Simple Q&A (By RAW) III

[JackQ]

Q:309

A paladin and his mount move out of a square threatened by a chain wielding fighter with combat reflexes. Do both horse and rider provoke AoO simultaneously? If not and the paladin moves out of another threatened square is a second AoO provoked? RAW limits the AoO to one per "event" but there are two potential opponents involved in the same move.

[Asmodeus]

Q:309

A paladin and his mount move out of a square threatened by a chain wielding fighter with combat reflexes. Do both horse and rider provoke AoO simultaneously? If not and the paladin moves out of another threatened square is a second AoO provoked? RAW limits the AoO to one per "event" but there are two potential opponents involved in the same move.

Wow... good question.

A 309

I found the answer in the D&D website under their Rules of the Game articles. It looks like by the RAW, you each get an AoO, but does suggest that its not unfeasable to only provoke 1 AoO for specially trained mounts.

When you and our mount move, you both are subject to attacks of opportunity from your foes (your mount might be the one actually doing the moving, but you're moving as well). For example, when you and your mount leave a threatened space, you both provoke attacks of opportunity from foes that threaten that space. A foe who can make multiple attacks of opportunity in a round (for example, a foe with a high Dexterity score and the Combat Reflexes feat) can make an attack of opportunity against you and one against your mount.

As an optional rule, you might want to treat a rider and a trained war mount (or a special mount, such as a paladin's warhorse) as a single creature in battle. When the pair moves, they provoke one attack of opportunity for each foe that threatens them, not one each.

Reference: http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20050201a

[Boris_the_Fat]

Q310

Ok, dumb question after a good one.

Can "attack" spells, like melf's acid arrows or magic missile target a weapon or armor? (like magical sunder attack)

Can an Eldritch Blast (a range touche spell-like abilitie)can target a weapon? Any mlaus (like the one when you try to sunder in melee?)

[Shhalahr Windrider]

A 310

Yes. Weapon-like spells can be used like normal weapons for this purpose. Note, however, you cannot typically sunder with ranged attacks (smashing an unattended object, though, doesn't necessarily face that restriction), which rules out the use of acid arrow or eldritch blast. Likewise, magic missile is not a weapon-like spell, specifically targeting "up to five creatures" (emphasis mine). As such you have to take care when determining which spells can be used to smash or sunder objects.

Sources:

• SRD:Combat:Special Attacks:Sunder
• SRD:Carrying, Movement, and Exploration:Smashing an Object
• SRD:Spells:magic missile

[Asmodeus]

A 310
Addendum

Also, I think area effect spells have the ability to affect weapons or armor on a critical failure for the saving throw.

But yea, like Shalar said, if the spell targets a living creature, you can't use it to sunder. Only if it can target an object and deals damage.

[Anxe]

Q 311

Can a Monk, or any other character actually, take Improved Natural Attack and apply it to Unarmed Strike?

[Lord Lorac Silvanos]

A. 311

A Monk can as per the FAQ.

Can a monk take Improved Natural Attack (Monster
Manual, page 304) to improve his unarmed strike?

Yes. As stated on page 41 of the Player’s Handbook, a
monk’s unarmed strike “is treated as both a manufactured
weapon and a natural weapon for the purpose of spells and
effects that enhance or improve either” which includes feats
such as Improved Natural Attack.
Barring multiclassing, the earliest a monk could take this
feat would be at 6th level (due to the base attack bonus
prerequisite), at which point her unarmed strike damage would
improve from 1d8 to 2d6 (which represents an average increase
of +2.5 points of damage). The same monk at 20th level would
deal 4d8 points of damage with her unarmed strike.

Unarmed Strikes are not natural weapons otherwise.

[Anxe]

Q 312

How do spellcasting progression classes such as the Mystic Theurge work with Warlocks? Do their invocations increase as they would if the levels were taken in Warlock? Does Eldritch Blast increase as well? That sort of thing.

[Lord Lorac Silvanos]

A. 312

Yes to all your questions as described on page 18 of Complete Arcane.

[TomTheRat]

Q313

If one character is prone, and another character moves to stand in the same square, with the express purpose of defending the prone character, what is the mechanical effect of this defensive action?

For example, does the defended creature gain cover? AC? Would an attacking character be forced to attack the defender?

[Falrin]

Q314

Are there any CR felines around?

Would using the wolfs stats, switching trip for pounce do the trick?

[Asmodeus]

Q313

If one character is prone, and another character moves to stand in the same square, with the express purpose of defending the prone character, what is the mechanical effect of this defensive action?

For example, does the defended creature gain cover? AC? Would an attacking character be forced to attack the defender?

A 313

Can't be done, if the prone character is not helpless. Two character's can't be in the same space.

However, if the prone character was helpless, then the defending character would provide soft cover, which is only effective against ranged attacks and reach weapons. Not Melee attacks. Any other modifiers would be a result of being prone, or helpless.

The defending character could attempt to use the Aid Another action to provide an AC bonus to the prone character instead.

[Wih]

A313 Addition

Two characters can be in the same space - the text for Bullrushing says that if the Bullrush fails, the rusher gets pushed back 5 feet, and falls prone if the square is occupied.

Someone standing over a prone figure would (at the GM's disgression) give the prone person Cover, but more improtantly in the case of a Helpless character, someone near them to attack anyone who tried to Coup de Grace them.

A314

Displacer Beast, Leopard, Tiger, Lion etc are all felines, and there are undoubtable more. As for the benefits of Pounce vs. Trip, the only thing you can really say to measure them RAW, is the table on Improving Monsters, that says that anything that 'adds to a creature's combat abilities in a minor way' is worth a CR+1, but there is no set definition RAW, that I know of.

[Asmodeus]

Q314

Are there any CR felines around?

Would using the wolfs stats, switching trip for pounce do the trick?

A 314

Since you cited the wolf, I'll assume you meant to ask for CR 1 Felines.

According to the SRD, no. There may be one in some other source book though.

What you might do is go with a normal Cat and add the Dire, Fiendish, or Celestial template.

Since its a cat, definitely go Fiendish... They are all satanic...

Another alternative is to take one of the big cats, like a cheetah or a leopard, and weaken it. Send it after the PCs after its already been in a fight and doesn't have full Hit Points, or send an adolesant leopard after them, without as many hit dice as a full grown adult.

[Asmodeus]

A313 Addition

Two characters can be in the same space - the text for Bullrushing says that if the Bullrush fails, the rusher gets pushed back 5 feet, and falls prone if the square is occupied.

Someone standing over a prone figure would (at the GM's disgression) give the prone person Cover, but more improtantly in the case of a Helpless character, someone near them to attack anyone who tried to Coup de Grace them.

Doesn't apply, since he's not attempting to use the Bullrush special attack. He's trying to move into the square normally, to defend his fallen comrade. A common request, but sadly, not possible according to the RAW.

Additionally, I believe this topic was covered in detail by the Sage at one point. I'll see if I can find more references.

Ok, here's the reference from the SRD, which states that unless a creature is helpless, you can't end your movement in its space.

Ending Your Movement

You can’t end your movement in the same square as another creature unless it is helpless.

However, This doesn't seem to always apply. Big and Little creatures in combat provide for an exception to this rule, and in the FAQ, there is a pair of questions on page 66 that reference being prone and in the same square as another creature, however, these questions only seem to apply if the prone character was also helpless to begin with, and then somehow became non-helpless while still prone and sharing space.

And of course, there is the Bullrush rule, which you've already cited.

So, with that many conflicting sources, I'm going to have to bow out and hope someone else has a more definitive answer.

*Paging the Popcorn Tyrant*

[Alleine]

Q:315

Can a warforged be masterworked/dwarvencraft?

That first part is actually kinda moot I think, cuz of the adamantine body feat. Just curious, it'd be really interesting.

[Lord Lorac Silvanos]

A. 315

There is no mechanic for such fine craft in relation to warforged.
Maybe they are masterwork in the first place, who knows.

[Lord Lorac Silvanos]

A. 313

I completely agree with Asmodeus on this one and I think he has found all the relevant sources.

There is not really any conflict here and you have already provided the relevant SRD quote to this effect.

Since you cannot end your movement in the square with the prone character your best RAW bet of doing anything remotely similar to what you request is to use the Aid Another action.

AID ANOTHER
In melee combat, you can help a friend attack or defend by distracting or interfering with an opponent. If you’re in position to make a melee attack on an opponent that is engaging a friend in melee combat, you can attempt to aid your friend as a standard action. You make an attack roll against AC 10. If you succeed, your friend gains either a +2 bonus on his next attack roll against that opponent or a +2 bonus to AC against that opponent’s next attack (your choice), as long as that attack comes before the beginning of your next turn. Multiple characters can aid the same friend, and similar bonuses stack.

You can also use this standard action to help a friend in other ways, such as when he is affected by a spell, or to assist another character’s skill check.

[Curmudgeon]

Q 311

Can a Monk, or any other character actually, take Improved Natural Attack and apply it to Unarmed Strike?

A 311 full answer

A Monk can, as clarified in the FAQ reference by Lord_Silvanos. But it looks like WotC thinks any other character (or at least one with Improved Unarmed Strike) can also take this feat. The Fanged Ring (Dragon Magic, page 101) among other things grants these feats:

• Improved Unarmed Strike
• Improved Natural Attack (unarmed strike)

There is no requirement of Monk levels to make use of the Fanged Ring.

Whether unarmed attacks count as natural weapons seems to be decided on a case-by-case basis without any general answer. Because of this magic item we know WotC has answered in the affirmative for the Improved Natural Attack feat if you've also got the Improved Unarmed Strike feat.


Sidebar: The text of Magic Fang describes fists as "natural weapons", but the primary definition of that term requires an armed attack that doesn't provoke AoOs.

Magic Fang

The spell can affect a slam attack, fist, bite, or other natural weapon.

Natural Weapons

Natural weapons are weapons that are physically a part of a creature. A creature making a melee attack with a natural weapon is considered armed and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

So an unarmed attack with the Improved Unarmed Strike feet meets this primary definition, and this may be why Wizards decided that Improved Natural Attack (unarmed strike) qualifies if you've got the first feat.

[Alleine]

Q. 316

What is the penalty for wielding one oversized weapon, and how can it be reduced?

[Sepp]

Q. 317

Is there a feat that allows me to threaten areas, and make attacks of opportunity, with a ranged weapon?

[Jasdoif]

A316

Depends how oversized it is. If the weapon is sized for a creature one size larger then you are, you take a -2 on attack rolls penalty with it and must wield it as a weapon one category "heavier" (such a dagger must be wielded as a one-handed weapon, for instance, and a longsword must be wielded as a two-handed weapon). If it's size for two size categories larger, you take a -4 penalty and must wield it as a weapon two categories "heavier" (such a dagger must be wielded as a two-handed weapon, for instance).

I'm not aware of any way to eliminate the penalty, short of increasing your size category and wielding the weapon without increasing its size category.

[Asmodeus]

A316

I'm not aware of any way to eliminate the penalty, short of increasing your size category and wielding the weapon without increasing its size category.

I believe there is a feat called 'Monkey Grip' that allows you to use oversized weapons. I forget where it is from though.

Also, a character with the Powerful Build special ability can wield oversized weapons. Goliaths from Races of Stone are the only race that comes to mind.

[Jasdoif]

I believe there is a feat called 'Monkey Grip' that allows you to use oversized weapons. I forget where it is from though.

Monkey Grip does nothing for the attack roll penalty. It only lets you wield a weapon one size larger with the same amount of effort (so a Medium creature can wield a Large longsword one-handed, instead of the otherwise required two-handed).

Also, a character with the Powerful Build special ability can wield oversized weapons. Goliaths from Races of Stone are the only race that comes to mind.

Whoops, forgot about that one...half-giants have it as well.

[Asmodeus]

Q. 317

Is there a feat that allows me to threaten areas, and make attacks of opportunity, with a ranged weapon?

A 317

Not by the strict RAW, but...

Ranged Threat from Dragon Magazine, Issue 350.

Ranged Threat
[General, Fighter]
(DR350 p90)
Base Attack Bonus +6
Combat Reflexes
Point Blank Shot
Precise Shot
If a creature within 15’ of you takes an action that provokes an Attack of Opportunity, you may make a
single ranged attack against him/her/it at your highest attack bonus. This consumes all of your remaining
Attacks of Opportunity for the round.

[Curmudgeon]

Q 318

Is there a feat or spell that allows a medium-size human, with no special bloodline/heritage or grafts, to get more than 5' natural reach? I'm talking about using normal unarmed attacks or handheld weapons, not sprouting tentacles or tongues. Something that would work with a Monk's flurry of blows.

[Fax Celestis]

A318 Try the Blood Wind spell from the Spell Compendium.

[Curmudgeon]

A318 Try the Blood Wind spell from the Spell Compendium.

Quoting from the spell description:

This spell does not actually grant reach, and ... does not allow the subject to make attacks of opportunity at any range greater than normal.

Not what I was hoping for.

[Lord Lorac Silvanos]

A 311 full answer

A Monk can, as clarified in the FAQ reference by Lord_Silvanos. But it looks like WotC thinks any other character (or at least one with Improved Unarmed Strike) can also take this feat. The Fanged Ring (Dragon Magic, page 101) among other things grants these feats:

• Improved Unarmed Strike
• Improved Natural Attack (unarmed strike)

There is no requirement of Monk levels to make use of the Fanged Ring.

Granted, there is no explicit requirement of Monk levels, but there are also other benefits to the ring than just the Improved Natural Attack feat.

In any case one could argue that even if you are granted the feat you cannot use it since you do not meet the prerequisites unless you are a Monk or that you can only use it because the magic ring has granted it as opposed to the normal situation where you would be restricted from taking it.

Whether unarmed attacks count as natural weapons seems to be decided on a case-by-case basis without any general answer. Because of this magic item we know WotC has answered in the affirmative for the Improved Natural Attack feat if you've also got the Improved Unarmed Strike feat.

The FAQ hints that it is only because of the special features of the Monk's Unarmed Strikes that they can benefit from INA.

WotC seems unable to make up their mind or are confused about the rules.
They even made a feat for the purpose of improving Unarmed Strikes. (Superior Unarmed Strike, ToB)

Sidebar: The text of Magic Fang describes fists as "natural weapons", but the primary definition of that term requires an armed attack that doesn't provoke AoOs. So an unarmed attack with the Improved Unarmed Strike feet meets this primary definition, and this may be why Wizards decided that Improved Natural Attack (unarmed strike) qualifies if you've got the first feat.

The primary definition of Natural attacks also have additional requirements that the Unarmed Strikes do not meet.

Creatures do not receive additional attacks from a high base attack bonus when using natural weapons.

And they cannot be used as secondary attacks either.



Without the FAQ the Monk could not even have taken the feat without having some natural natural weapon like a claw or a bite etc.

A monk’s unarmed strike is treated as a natural weapon for the purpose of spells and effects that enhance or improve them, which means that the monk can benefit from INA. (Ignoring for a moment that the intended use of effects probably do not include feats.)
However, this says nothing about the monk's unarmed strikes being treated as natural weapons for the purpose of meeting prerequisites.
In this case the feat is what allows the monk to meet the prerequisites, so before taking the feat the monk needs to have the feat (or some other way of qualifying).

Anyway, this was not to argue this point, just to further point out the inconsistencies revolving around Unarmed Strikes.

[Fax Celestis]

Quoting from the spell description: Not what I was hoping for.

Oops. Wrong spell. That's what happens when you go from memory. I'll see what I can come up with when I get home.