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When you get a free manoeuvre, like a free bull rush when using the feat Shield Slam, do you still provoke an attack of opportunity from your opponent if you don't have the associated manoeuvre feat, like, in this case, improved bull rush?
Shield Slam (Combat)
In the right position, your shield can be used to send opponents flying.
Prerequisites: Improved Shield Bash, Shield Proficiency, Two-Weapon Fighting, base attack bonus +6.
Benefit: Any opponents hit by your shield bash are also hit with a free bull rush attack, substituting your attack roll for the combat maneuver check (see Combat). This bull rush does not provoke an attack of opportunity. Opponents who cannot move back due to a wall or other surface are knocked prone after moving the maximum possible distance. You may choose to move with your target if you are able to take a 5-foot step or to spend an action to move this turn.
Generally Speking, the effect listed has either:
- the maneuver feat as a prerequisite (disarming strike)
- it's clearly stated that you don't trigger the AOO (the feat shield slam, the rage power knockback).
Generally Speking, the effect listed has either:
- the maneuver feat as a prerequisite (disarming strike)
- it's clearly stated that you don't trigger the AOO (the feat shield slam, the rage power knockback).
However, if neither of those conditions hold, I would say that you do provoke the AoO. The same would hold if you managed to get the feat without the prereq feat (something like a ranger bonus feat where you can skip prereqs).
Ok, Shield Slam was not a very good example, because it's stated in the feat's description that you don't provoke AoO. However, it's not stated if the opponent's movement does, but I guess it depends if you have Greater Bull Rush or not.
Another, and better, example : Upending Strike (APG p. 129)
''... If the attack hits, he may make a free trip combat maneuvre against the target.''
The trip attempt generated by upending strike functions as a normal trip attempt; the attacking player provokes an AoO unless he or she possesses Improved Trip, or a similar ability.
Upending strike probably isn't a good choice to use as an example, either. It's one of a variety of class choices, rather than an ability given to all players of a class at a specific level, and as such appears to be designed as an option for players specializing in the use of the combat maneuver.
The trip attempt generated by upending strike functions as a normal trip attempt; the attacking player provokes an AoO unless he or she possesses Improved Trip, or a similar ability.
Upending strike probably isn't a good choice to use as an example, either. It's one of a variety of class choices, rather than an ability given to all players of a class at a specific level, and as such appears to be designed as an option for players specializing in the use of the combat maneuver.
Well, one could argue that creatures, like wolfs, who get a free trip attack after a successful hit don't provoke an AoO even if they don't have the improved trip feat. Upending Strike could work that way too.
An answer from the devs would be awesome. (;
Well, one could argue that creatures, like wolfs, who get a free trip attack after a successful hit don't provoke an AoO even if they don't have the improved trip feat. Upending Strike could work that way too.
It could be argued, but it would be an faulty argument:
A creature with the trip special attack can attempt to trip its opponent as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity if it hits with the specified attack. If the attempt fails, the creature is not tripped in return.
I wouldn't recommend you hold your breath for a response from the developers. There's not really anything to be cleared up in this instance; you're asking for upending strike to do something it simply does not say it's supposed to do. In your game, by all means allow someone with the ability to make trip attacks without provoking an AoO. But the rules do not support such an action.
Well, one could argue that creatures, like wolfs, who get a free trip attack after a successful hit don't provoke an AoO even if they don't have the improved trip feat. Upending Strike could work that way too.It could be argued, but it would be an faulty argument:
A creature with the trip special attack can attempt to trip its opponent as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity if it hits with the specified attack. If the attempt fails, the creature is not tripped in return.I wouldn't recommend you hold your breath for a response from the developers. There's not really anything to be cleared up in this instance; you're asking for upending strike to do something it simply does not say it's supposed to do. In your game, by all means allow someone with the ability to make trip attacks without provoking an AoO. But the rules do not support such an action.
I concede you're right on this. I was not 100% sure because Upending Strike is one of those few abilities (in fact, I'm not aware if others exist) that let you make a free maneuvre after a successful hit without having the corresponding feat that lets you make the said maneuvre without provoking an AoO as a prerequisite. All the ''Strike'' feats require such a prerequisite, but not Upending Strike. I learned something today. :)