to make the AoO?

Yes, you have to threaten an area to make an AoO.

Moreover, does provoking at AoO in this manner occur just to the opponent whom you are performing the special melee attack against, or is it a general AoO that everyone can make who threatens you?

That's a good question. I would hazard a guess that the AoO is against anyone who is threatening your square because you're opening yourself up to attack.

Finally, does the same principle apply to trip attacks. It says under multiple weapon's descriptions that one can drop the weapon if they would be tripped because of their failed trip attempt. Many of these weapons have reach and it simply does not make sense to reference this unless an opponent can make a response trip attempt even if they don't threaten the area

You can look at it in two ways. One, you're not threatening the square the attacker is in because he has a reach weapon and is 10 feet away, so no, you can't trip him. Or, you can say that yes, you can trip him, because you can pull his weapon from him and put him off balance.

 

[Christian]

1) Yes, you cannot suffer a melee attack (including an AoO) from someone who does not threaten you.

2) This is typically detailed in the action description. The Disarm action indicates that the attacker provokes an AoO "from the defender." So, other characters in the vicinity do not get to make such attacks on a Disarm attempt.

3) Trip does not provoke an AoO; the defender does not need to threaten you to attempt a counter-trip, which is an entirely different mechanic. (If you're finding this tough to visualize, think of it this way-you sweep your reach weapon toward the target's legs, but he catches it and yanks hard. You must drop the weapon or be pulled off your feat. But if you hadn't stuck your weapon out that way, he couldn't have tried to pull at you without moving closer.) This applies to the opposed attack roll on a Disarm attempt, as well. The defender couldn't Trip or Disarm you from 10' away-but once you attempt and fail the maneuver, you're vulnerable to the counter.