Can I wear Spiked Gauntlets to get AoO when using a bow?

[paladinguy]

Can I used Spiked Gauntlets (or armor spikes) as an archery ranger for the sole purpose of using a bow normally, but still getting attacks of opportunity on bad guys around me? Even though I'm shooting with my bow, I can randomly swing at them with my gauntlet?

[Aelryinth]

The quick answer is 'yes', because it's an 'always equipped melee weapon'.

On the other side, you're now having two weapons ready at the same time. Ask yourself if you shouldn't also be taking Two Weapon Fighting penalties.

Heh.

But yes, you can then take AoO. Your DM may look kind of peery at a guy with spiked knuckles trying to smoothly use a bow, however...

==Aelryinth

[Malachi Silverclaw]

If the hand wearing the spiked gauntlet is not the hand holding the bow stave, then there is nothing stopping you using the bow normally AND threatening with the gauntlet.

The spikes are on the outside... : )

[Morgen]

(Your never take a two-weapon fighting penalty unless you actually making an extra attack as part of a full attack action. Just holding two weapons isn't what causes the penalties to kick in.)

You should be just fine but how often exactly are you expecting to be in melee as an archer and have foes actually fleeing from you as opposed to the other way around out of curiosity?

Your GM might disagree as well which is how the game goes.

[Reecy]

Remember though, every time you Fire your Bow you Provoke attacks of Opportunity!

[The Fox]

One reason it is a good idea is to prevent the "Everyone grapple the archer!"

[Mortalis]

It also means that enemies are forced to charge you, and can't just move to you knowing they don't need to make an acrobatics test.

[Milo33]

If your GM gives you any flak about the gauntlets, just pick up armor spikes instead. It will accomplish the same thing.

[Avianfoo]

A cestus also works. Or just a good Improved Unarmed Strike feat. Or claws (natural attacks). Yeah claws and bites are always good too.

[Derexal]

I'd allow it.

[james maissen]

paladinguy wrote:

Can I used Spiked Gauntlets (or armor spikes) as an archery ranger for the sole purpose of using a bow normally, but still getting attacks of opportunity on bad guys around me? Even though I'm shooting with my bow, I can randomly swing at them with my gauntlet?

Yes.

Likewise if you had a longsword in your right hand, did a full attack with it during the round. If you had a spiked gauntlet in your left hand you could make an AOO with it (and NOT suffer any TWF penalties as you are NOT TWFing).

-James

[Devilkiller]

Most PC should wear a spiked gauntlet, epsecially archers and casters. Besides allowing AoOs it lets you help people flank. It is also useful if you get swallowed whole and need to cut your way out.

Me pointing out when a spiked gauntlet would have been helpful and other players steadfastly refusing to buy one no matter what comes up pretty frequently in my home games to the amusement of all involved (and of course to my slight frustration, which greatly enhances everybody else's amusement)

[Tarantula]

Devilkiller wrote:

Most PC should wear a spiked gauntlet, epsecially archers and casters. Besides allowing AoOs it lets you help people flank. It is also useful if you get swallowed whole and need to cut your way out.

Me pointing out when a spiked gauntlet would have been helpful and other players steadfastly refusing to buy one no matter what comes up pretty frequently in my home games to the amusement of all involved (and of course to my slight frustration, which greatly enhances everybody else's amusement)

Or if half-orc, take toothy. Its why almost all my half-orcs end up being toothy. Having a permanently attached weapon is just too handy most of the time.