Can Shield Block be used if the character is unaware of the attack?

[xellos]

For example, a character has their shield raised during combat. The character is struck by an invisible attacker. Can the character use the Shield Block reaction?

[lordcirth]

xellos wrote:

For example, a character has their shield raised during combat. The character is struck by an invisible attacker. Can the character use the Shield Block reaction?

By RAW, yes they can. It would not be unreasonable for a GM to rule otherwise, however, depending on the situation.

[Slamy Mcbiteo]

Well I think it is up to the GM...nothing in the rules that I could find specifically limit reactions vs Unnoticed or Undetected attacks. Even Flat-footed does not stop the use of reactions. So I think it might be a GM decision.

[thorin001]

lordcirth wrote:

xellos wrote:

For example, a character has their shield raised during combat. The character is struck by an invisible attacker. Can the character use the Shield Block reaction?

By RAW, yes they can. It would not be unreasonable for a GM to rule otherwise, however, depending on the situation.

This is the rules forum, so the GM would be wrong to just make up a rule robbing a character the benefit of his action.

[thorin001]

Slamy Mcbiteo wrote:

Well I think it is up to the GM...nothing in the rules that I could find specifically limit reactions vs Unnoticed or Undetected attacks. Even Flat-footed does not stop the use of reactions. So I think it might be a GM decision.

There is nothing saying that a character does not gain the benefits of his action, so it must be a GM decision? By that token it must be a GM decision if the character can hit a bad guy; after all the rules are perfectly clear that he can but it is not what the GM wants.