I am running a game, and the party includes a Hunter (4th level) with a wolf companion. He and the wolf have come upon a pretty effective combat method, and I want to check if the way we are playing it, squares with RAW.
Both Hunter and Wolf have Combat Reflexes (wolf Int=3). Also, share Outflank (flanking bonus = +4), Pack Flanking (flank enemy regardless of position if both threaten and they are adjacent to each other)
Hunter uses a Guisarme (reach,trip) and typically will position behind the wolf, so the Hunter threatens anything the wolf does.
When the wolf hits, it gets a trip attack. If successful, that puts the enemy prone. Both Hunter & wolf now have +4 (outflank) bonus against the prone enemy (now suffering -4AC as well). They effectively have +8 to hit vs. the prone target.
If the enemy attempts to stand up, they both get attacks of opportunity. And, if the wolf hits on the AoO, it can trip the enemy again, keeping it on the ground.
Because both have combat reflexes, they can keep more than one enemy they threaten in this situation, making AoO as each target tries to get up from prone. All the while pounding on them with their boosted flanking and prone enemy bonuses each combat round.
It all seems to be RAW legal. My one worry, was if a wolf's successful attack on an AoO still allows for a trip attack as well. Haven't been able to find any dis-qualifier for it. I've been playing it this way (and likely continue), because it fits the idea of wolf/wolves keeping prey grounded/hamstrung as they try to get up.
Any thoughts? Errors? Support?
Thanks