Dnd 3.5 attack of opportunity – Prepare for battle as we delve into the dynamic world of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5, where the Attack of Opportunity reigns supreme. This tactical maneuver allows you to strike at foes who dare to retreat or provoke you, turning the tides of combat in your favor.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the mechanics, strategies, and nuances of the Attack of Opportunity, empowering you to harness its potential and dominate the battlefield.
Definition of Attack of Opportunity
An Attack of Opportunity (AoO) is a special type of attack that can be made when an enemy provokes an opportunity attack by performing certain actions.
Actions that provoke an Attack of Opportunity include:
- Moving out of a threatened square (i.e., a square adjacent to an enemy that is not diagonally adjacent).
- Attacking an enemy that is not adjacent to you.
- Casting a spell that has a range of touch or that requires a ranged touch attack.
- Standing up from prone.
- Disarming an opponent.
- Tripping an opponent.
- Grappling an opponent.
- Bull rushing an opponent.
- Overrunning an opponent.
- Using the Tumble skill to move through an opponent’s space.
- Using the Escape Artist skill to escape from a grapple.
- Using the Slippery Mind feat to escape from a mind-affecting spell.
Types of Attacks of Opportunity
Attacks of opportunity are classified into two main types: melee attacks and ranged attacks. Each type has its own unique modifiers and rules.
Melee Attacks of Opportunity, Dnd 3.5 attack of opportunity
Melee attacks of opportunity are triggered when an enemy moves out of your reach while you are wielding a melee weapon. The modifiers that apply to melee attacks of opportunity include:
- Base attack bonus:Your base attack bonus is added to your attack roll.
- Strength modifier:If you are using a strength-based weapon, your strength modifier is added to your attack roll.
- Weapon focus:If you have the weapon focus feat for the weapon you are using, you gain a +1 bonus to your attack roll.
Ranged Attacks of Opportunity
Ranged attacks of opportunity are triggered when an enemy moves out of your range while you are wielding a ranged weapon. The modifiers that apply to ranged attacks of opportunity include:
- Base attack bonus:Your base attack bonus is added to your attack roll.
- Dexterity modifier:If you are using a dexterity-based weapon, your dexterity modifier is added to your attack roll.
- Point-blank shot:If the enemy is within 30 feet of you, you gain a +1 bonus to your attack roll.
Mechanics of Attack of Opportunity
When an Attack of Opportunity is triggered, the following sequence of events occurs:
1. The creature that triggered the Attack of Opportunity (the provoker) provokes an attack from the creature that has the opportunity (the attacker).
2. The attacker makes an attack roll against the provoker’s Armor Class (AC).
3. If the attack roll is successful, the attacker deals damage to the provoker.
Attack Roll and Damage
The attack roll for an Attack of Opportunity is made with the attacker’s base attack bonus (BAB) plus any other applicable modifiers, such as the attacker’s Dexterity bonus or the target’s size modifier.
The damage dealt by an Attack of Opportunity is the same as the damage dealt by a normal attack of the same type.
Role of Initiative
Initiative is used to determine the order in which creatures act in combat.
In general, creatures with higher initiative act before creatures with lower initiative.
However, when an Attack of Opportunity is triggered, the attacker always acts before the provoker, regardless of their initiative scores.
Tactical Considerations
In combat, Attacks of Opportunity (AoO) can be a valuable tool for disrupting your opponents’ movements and protecting your allies. Here are some strategies to use AoOs effectively:
Position your characters strategically to maximize the chances of triggering an AoO. For example, place a character with a reach weapon in a doorway or narrow passage to prevent enemies from passing without provoking an attack.
Positioning for AoOs
- Flanking:When two or more characters are adjacent to an enemy, they can flank them, giving them a +2 bonus to AoOs against the flanked enemy.
- Covering exits:Position characters to block off potential escape routes, forcing enemies to move through your threatened area and trigger AoOs.
- Guarding allies:Place characters near vulnerable allies to protect them from enemy attacks. If an enemy tries to attack your ally, you can trigger an AoO to interrupt their attack.
Advantages of AoOs
- Disrupting enemy movement:AoOs can force enemies to change their plans or take a more circuitous route, giving you time to prepare your defenses or launch a counterattack.
- Protecting allies:AoOs can prevent enemies from attacking your allies or force them to take a penalty to their attacks.
- Controlling the battlefield:By positioning your characters strategically and using AoOs effectively, you can control the flow of combat and force your opponents to play on your terms.
Disadvantages of AoOs
- Can slow down combat:If every enemy movement triggers an AoO, combat can become bogged down and tedious.
- Can leave you open to attack:If you position your characters too aggressively to trigger AoOs, you may leave them vulnerable to enemy attacks.
- Not always effective:Some enemies, such as those with reach weapons or mobility abilities, may be able to avoid triggering AoOs or mitigate their effects.
Feats and Abilities Related to Attack of Opportunity
Attacks of Opportunity can be further enhanced or modified by specific feats and class abilities, offering characters more options and versatility in combat.
In D&D 3.5, an attack of opportunity is a special attack that can be made when an enemy provokes it by moving out of your reach. This can be a powerful tool for keeping enemies at bay, and it can also be used to set up sneak attacks.
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Feats
Several feats can enhance the effectiveness of Attacks of Opportunity. Here are a few notable ones:
- Combat Reflexes: Grants an additional Attack of Opportunity per round.
- Improved Trip: Allows a character to make a Trip Attack of Opportunity when an opponent provokes an Attack of Opportunity.
- Whirlwind Attack: Enables a character to make a melee Attack of Opportunity against all opponents within reach when they provoke an Attack of Opportunity.
Class Abilities and Special Abilities
Certain class abilities and special abilities can also interact with Attacks of Opportunity. For example:
- Fighters’ Combat Mastery: At higher levels, fighters gain the ability to make multiple Attacks of Opportunity per round.
- Monks’ Improved Unarmed Strike: Monks can make an unarmed Attack of Opportunity when an opponent provokes an Attack of Opportunity, even if they are not armed.
- Sentinel Feat: This feat allows a character to make an Attack of Opportunity against an opponent who damages them or an ally within reach.
Homebrew Rules and Variations: Dnd 3.5 Attack Of Opportunity
Dungeon Masters (DMs) may introduce homebrew rules to customize the Attack of Opportunity mechanic, enhancing or altering its impact on gameplay.
Common homebrew variations include:
Expanded Attack of Opportunity Triggers
- Granting Attacks of Opportunity when an enemy attempts to cast a spell with a somatic component.
- Allowing Attacks of Opportunity when an enemy uses an ability that requires movement, such as a rogue’s Cunning Action.
These variations expand the opportunities for players to make Attacks of Opportunity, potentially creating more tactical depth and opportunities for character synergy.
Modified Attack of Opportunity Penalties
- Increasing or decreasing the attack roll penalty for making an Attack of Opportunity.
- Granting advantage or disadvantage on Attack of Opportunity rolls based on specific conditions, such as the target’s size or movement speed.
These variations adjust the difficulty of making successful Attacks of Opportunity, affecting the balance between offense and defense in combat.
Custom Attack of Opportunity Effects
- Applying additional effects on successful Attacks of Opportunity, such as knocking the target prone or disarming them.
- Creating new feats or abilities that enhance or modify the effects of Attacks of Opportunity.
These variations introduce unique and flavorful options for players, allowing them to customize their characters’ combat abilities and create new strategic possibilities.
While homebrew rules can enhance gameplay, it’s crucial to consider their potential impact:
- Pros:
- Increased customization and variety in combat.
- Potential to address perceived imbalances or limitations in the core rules.
- Cons:
- Potential for unbalancing the game or creating unintended consequences.
- Increased complexity and potential for confusion.
Ultimately, the decision to use homebrew rules should be made carefully, considering the specific goals and preferences of the DM and players.
FAQ Insights
What actions trigger an Attack of Opportunity?
Moving out of a threatened square, casting a spell with a somatic component, or using an item that provokes an attack.
How is the attack roll for an Attack of Opportunity determined?
It uses the attacker’s base attack bonus plus any relevant modifiers, such as weapon proficiency and feats.
What is the role of initiative in Attacks of Opportunity?
The attacker’s initiative modifier determines their place in the initiative order, allowing them to potentially interrupt the target’s action.
