Well, a character using Lunge improves the reach of their weapon by 5', not that they actually move 5'. The lunger still provokes the Attack of Opportunity from the creature they're trying to trip, but the creature in question can't strike back unless they have some kind of reach too.
More explicitly, under the definition of Attack of Opportunity from the PRD:
"An enemy that takes certain actions while in a threatened square provokes an attack of opportunity from you." (emphasis added)
So, if somebody tries to trip from outside the target's threatened area, the target can't take their AoO.
Well, a character using Lunge improves the reach of their weapon by 5', not that they actually move 5'. The lunger still provokes the Attack of Opportunity from the creature they're trying to trip, but the creature in question can't strike back unless they have some kind of reach too.
More explicitly, under the definition of Attack of Opportunity from the PRD:
"An enemy that takes certain actions while in a threatened square provokes an attack of opportunity from you." (emphasis added)
So, if somebody tries to trip from outside the target's threatened area, the target can't take their AoO.
"Benefit: You can increase the reach of your melee attacks
by 5 feet until the end of your turn by taking a –2 penalty toyour AC until your next turn. You must decide to use this
ability before any attacks are made."
You didn't take this as meaning your basically a large creature during your turn? I mean, your weapon isn't actually long like a long-spear, so it doesn't make much sense to me you could hit your targets with impunity. Yeah, I think it's intended you function like a large creature temporarily, and that seems more appropriate to me, but I see how you could come to that point.
Edit: hmm...I'm reconsidering. I'm not sold on my side of things, any other opinions?
My opinion:
When I picture a lunge in my mind, I see it as a mini Spring Attack -- I move forward slightly, attack with an extended arm, and step back.
However, I agree with T O. The rule for lunge doesn't mention moving out of position; it specifically states you add reach. Unless the target has a different means to retaliate with an AoO against a creature with reach, I don't believe it would get the AoO.
Another case where the rules are more favorable than the movie in my head ;)
..
Edit: hmm...I'm reconsidering. I'm not sold on my side of things, any other opinions?
I am in agreement with "T O" as he has listed correctly exactly how the rules work in this case. Unless someone knows of some weird exception I have not read of course.
My opinion:
When I picture a lunge in my mind, I see it as a mini Spring Attack -- I move forward slightly, attack with an extended arm, and step back.
However, I agree with T O. The rule for lunge doesn't mention moving out of position; it specifically states you add reach. Unless the target has a different means to retaliate with an AoO against a creature with reach, I don't believe it would get the AoO.
Another case where the rules are more favorable than the movie in my head ;)
Yeah I suppose he's right, even in my post I backpedaled a bit. While it's one of those odd rules situations, I can't see it being too destructive. Most people really throwing around maneuvers will have the feats for them anyway.
Yeah I suppose he's right, even in my post I backpedaled a bit. While it's one of those odd rules situations, I can't see it being too destructive. Most people really throwing around maneuvers will have the feats for them anyway.
It does make creatures with natural reach much more dangerous