Making attacks of opportunity while unarmed

[blahpers]

The CRB mentions that you do not threaten squares while unarmed (IUS and touch attacks notwithstanding). However, can an unarmed combatant still make an attack of opportunity in another provoking situation, such as in response to an enemy's combat maneuver?

[Grick]

blahpers wrote:

The CRB mentions that you do not threaten squares while unarmed (IUS and touch attacks notwithstanding). However, can an unarmed combatant still make an attack of opportunity in another provoking situation, such as in response to an enemy's combat maneuver?

Attacks of Opportunity

You cannot make attacks of opportunity without threatening.

Two guys without Improved Unarmed Strike walk up to each other.

Guy A takes a swing at Guy B. This provokes, but since Guy B is unarmed, he is unable to make an AoO.

[Lab_Rat]

No. You may not make attacks of opportunity unless you threaten that square.

AoO in combat section of Core:

Threatened Squares: You threaten all squares into which you can make a melee attack, even when it is not your turn. Generally, that means everything in all squares adjacent to your space (including diagonally). An enemy that takes certain actions while in a threatened square provokes an attack of opportunity from you. If you're unarmed, you don't normally threaten any squares and thus can't make attacks of opportunity.

[Some call me Tim]

blahpers wrote:

The CRB mentions that you do not threaten squares while unarmed (IUS and touch attacks notwithstanding). However, can an unarmed combatant still make an attack of opportunity in another provoking situation, such as in response to an enemy's combat maneuver?

Rules-as-written, no.

I've been in the habit of allowing attacks of opportunity while unarmed as a house ruling. Of course, without improved unarmed strike the AoO provokes an AoO itself. Most of the time the players don't risk it, but if faced with dire circumstances they'll try. I haven't noted any game breaking problems with doing so. I've found it makes the player think tactically about the combat and leads to more exciting combats.

[blackbloodtroll]

This is why any pc with armor, should have armor spikes.

[Stynkk]

Agreed with Grick & Lab Rat.

Get IUS or Armor Spikes (or a shield to shield bash with).