When does aid another draw AoO?

[Melkiador]

I'm looking at having a hedgehog familiar with the Protector archetype, which gets a version of Bodyguard. Now hedgehog doesn't have a natural attack so would need to use unarmed strike without IUS. So when using the aid another action for Bodyguard, does the hedgehog draw an AoO?

[My Self]

rules wrote:

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.

It probably doesn't provoke. The rules aren't so clear, but you're not actually attacking so much as distracting or interfering.

[Davor]

Aid Another is a standard action, not an attack. Therefore, it does not provoke unless otherwise specified (it doesn't).

[Melkiador]

Ok. I wanted to make sure. Under the table for AoO, the Aid Another action is listed as "Maybe". I wasn't sure what could cause the Maybe.

[Forseti]

That "Maybe" has a footnote: "If you aid someone performing an action that would normally provoke an attack of opportunity, then the act of aiding another provokes an attack of opportunity as well."

[Melkiador]

Thanks. I suppose that answers that then. This makes the Protector Hedgehog a pretty nice get for a martial-type who wants a funny animal sidekick.

[Maezer]

I am not sure the hedgehog is very optimal for that role, as it has 0 reach by default. Thus has to be in the enemy square to be in position to make a melee attack as required by aid another.

[Melkiador]

Maezer wrote:

I am not sure the hedgehog is very optimal for that role, as it has 0 reach by default. Thus has to be in the enemy square to be in position to make a melee attack as required by aid another.

The protector archetype takes care of that limitation.