Author Topic: Question on "Distracting Attack"  (Read 3248 times)

Offline NunoM

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Question on "Distracting Attack"
« on: December 12, 2012, 07:59:49 PM »
I mentioned the feat Distracting attack in another thread, but it got me thinking...

I can understand the circumstance bonus doesn't accumulate when the character attacks the same target multiple times (i.e. the circumstance is the same), but what about multiple targets, such as with a full attack, or whirling attack or something like that?

I'd rule the circumstance bonus would apply to every target attacked during that round. What do you guys say?

Offline Garryl

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Re: Question on "Distracting Attack"
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2012, 08:02:35 PM »
Yes. Attacking a second creature does not negate the fact that you have attacked the first. Once triggered, the bonus lasts as long as it says it does (until your next turn).

Offline NunoM

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Re: Question on "Distracting Attack"
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2012, 08:09:35 PM »
Nice! This will also work well with Combat Reflexes, then :D

Offline Kethrian

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Re: Question on "Distracting Attack"
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2012, 08:34:54 PM »
I combo'd a similar feat in with a spiked chain tripper before.  Since Expert Tactician requires only a successful hit, the touch attack for a trip will practically guarantee success every time....
What do I win?
An awesome-five for mentioning Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness.

Offline NunoM

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Re: Question on "Distracting Attack"
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2012, 10:02:37 PM »
Also nice :)

If used, would the +2 circumstance bonus from Expert Tactician (EA) overlap or stack with the +1 from Distracting Attack (DA)?

I think they would stack, because although the bonus are the result of the same action (in this case a melee AoO), they aren't caused by the same thing (i.e.: DA needs an attack and EA needs a hit). Correct?

Still a good thing to have, if you can afford feats.
My current character can't, although i'm pretty much trying to follow a Combat Refexes path with it. I'm playing for the flanking character: Vexing Flanker + Adaptable Flanker (+ Amulet of Teamwork, MIC p.70 + Ring of Piercing Spells, MIC p.126)*.
IMHO, flanking might occur more frequently than AoOs, unless i find a way to provoke them regularly like with "Robilar's Gambit"... but that particular feat comes at a way too steep price for the character.

EDIT: *cheap items for good effects when playing a Duskblade aimed on hoping and flanking around the battlefield, using his reach weapon and armor spikes
« Last Edit: December 12, 2012, 10:07:01 PM by NunoM »

Offline Kethrian

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Re: Question on "Distracting Attack"
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2012, 10:25:59 PM »
The only reason they don't stack is that they are the same bonus type (circumstance).  If they were untyped, or had different types, they would stack.

Cheap items?  Anklet of Translocation, a +5 tumble item, Gauntlets of Ghost Fighting (makes all spells and attacks ignore incorporealness), Greatreach Bracers, Hellcat Gauntlets, Circlet of Mages.  Not all of them are for moving around, but they all should prove useful to your character, and they're all cheap.
What do I win?
An awesome-five for mentioning Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness.

Offline Garryl

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Re: Question on "Distracting Attack"
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2012, 12:18:36 AM »
The only reason they don't stack is that they are the same bonus type (circumstance).  If they were untyped, or had different types, they would stack.

Circumstance bonuses stack with each other, as long as they are not essentially from the same circumstance.

I think the two feats mentioned (Expert Tactician and Distracting Attack) are distinct enough to count as separate circumstances. One works by setting up a fortunate situation for you and your allies, the other works by distracting and impeding your opponent.

Offline NunoM

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Re: Question on "Distracting Attack"
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2012, 04:27:24 AM »
The only reason they don't stack is that they are the same bonus type (circumstance).  If they were untyped, or had different types, they would stack.

Circumstance bonuses stack with each other, as long as they are not essentially from the same circumstance.
What he said :)
I should have added this to the OP, but you may check it out here

Cheap items?  Anklet of Translocation, a +5 tumble item, Gauntlets of Ghost Fighting (makes all spells and attacks ignore incorporealness), Greatreach Bracers, Hellcat Gauntlets, Circlet of Mages.  Not all of them are for moving around, but they all should prove useful to your character, and they're all cheap.

Thanks for the list! :)
I have most of those in my shopping list too, but i missed that part in Gauntlets of Ghost Fighting, where it applies to spells as well. Nice! :D
I, kind of, dismissed Circlet of Mages, though. Sure, the more spell slots the better, but i'm usually left with spell slots to spare at the end of the day. Also, i'm planning on picking up Versatile Spellcaster along the way...
EDIT: ...still it's a stepping stone towards the Rings of Wizardry i have on my list as well, and a heck of a lot cheaper!
« Last Edit: December 13, 2012, 04:30:00 AM by NunoM »