How are trample AoO's handled?

[Hulk'Thar]

I have been searching the forums for an answer to this but to no avail.

After reading the trample description I was left unsure as to how it plays out in game. Since the text doesn't say movement doesn't provoke AoO's such as whirlwind I assume that moving out of a threatened square provokes and the description of trample indicates the act of trampling also provokes, so if both actions provoke then can the tramplee take the AoO against the movement without the penalty? If the tramplee has combat reflexes he/she could then take or forgo the trample AoO as he/she saw fit. In that situation if the tramplee doesn't have combat reflexes he /she would not have an AoO to forgo and would have no choice but to eat the full damage?.

This ability would play out much better if only movement or the act of trampling provoked and not both and if it really does work the way I think it does then the whole -4 penalty would only ever be taken if someone takes two AoO's via combat reflexes.

How is this mechanic supposed to work? How have you implemented it or seen it implemented?

[Strannik]

I believe the intent was that the character getting trampled only gets one AoO, at -4 if they want it. This is assuming a reach weapon isn't involved.

[Gwaihir Scout]

The way I've been interpreting it is that trample only provokes because it involves movement out of threatened squares. So only one AoO.

[Majuba]

Strannik wrote:

I believe the intent was that the character getting trampled only gets one AoO, at -4 if they want it. This is assuming a reach weapon isn't involved.

Agreed - much like a Bull Rush doesn't provoke for either leaving your square, or entering your opponents square. At least, not from that opponent.