The new AoO

[Kitsune Kune]

So, something I noticed as an interesting rules interaction. Specifically the interaction between a Fighter's Attack of Opportunity reaction, and the Delay free action listed on page 307.

"You bide your time, waiting for the right moment to act. The rest of your turn doesn’t happen yet. Instead, you’re removed from the initiative order. You can return to the initiative order as a free action triggered by the end of any other creature’s turn. This permanently changes your initiative to the new position. You can’t use reactions until you return to the initiative order."

The above is the first part of the Delay free action, (bolded is mine.) What this means to me, is if the Fighter wants to delay for any reason (lets say he wants a buff from the cleric,) and an enemy has a turn between them. The enemy can move completely freely, cast a spell, fire a ranged weapon, etc. All without reprisal from the Fighter.

As this may be entirely intentional, and thus a tactical choice that fighter needs to make, I am putting it here in general discussion. I, personally, like the tactical choice inherent in this. However, I was never a fan of AoO's as a general rule. I suspect those who were a fan of them will dis-like this facet even more.

[jakjr15]

The main thing I do not like about AoOs is the fact that you never know if the enemy is able to take one or not. I'm a fan of all or none.

As far as what Kune pointed out with Delay, at first glance I was not a fan. However, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Since you are being taken out of initiate, it is just like if you had not acted at all in combat. In this case, you generally don't get to take reactions anyways.

[Grimcleaver]

I don't know that I understand the logic behind why a fighter who's lying in wait to jump an enemy can't take reactions. It seems like that's most of what delaying your action is all about--getting the jump on an enemy when they're in position.

Now that said, I'd argue that if a fighter does decide to act by taking their reaction that they've re-entered the fight and should continue and take their full action at that point. If you make any kind of action, your delay should end.

[Vic Ferrari]

Kitsune Kune wrote:

So, something I noticed as an interesting rules interaction. Specifically the interaction between a Fighter's Attack of Opportunity reaction, and the Delay free action listed on page 307.

"You bide your time, waiting for the right moment to act. The rest of your turn doesn’t happen yet. Instead, you’re removed from the initiative order. You can return to the initiative order as a free action triggered by the end of any other creature’s turn. This permanently changes your initiative to the new position. You can’t use reactions until you return to the initiative order."

The above is the first part of the Delay free action, (bolded is mine.) What this means to me, is if the Fighter wants to delay for any reason (lets say he wants a buff from the cleric,) and an enemy has a turn between them. The enemy can move completely freely, cast a spell, fire a ranged weapon, etc. All without reprisal from the Fighter.

As this may be entirely intentional, and thus a tactical choice that fighter needs to make, I am putting it here in general discussion. I, personally, like the tactical choice inherent in this. However, I was never a fan of AoO's as a general rule. I suspect those who were a fan of them will dis-like this facet even more.

Hmm, that is odd, I guess they are supposed to be so focused on pouncing at the right moment that they ignore all around them?

I have never been that big a fan of AoO, those and full attacks can lead to staid combats, so I am glad that not every organism takes a swipe at you when you bail and what-not.

Though, as long as it is an option, maybe open it up a bit, good argument for Rogues, Barbarians, Monks, and Rangers to have access.