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.
To re-iterate, does a player with this Feat HAVE to Bull Rush with every Shield strike?
I was working on a Core-Only, Two-Weapon Ranger who utilizes a Main-hand Heavy Shield/Light Off-Hand Weapon combo, in conjunction with the Stand Still and Step Up Feats. I want to be able to stick to enemies like glue and beat them up on a Full-Attack, and only use the free Bull Rushes when near walls/surfaces to knock enemies prone.
It'll be difficult to keep enemies close when you push them away with every Shield Bash.
Thanks in advance,
Grimlock
I'm a little rusty on Bull Rushes, but I thought you could always elect to follow a Bull Rush?
I would say it's not mandatory because it makes sense to me not to be, but I'm not great at parsing rules for what is actually factually allowed.
I'm a little rusty on Bull Rushes, but I thought you could always elect to follow a Bull Rush?
Yes, you can. But sometimes it's not tactically sound, such as when you're in a choke point. ;)
Grimlock
Per RAW, it applies for every attack you make, no questions asked. When you hit with an attack, you make a Bull Rush attempt. That's it. Them's the breaks. If you don't like it, don't take the feat.
Per RAI, I don't see why it shouldn't be a "by-case" basis. You should be able to control your attacks to where you can actually push people back if you wish.
@ Rushley son of Halum: You make the Bull Rush when you hit an enemy. You shouldn't have to declare it before the attack is made, since it happens regardless of if you make the choice or not.
Per RAW, it applies for every attack you make, no questions asked. When you hit with an attack, you make a Bull Rush attempt. That's it. Them's the breaks. If you don't like it, don't take the feat.
Shield Slam is a prerequisite for Shield Master, which is almost essential for a character who fights with a shield. RAI makes sense. If only they included the word "may."
:Grimlock