How does AoO work in Pathfinder?
In Pathfinder, an Attack of Opportunity (AoO) is a special type of attack that can be made by a character in response to a specific action taken by another character. This can occur when an opponent makes a melee attack, casts a spell, or takes another action that provokes an attack of opportunity.
What provokes an AoO?
According to the Pathfinder Core Rulebook, the following actions can provoke an attack of opportunity:
• Making a melee attack: Any attack that targets a square occupied by another character, or that threatens a square occupied by another character, can provoke an attack of opportunity.
• Casting a spell: Certain spells, such as spells with a touch attack, can provoke an attack of opportunity.
• Tumbling: Tumbling into a square occupied by another character can provoke an attack of opportunity.
• Rushing: Rushing past an opponent can provoke an attack of opportunity.
• Disarming: Attempting to disarm an opponent can provoke an attack of opportunity.
• Triping: Attempting to trip an opponent can provoke an attack of opportunity.
• Intimidate: Intimidating an opponent can provoke an attack of opportunity.
How does AoO work?
When an opponent provokes an attack of opportunity, the character who provoked the attack gets to make an attack against the opponent as a free action. This attack is unlimited in range and unhindered by any other circumstances, such as obstacles or opponents.
What is the benefit of AoO?
AoO is a powerful tool that can help a character gain an advantage in combat. By attacking an opponent who is taking another action, a character can:
• Halt an opponent’s action: By attacking an opponent, a character can interrupt their action and prevent them from taking any further actions for a short period of time.
• Deal extra damage: AoO can deal significant damage to an opponent, especially if the character has a high attack bonus or is using a powerful weapon.
• Gain initiative: By making an attack of opportunity, a character can gain the initiative in combat and go first on their next turn.
Can AoO be avoided?
Yes, there are ways to avoid an attack of opportunity. For example:
• 5-Foot Step: Characters can move 5 feet as a free action to avoid an attack of opportunity.
• Disarm or trip an opponent: By disarming or tripping an opponent, a character can prevent them from taking an action that would provoke an attack of opportunity.
• Use an action that doesn’t provoke AoO: Certain actions, such as casting a spell or using a feint, do not provoke an attack of opportunity.
Can AoO be used defensively?
Yes, AoO can be used defensively to protect a character from an opponent’s attack. For example:
• Use a defensive stance: Characters can use a defensive stance to reduce the effectiveness of an opponent’s attack.
• Use an AoO to deflect an attack: Characters can use an attack of opportunity to deflect an opponent’s attack and avoid taking damage.
In summary
In Pathfinder, an Attack of Opportunity is a powerful tool that can be used to gain an advantage in combat. By understanding what provokes an AoO and how to use it effectively, characters can gain a significant edge in combat.