Pathfinder Combat Maneuvers Ngadu Jotos ala Betawi, Seru!

Pathfinder combat maneuvers – Wih, langsung aja kita ngomongin
-pathfinder combat maneuvers*, jurus-jurus ngadu jotos ala dunia
-Pathfinder*! Kaya di pasar malem, rame banget, ada yang mau nge-
-bull rush*, ada yang mau nge-
-disarm*, sampe yang pengen nge-
-grapple* biar lawan gak bisa kabur. Pokoknya, seru dah, kayak nonton silat di layar tancep, tapi ini versi
-Pathfinder*!

Jadi gini,
-combat maneuvers* itu beda sama serangan biasa. Kalo serangan biasa, ya gebuk doang. Kalo
-maneuvers*, kita pake otak, strategi, dan keberuntungan dikit. Ada
-CMB* (Combat Maneuver Bonus) buat nge-
-attack*, ada
-CMD* (Combat Maneuver Defense) buat nahan serangan. Makin gede
-CMB* lu, makin gampang nge-
-maneuver*.

Makin gede
-CMD* lawan, makin susah lu nge-
-maneuver* dia. Mantep, kan?

Introduction to Pathfinder Combat Maneuvers

Combat maneuvers in Pathfinder represent a significant departure from simple attacks, allowing characters to interact with their opponents in a more dynamic and tactical way. They offer options beyond dealing direct damage, enabling characters to control the battlefield, manipulate enemy positioning, and disrupt their actions. This section delves into the fundamentals of combat maneuvers, their historical context, and how they function within the Pathfinder system.

Fundamental Concept of Combat Maneuvers

Combat maneuvers are special attacks that attempt to perform specific actions against an opponent, rather than simply dealing damage. These actions include tripping, grappling, disarming, repositioning, and bull rushing. The success of a combat maneuver depends on the attacker’s skill and the defender’s ability to resist. Unlike standard attacks, which rely on hitting an Armor Class (AC), combat maneuvers utilize a Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) against a Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD).

Brief History of Combat Maneuvers within the Pathfinder System

The concept of combat maneuvers evolved significantly from previous editions of the game. Pathfinder, drawing inspiration from its predecessor, Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition, refined and expanded the use of combat maneuvers. The system streamlined and formalized the rules for these actions, making them more accessible and strategically viable. Early iterations of the rules involved a complex system of attack rolls and opposed rolls.

Pathfinder simplified this by introducing the CMB and CMD system. The intent was to provide a more intuitive and consistent method for resolving these actions.

Differences Between Combat Maneuvers and Standard Attacks

Standard attacks are primarily focused on dealing damage to a target. Combat maneuvers, on the other hand, are focused on achieving a specific tactical effect, such as knocking an opponent prone or preventing them from moving. The key differences are:

• Target: Standard attacks target Armor Class (AC). Combat maneuvers target Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD).
• Purpose: Standard attacks aim to inflict hit point damage. Combat maneuvers aim to impose conditions or manipulate positioning.
• Resolution: Standard attacks use an attack roll against AC. Combat maneuvers use a Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) against CMD.
• Effect: Standard attacks result in damage. Combat maneuvers result in various effects like tripping, grappling, or disarming.

Core Statistics Used in Combat Maneuvers

The core statistics that govern combat maneuvers are the Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) and Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD).

• Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB): This is the attacker’s bonus to perform a combat maneuver. It is calculated as follows:

Base Attack Bonus (BAB) + Strength Modifier (if applicable) + Dexterity Modifier (if applicable, for certain maneuvers) + Special bonuses (e.g., from feats or class features) + Size Modifier.

• Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD): This is the defender’s defense against combat maneuvers. It is calculated as follows:

10 + Base Attack Bonus (BAB) + Strength Modifier + Dexterity Modifier + Size Modifier + Other bonuses (e.g., from feats or class features).

These formulas ensure that both offense and defense are based on relevant attributes and the character’s overall combat proficiency. For example, a large creature will have a size modifier that benefits both their CMB and CMD. A character focused on Strength will have a higher CMB for maneuvers like Bull Rush and Grapple, and a higher CMD, making them harder to manipulate.

Types of Combat Maneuvers

Combat maneuvers are specialized actions in Pathfinder that allow characters to interact with opponents in unique ways, beyond simply attacking. Mastering these maneuvers is crucial for controlling the battlefield and gaining an advantage in combat. They offer a tactical depth, providing options for disabling, repositioning, and otherwise influencing enemy actions.

Standard Combat Maneuvers, Pathfinder combat maneuvers

The core combat maneuvers in Pathfinder are a set of actions that players and creatures can utilize during their turns. Each maneuver offers distinct tactical advantages, requiring different approaches and strategies.

• Bull Rush: This maneuver involves forcefully pushing an opponent backward.
• Disarm: This action attempts to knock a weapon or held item from an opponent’s grasp.
• Grapple: Grappling involves grabbing and holding an opponent, restricting their movement and actions.
• Trip: This maneuver attempts to knock an opponent prone.
• Sunder: This action is used to damage or destroy an opponent’s held item.

Mechanics of the Bull Rush Maneuver

Bull Rushing is a maneuver designed to force an opponent to move against their will. It can be used to push enemies into hazards, away from allies, or to simply create space.

• Action: A bull rush is a standard action.
• Attack Roll: You make a combat maneuver check (your CMB) against the target’s Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD).
• Success: If successful, the target is pushed 5 feet directly away from you. This distance can be increased by spending additional actions (like a full-round action for 10 feet). If the target is pushed into a wall, it takes 1d6 points of nonlethal damage.
• Opposed Check: The opponent can choose to make an attack of opportunity against you.
• Example: A barbarian, using a full-round action, attempts to bull rush a goblin. The barbarian’s CMB is +10, and the goblin’s CMD is 15. The barbarian rolls a 12 on the die, adding +10, for a total of 22. This exceeds the goblin’s CMD, so the barbarian successfully bull rushes the goblin 10 feet.

Mechanics of the Disarm Maneuver

Disarming an opponent is a tactic that can render them less effective in combat by removing their weapons. This maneuver can be particularly effective against enemies reliant on specific weapons.

• Action: A disarm is a standard action.
• Attack Roll: You make a combat maneuver check (your CMB) against the target’s Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD).
• Success: If successful, you attempt to knock a weapon or item out of the target’s grasp. The item falls to the ground in the target’s space. The target can attempt to catch the item as a free action.
• Special Rules: Certain feats and abilities can modify the disarm attempt. For instance, the Improved Disarm feat grants a bonus to the CMB check and allows a free attack against the disarmed target.
• Example: A fighter attempts to disarm a bandit wielding a short sword. The fighter’s CMB is +8, and the bandit’s CMD is 16. The fighter rolls a 9 on the die, adding +8, for a total of 17. The fighter successfully disarms the bandit, and the short sword falls to the ground.

Mechanics of the Grapple Maneuver

Grappling is a maneuver that allows a character to physically restrain an opponent. This can be used to control the battlefield, prevent movement, and deliver other effects.

• Action: Grappling begins with a standard action. The initial grapple is an attack.
• Attack Roll: You make a combat maneuver check (your CMB) against the target’s Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD).
• Success: If successful, you and the target are considered grappled. Both of you take a -2 penalty to attack rolls and can only take standard actions or move actions.
• Maintaining the Grapple: To maintain the grapple, you must make a combat maneuver check (your CMB) as a move action each round.
• Escaping the Grapple: The target can attempt to escape the grapple as a standard action, making a combat maneuver check (their CMB) against your CMD.
• Example: A monk attempts to grapple a thug. The monk’s CMB is +12, and the thug’s CMD is 18. The monk rolls a 10 on the die, adding +12, for a total of 22. The monk successfully grapples the thug. On the next round, the monk uses a move action to maintain the grapple, succeeding again.

Mechanics of the Trip Maneuver

Tripping an opponent is a maneuver that knocks them prone, leaving them vulnerable. Prone creatures suffer penalties to attack rolls and are easier to hit.

• Action: A trip is a standard action.
• Attack Roll: You make a combat maneuver check (your CMB) against the target’s Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD).
• Success: If successful, the target is knocked prone. The target can attempt a Reflex save to avoid being knocked prone.
• Opposed Check: The target can choose to make an attack of opportunity against you.
• Special Rules: The Trip feat grants bonuses to trip attempts and allows for a free attack against a tripped opponent.
• Example: A rogue attempts to trip a guard. The rogue’s CMB is +6, and the guard’s CMD is 15. The rogue rolls a 14 on the die, adding +6, for a total of 20. The rogue successfully trips the guard, who must then make a Reflex save to avoid falling prone.

Comparison of Combat Maneuvers

This table summarizes the key aspects of the standard combat maneuvers, highlighting their prerequisites, actions required, and effects.

Calculating Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) and Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD)

Understanding how to calculate Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) and Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD) is crucial for successfully executing and defending against combat maneuvers in Pathfinder. These values determine the outcome of many actions, from tripping an opponent to grappling them in a bear hug. Mastery of these calculations is fundamental to strategic combat.

Calculating Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB)

The Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) is the modifier used when attempting a combat maneuver. It represents your character’s skill in executing these specialized actions. The formula for calculating CMB is straightforward, but understanding its components is key.The formula for CMB is:

Base Attack Bonus (BAB) + Strength Modifier + Special Size Modifier + Other Modifiers

Let’s break down each component:

• Base Attack Bonus (BAB): This is derived from your character’s class levels. Each class grants a BAB progression, which increases as you gain levels. Higher BAB means a better chance of success with combat maneuvers.
• Strength Modifier: Strength is the primary ability score used for most combat maneuvers, such as Trip or Bull Rush. Your Strength modifier is added to your CMB.
• Special Size Modifier: Size matters! Larger creatures receive a bonus to CMB, while smaller creatures take a penalty.
• Other Modifiers: Certain feats, spells, and magic items can grant bonuses to CMB. For instance, the “Improved Trip” feat grants a bonus to CMB when attempting to trip an opponent.

Here are some examples of how different character classes might calculate their CMB:

1. Fighter (Level 5): A level 5 Fighter has a BAB of +5. Let’s assume the Fighter has a Strength score of 18 (+4 modifier), is Medium-sized, and has the Improved Trip feat (+4 CMB when tripping). The Fighter’s CMB for Trip would be +5 (BAB) + 4 (Strength) + 0 (Size) + 4 (Improved Trip) = +13.
2. Wizard (Level 5): A level 5 Wizard has a BAB of +3. Let’s assume the Wizard has a Strength score of 10 (+0 modifier), is Medium-sized, and is not using any feats or spells that affect CMB. The Wizard’s CMB for Trip would be +3 (BAB) + 0 (Strength) + 0 (Size) = +3. This illustrates how a Wizard, less focused on physical combat, has a significantly lower CMB than a Fighter.

3. Barbarian (Level 5): A level 5 Barbarian has a BAB of +5. Let’s assume the Barbarian has a Strength score of 20 (+5 modifier), is Medium-sized, and is Raging (granting a +4 bonus to Strength and thus to CMB). The Barbarian’s CMB for a Bull Rush would be +5 (BAB) + 9 (Strength, including Rage) + 0 (Size) = +14.

Calculating Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD)

Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD) represents a character’s ability to resist combat maneuvers. This value is used by opponents to determine if their combat maneuver attempt succeeds.The formula for calculating CMD is:

10 + Base Attack Bonus (BAB) + Strength Modifier + Dexterity Modifier + Special Size Modifier + Other Modifiers

Let’s break down each component:

• 10: This is a constant value added to the calculation.
• Base Attack Bonus (BAB): The same BAB used for CMB applies here, reflecting the character’s general combat prowess.
• Strength Modifier: Strength contributes to CMD, reflecting the character’s physical power and ability to resist being moved or controlled.
• Dexterity Modifier: Dexterity also contributes to CMD, representing the character’s agility and ability to avoid being tripped, grappled, or bull rushed.
• Special Size Modifier: Size affects CMD, with larger creatures having an advantage.
• Other Modifiers: Feats, spells, and magic items can also grant bonuses to CMD. For instance, the “Defensive Combat Training” feat grants a bonus to CMD.

Here are some examples of how different armor and feats impact CMD:

1. Fighter (Level 5) with Plate Armor and Shield: Let’s say our Fighter has a BAB of +5, Strength 18 (+4 modifier), Dexterity 14 (+2 modifier), is Medium-sized, and is wearing Full Plate armor and a Heavy Shield. Full Plate provides an armor bonus of +8, and a Heavy Shield grants a shield bonus of +2. The Fighter’s CMD would be 10 + 5 (BAB) + 4 (Strength) + 2 (Dexterity) + 0 (Size) = 21 (without considering armor and shield).

   If we want to incorporate the armor and shield, we have to consider they are armor and shield bonuses to AC, and not to CMD. So the final CMD is 21.

2. Rogue (Level 5) with Light Armor and High Dexterity: A level 5 Rogue has a BAB of +3, Strength 12 (+1 modifier), Dexterity 18 (+4 modifier), and is Medium-sized. The Rogue is wearing Leather Armor. The Rogue’s CMD is 10 + 3 (BAB) + 1 (Strength) + 4 (Dexterity) + 0 (Size) = 18. This illustrates how a Rogue, with a focus on Dexterity, has a CMD that relies on agility.

3. Barbarian (Level 5) with Rage: A level 5 Barbarian has a BAB of +5, Strength 20 (+5 modifier), Dexterity 14 (+2 modifier), and is Medium-sized. The Barbarian is Raging, granting a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Constitution. While raging, the Barbarian’s CMD is 10 + 5 (BAB) + 9 (Strength, including Rage) + 2 (Dexterity) + 0 (Size) = 26.

   This shows the impact of rage on increasing both Strength and CMD.

Adjusting CMB and CMD Based on Size Categories

Size significantly impacts both CMB and CMD. Larger creatures are more difficult to maneuver, and they also have a higher chance of successfully executing combat maneuvers. The following table details the size modifiers:

Here are some examples of how to adjust CMB and CMD based on size:

1. Medium Creature vs. Large Creature (Trip): A Medium creature with a CMB of +10 attempts to trip a Large creature. The Large creature has a CMD of 20. The Medium creature’s attack roll (CMB) must beat the Large creature’s CMD to succeed. The Medium creature’s CMB doesn’t change, but the Large creature’s CMD would include the size modifier.
2. Large Creature vs. Medium Creature (Bull Rush): A Large creature with a CMB of +15 attempts to bull rush a Medium creature. The Medium creature has a CMD of 15. The Large creature’s CMB already includes the size modifier. The Medium creature’s CMD would not have any change in this case.

Using Combat Maneuvers in Combat

The effective utilization of combat maneuvers is a cornerstone of Pathfinder combat, transforming a simple swing of a weapon into a dynamic dance of control and disruption. Mastering the action economy, understanding the interplay of maneuvers with other actions, and recognizing the situational factors that impact success are all vital for a character’s prowess on the battlefield. This section delves into these aspects, providing a comprehensive guide to maximizing the effectiveness of combat maneuvers.

Action Economy of Combat Maneuvers

Understanding how combat maneuvers fit into the action economy is crucial for tactical decision-making. The action required to perform a combat maneuver depends on the specific maneuver and the circumstances.* A combat maneuver check is generally a standard action. This means a character can perform one maneuver, one standard action (such as attacking or casting a spell), and a move action (such as moving or drawing a weapon) in a single turn.* Some maneuvers, such as a

• disarm* or
• trip*, can be attempted as part of a full attack action. This allows a character to attempt a maneuver in place of a melee attack, or even attempt multiple maneuvers if the character has a high enough base attack bonus (BAB) and the necessary feats. For example, a character with a BAB of +6/+1 could make two attacks or attempt two maneuvers, or one of each, provided they meet all the prerequisites.

* The

• ready* action can be used to prepare to perform a combat maneuver. This is useful for setting up a reactive maneuver, such as attempting a
• trip* when an opponent moves into reach.

* Some feats and abilities can modify the action required to perform a combat maneuver. For instance, the

Improved Trip* feat allows a character to make a free attack against a tripped opponent.

Combining Combat Maneuvers with Other Actions

Strategic combination of combat maneuvers with other actions enhances a character’s overall combat effectiveness. Careful planning and understanding of action types are key to success.* Attacking and Maneuvering: A character can choose to replace one or more attacks with a combat maneuver check during a full attack action. For example, a fighter could attack twice and then attempt a

grapple* on a third attack, provided they have a BAB that supports it.

* Moving and Maneuvering: A character can move and then attempt a combat maneuver, using the standard action for the maneuver. This is especially useful for closing the distance to an enemy before attempting a

• grapple* or
• trip*.

* Casting and Maneuvering: Certain spells can be combined with combat maneuvers. For example, a caster could cast

• Grease* to create difficult terrain and then attempt a
• trip* to capitalize on the enemy’s hampered movement.

* Feats and Abilities: Feats such as

• Combat Reflexes* can allow a character to make attacks of opportunity, including combat maneuvers, outside of their turn. The
• Dirty Fighting* feat provides a bonus to attack and damage when flanking, and also provides a bonus to combat maneuver checks.

Conditions Affecting Combat Maneuver Success

Several factors can significantly influence the success of a combat maneuver. Awareness of these conditions is crucial for making informed decisions during combat.* Size: Size is a significant factor. Larger creatures gain a bonus to their CMD and CMB, while smaller creatures suffer penalties. The size modifier is added to the CMD and CMB.* Cover: Cover provides a bonus to CMD against combat maneuvers that target the creature.

This is the same bonus as for AC.* Concealment: Concealment can make it difficult to target an opponent with a combat maneuver, providing a miss chance.* Conditions: Conditions such as being

• prone*,
• grappled*, or
• helpless* can significantly affect CMD and the ability to perform maneuvers. For instance, a prone creature suffers a penalty to its CMD against trip attempts.

* Spells and Effects: Spells and effects such as

• Haste*,
• Slow*,
• Freedom of Movement*, or
• Hold Person* can alter a character’s ability to perform or resist combat maneuvers. For example,
• Freedom of Movement* grants immunity to grapple.

* Feats and Abilities: Specific feats and abilities can grant bonuses or penalties to CMB or CMD.

• Improved Grapple* provides a bonus to grapple checks, and
• Defensive Combat Training* grants a bonus to CMD.

Targeting Specific Body Parts Using Maneuvers

While the core rules do not explicitly detail targeting specific body parts with combat maneuvers, creative players and GMs can adapt the system for more detailed combat.* Grapple and Bind: A character attempting tograpple* could choose to target a specific limb, potentially hindering movement or weapon use. This might require a higher DC to represent the increased difficulty.* Disarm and Weapon Targeting: Thedisarm* maneuver already targets a weapon.

It is designed to remove a weapon from the target’s grasp.* House Rules and Variations: GMs can introduce house rules to allow targeting of specific body parts. This could involve penalties to the maneuver check, but potentially create more dramatic effects.

Tactical Advantages of Each Maneuver

Each combat maneuver provides distinct tactical advantages, which should be considered when choosing which to employ.* Bull Rush:

Allows pushing an opponent, potentially off a ledge or into difficult terrain.

Creates space between the character and the opponent.

Can be combined with other attacks or actions after pushing the opponent.

* Disarm:

Removes a weapon from the opponent’s grasp, rendering them less dangerous.

Forces the opponent to spend an action to retrieve the weapon.

Can be used to neutralize dangerous opponents quickly.

* Grapple:

Restricts the opponent’s movement and actions.

• Allows the character to deal damage or inflict further conditions, such as
• pinning*.

Can be used to control a target or drag them into a more favorable position.

* Overrun:

Allows the character to move through an opponent’s space.

Pathfinder combat maneuvers, eh? They’re all about getting an edge in a fight. Think of it like this: mastering these maneuvers is similar to understanding basic combat maneuvers , where positioning and timing are key. Knowing how to trip, disarm, or bull rush can turn the tide. Ultimately, in Pathfinder, these are the tools you need to survive and thrive.

• Potentially knocks the opponent
• prone* if the check is successful.

Useful for bypassing enemies to reach a target or escape a difficult situation.

* Sunder:

Targets and potentially destroys an opponent’s equipment.

Can disable an opponent’s armor, weapons, or other items.

Useful against heavily armored opponents or those relying on specific equipment.

* Trip:

• Knocks the opponent
• prone*, imposing penalties to their AC and attacks.

Provides an opportunity for the character and allies to gain flanking bonuses.

Limits the opponent’s movement.

Defending Against Combat Maneuvers

Avoiding the clutches of a skilled combatant requires understanding and leveraging your own defenses. Knowing how to react and anticipate an opponent’s attempts to control the battlefield is crucial for survival. This section details how to evade, resist, and mitigate the effects of combat maneuvers.

Avoiding Combat Maneuver Effects

The primary defense against combat maneuvers lies in a high Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD). This value represents your ability to resist an opponent’s attempt to manipulate your position or actions.

Using CMD to Defend Against Maneuvers

CMD is calculated using the formula: 10 + Base Attack Bonus + Strength modifier + Dexterity modifier + size modifier + other modifiers. When an opponent attempts a combat maneuver, they roll a d20 and add their Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB). If their result equals or exceeds your CMD, the maneuver succeeds. If your CMD is higher, you successfully defend.For example, a Medium-sized character with a Base Attack Bonus of +5, a Strength modifier of +3, a Dexterity modifier of +1, and no other modifiers would have a CMD of 10 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 19.

If an opponent attempts to trip them, they must roll a d20 + their CMB and meet or exceed 19 to succeed.

Effects of Conditions on CMD

Certain conditions can significantly alter your CMD, making you more or less vulnerable to combat maneuvers. These effects are detailed below:* Helpless: A helpless character has a CMD of 0, making them automatically fail any attempt to resist a combat maneuver. This is because they are unable to react defensively.

Flat-Footed

A flat-footed character loses their Dexterity bonus to CMD. This leaves them more vulnerable to maneuvers, especially those targeting their position or balance.

Grappled

A grappled character takes a -2 penalty to their CMD, further hindering their ability to resist maneuvers.

Pinned

A pinned character is helpless and has a CMD of 0, as they are completely unable to defend themselves.

Entangled

An entangled character takes a -2 penalty to their CMD.

Invisible

An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus to CMD against maneuvers from sighted opponents, as the attacker cannot see them and thus has a harder time targeting them. This bonus is not applied against creatures that can perceive the invisible creature through other means, such as blindsight or tremorsense.

Effects of Size on CMD

Size plays a significant role in determining CMD. Larger creatures are generally more difficult to maneuver due to their increased mass and stability.* Tiny: +0

Small

+0

Medium

+0

Large

+1

Huge

+2

Gargantuan

+4

Colossal

+8

Defensive Strategies Against Maneuvers

Effective defense against combat maneuvers involves a proactive approach, using a combination of positioning, awareness, and specific tactics. The table below illustrates various defensive strategies against each maneuver type.

Advanced Combat Maneuver Tactics

Mastering combat maneuvers goes beyond the basics. Advanced tactics leverage specific weapon properties, environmental factors, and teamwork to significantly enhance a character’s effectiveness in combat. This section delves into sophisticated strategies for utilizing combat maneuvers to their fullest potential.

Combat Maneuvers and Reach Weapons

Reach weapons extend a character’s threat range, offering unique advantages when employing combat maneuvers. The ability to control a larger area and disrupt enemy positioning makes reach weapons particularly effective.

• Trip with Reach: A character with a reach weapon can attempt to trip an opponent from a distance. If successful, the opponent is knocked prone, potentially triggering attacks of opportunity from allies and limiting their movement. For instance, a fighter wielding a glaive could trip a charging ogre before it gets close enough to attack, disrupting its charge and gaining a tactical advantage.

• Disarm with Reach: A reach weapon allows for disarming an opponent without entering melee range. This can be crucial against heavily armed foes. A character could disarm an enemy wielding a greatsword from 10 feet away, rendering them significantly less dangerous.
• Bull Rush and Repositioning: Reach weapons can be used to bull rush opponents, potentially pushing them into hazards or away from allies. This is especially useful in confined spaces or near cliffs. Consider a character with a ranseur using bull rush to push a goblin off a narrow ledge.
• Combat Maneuver Defense with Reach: The increased reach also provides an advantage in defending against combat maneuvers. The character can make attacks of opportunity against those attempting to use a combat maneuver against them.

Combat Maneuvers Against Flying Creatures

Flying creatures present unique challenges and opportunities for combat maneuvers. The ability to control their aerial movement can be decisive.

• Trip Against Flying: While tripping a flying creature might seem counterintuitive, it can be extremely effective. If the creature fails its saving throw and is flying at a low altitude, it falls. This can lead to significant falling damage. A character could use a trip attempt against a griffon that is swooping down, potentially causing it to crash to the ground.

• Grapple Against Flying: Grappling a flying creature can ground it, negating its ability to fly. The grappled creature is forced to fall unless it can maintain the grapple and fly. This is a high-risk, high-reward tactic. A character could grapple a harpy, forcing it to descend and lose its aerial advantage.
• Repositioning and Forced Movement: A bull rush or reposition attempt can force a flying creature to move. This can be used to push it into hazards, away from allies, or into advantageous positions for the character’s team. Imagine a character bull rushing a dragon, forcing it to move into a cloud of poisonous gas.
• Defensive Maneuvers: Combat maneuvers can be used defensively against flying creatures. A character could use a disarm attempt to disarm a flying enemy of its ranged weapons or a trip attempt to prevent it from moving into a favorable position.

Combat Maneuvers in a Group Setting

Teamwork dramatically amplifies the effectiveness of combat maneuvers. Coordinating actions and leveraging each character’s strengths can create devastating combinations.

• Tag-Team Grappling: One character grapples an opponent, and another character uses their action to aid the first character’s grapple attempt, granting a +2 bonus to the grapple check. This is highly effective against larger, stronger opponents.
• Tripping and Follow-Up Attacks: One character trips an opponent, and other characters capitalize on the prone condition with attacks of opportunity and favorable positioning. A rogue can set up a sneak attack by tripping an enemy, giving an adjacent ally an opening.
• Bull Rushing into Hazards: Characters can coordinate to bull rush enemies into traps, environmental hazards (such as caltrops), or areas of difficult terrain. A character with a reach weapon can bull rush an enemy into a pit trap.
• Covering Fire and Disarming: While one character attempts to disarm an enemy, other characters provide covering fire to prevent the enemy from retrieving their weapon.
• Combining Combat Maneuvers and Spells: A wizard could use a spell to weaken an enemy’s defenses, making it easier for a fighter to attempt a grapple or trip.

Combat Maneuvers Against Creatures with Special Abilities

Creatures with special abilities require adapted tactics. Understanding their vulnerabilities and exploiting them is key to success.

• Against Incorporeal Creatures: Creatures that are incorporeal are immune to many combat maneuvers. However, spells or abilities that make them corporeal can open them up to maneuvers.
• Against Creatures with High CMD: Creatures with high CMD require higher CMB scores and potentially the use of teamwork and bonuses to succeed. Consider a character buffing their CMB with spells or items before attempting a grapple against a particularly strong opponent.
• Against Creatures with Regeneration: Grappling or tripping a creature with regeneration can restrict its movement, preventing it from quickly retreating to heal.
• Against Creatures with Spell Resistance: Using combat maneuvers instead of spells can bypass spell resistance.

Advanced Strategy Examples for Each Maneuver

Here’s a breakdown of advanced strategies for each combat maneuver:

• Trip:
  • Area Denial: Use trip to create a “no-go zone” around a specific location.
  • Teamwork Trip: Coordinate trip attempts with allies to overwhelm a foe’s CMD.
  • Trip and Prone Attack: Take advantage of prone foes to set up a critical hit.
• Disarm:
  • Weapon Control: Disarm a foe to limit their damage output.
  • Weapon Acquisition: Disarm and pick up the weapon for your use.
  • Strategic Disarm: Disarm a specific weapon, like a magical weapon, to disable its effects.
• Grapple:
  • Mobility Control: Grapple a foe to restrict their movement and prevent escape.
  • Pinning: Pin a foe to allow allies to attack without the threat of retaliation.
  • Team Grapple: Utilize teamwork to increase the chances of successfully grappling a stronger foe.
• Bull Rush:
  • Environmental Hazards: Bull rush a foe into a hazard, such as a pit, fire, or difficult terrain.
  • Forced Movement: Force a foe to move into a disadvantageous position.
  • Strategic Positioning: Push an enemy away from allies, or towards a choke point.
• Sunder:
  • Targeted Destruction: Sunder a specific item to disable a foe’s ability to attack or defend.
  • Weapon Elimination: Destroy a foe’s weapon to limit their damage potential.
  • Armor Weakening: Sunder a foe’s armor to reduce their AC.
• Overrun:
  • Movement Through: Move through a foe’s space to reach a desired location.
  • Disrupting Formation: Break up a foe’s formation to create openings for allies.
  • Area Control: Use overrun to control an area and limit a foe’s mobility.

Combat Maneuver Special Cases and Rules Clarifications

The rules surrounding combat maneuvers can become complex, especially when dealing with unusual creature types, environments, or specific abilities. This section clarifies some of these special cases and provides insights into common rule clarifications and frequently asked questions. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both players and GMs to ensure fair and consistent gameplay.

Combat Maneuvers Against Incorporeal Creatures

Incorporeal creatures, such as ghosts and shadows, present unique challenges for combat maneuvers. Their ethereal nature necessitates specific rule adaptations.The core rules regarding combat maneuvers against incorporeal creatures revolve around the interaction between physical attacks and their incorporeal nature.

• Attacks and Miss Chance: Incorporeal creatures have a 50% miss chance against corporeal attacks. This miss chance applies to combat maneuvers as well. This means a combat maneuver attempt has a 50% chance of failing unless the attacker has a way to bypass this miss chance.
• Special Abilities and Effects: Some abilities and effects can affect incorporeal creatures. For instance, a weapon with the
  -ghost touch* property negates the miss chance and allows the weapon to affect incorporeal creatures as if they were corporeal. Similarly, spells like
  -magic weapon* or
  -spiritual weapon* can aid in the fight.
• CMB and CMD Adjustments: When calculating CMB against an incorporeal creature, the attacker must consider any abilities that affect their attack. CMD calculations for incorporeal creatures also factor in any special defenses they possess.
• Examples:
  • A character attempting to grapple a ghost must first succeed at the combat maneuver check, taking into account the 50% miss chance.
  • A character wielding a
    -ghost touch* weapon can attempt a trip or disarm maneuver against a ghost without the miss chance penalty.

Combat Maneuvers Underwater

Underwater combat introduces several environmental factors that affect combat maneuvers.Underwater combat places limitations on movement and attacks. These limitations must be taken into account when using combat maneuvers.

• Movement and Speed: Movement is severely restricted underwater. Characters have their land speed reduced. The specific reduction depends on the creature’s swimming speed. This affects how far a character can move to initiate a maneuver.
• Visibility: Underwater visibility is often reduced. This can impose penalties on attack rolls, and thus on combat maneuver checks. The specific penalties depend on the water’s clarity.
• Effects of Water: Water itself provides resistance. This resistance affects all movement, including maneuvers.
  

  The rules state: “Underwater, you can only make melee attacks or use ranged weapons at a range of 5 feet. Underwater, a creature must succeed at a DC 10 Swim check to move 5 feet in a straight line. If the creature fails this check, it can still move, but it moves only 1 foot in that direction.”

• Specific Maneuvers: Some maneuvers are less effective or even impossible underwater. For example, a trip maneuver is significantly more difficult, as the water’s buoyancy reduces the impact.
  • Grapple: A grapple underwater is still possible but might be more challenging due to the resistance of the water.
  • Trip: The buoyancy of water makes it harder to trip an opponent.
  • Bull Rush: Moving an opponent underwater is also more difficult.

Rules Variations for Specific Creatures or Monsters

Some creatures have unique abilities or traits that modify the standard combat maneuver rules.Specific creatures or monsters may have special abilities that alter how combat maneuvers affect them.

• Size: Size is a crucial factor. Larger creatures often have higher CMDs and are harder to maneuver. Smaller creatures might be easier to maneuver but may be limited in the maneuvers they can perform.
• Special Abilities: Creatures with specific abilities, such as a dragon’s breath weapon or a troll’s regeneration, can affect the success or failure of a maneuver.
  • Dragons: Dragons, due to their size and physical prowess, have high CMDs. Their claws and bite attacks can also be used in combat maneuvers.
  • Trolls: Trolls’ regeneration makes them resistant to maneuvers that deal damage.
• Immunities and Resistances: Some creatures are immune to certain maneuvers or have resistance to them.
  • Constructs: Constructs are often immune to effects that target the mind, affecting maneuvers like
    -disarm*.
  • Elementals: Elementals might have resistance to maneuvers that involve physical contact, such as grapple.
• Examples:
  • A giant might have a high CMD due to its size and strength, making it difficult to trip.
  • A creature with a powerful grip, like a giant squid, might gain a bonus to its grapple checks.

Common Rule Clarifications and Errata

Over time, Paizo has released clarifications and errata to address ambiguities and errors in the combat maneuver rules.The following are common clarifications and errata that are relevant to combat maneuvers.

• Interactions between Combat Maneuvers and Other Abilities: Clarifications often address how combat maneuvers interact with other abilities, such as spells or feats.
  • Spells: Spells like
    -grease* can affect the success of a trip maneuver.
  • Feats: Feats like Combat Expertise provide bonuses to CMD.
• Specific Maneuver Interactions: Clarifications regarding how different maneuvers interact with each other or with other combat actions.
  • Trip and Attacks of Opportunity: When a creature is tripped, it provokes attacks of opportunity.
  • Grapple and Movement: While grappling, the grappler can move with the grappled creature.
• Size Modifiers: Clarification on how size modifiers affect combat maneuver checks and CMD calculations.
  

  The rule states: “A creature’s size modifies its CMB and CMD.”

• Examples:
  • Clarification that a spell that grants a bonus to attack rolls also applies to combat maneuver checks.
  • Errata correcting the formula for calculating CMD in certain situations.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Combat Maneuvers

Many questions arise when players and GMs use combat maneuvers.Here are some frequently asked questions related to combat maneuvers.

• Does a character need to threaten a square to perform a combat maneuver?
  • Yes, generally, a character needs to threaten a square to perform a combat maneuver against a target in that square, unless the maneuver has specific exceptions.
• Can a character use a combat maneuver as part of a full attack action?
  • Yes, some maneuvers, like grapple, can be performed as part of a full attack action.
• Do combat maneuvers provoke attacks of opportunity?
  • Yes, most combat maneuvers provoke attacks of opportunity. However, some feats, like Improved Trip, can negate this.
• How do size modifiers affect combat maneuvers?
  • Size modifiers apply to both CMB and CMD. Larger creatures get a bonus to CMB and CMD, while smaller creatures take penalties.
• Can a character use a combat maneuver on a creature that is out of reach?
  • No, generally, a character must be within reach of a creature to attempt a combat maneuver against it, unless they have specific abilities or feats that extend their reach.
• Does a successful combat maneuver automatically cause the intended effect?
  • No, a successful combat maneuver check only determines if the maneuver is successful. The target may still be able to avoid the maneuver’s full effect based on its abilities and choices.

Environmental Effects on Combat Maneuvers

The battlefield is rarely a perfectly flat, well-lit arena. The environment plays a crucial role in Pathfinder combat, significantly influencing the effectiveness of combat maneuvers. Understanding these environmental effects is vital for both initiating and defending against these actions. From the slickness of ice to the concealment of darkness, the surroundings can drastically alter the odds of success.

Terrain’s Impact on Maneuver Success

Terrain features present obstacles and advantages for combat maneuvers. The type of terrain directly impacts a character’s ability to move, maintain balance, and exert force.

• Difficult Terrain: Difficult terrain, such as rubble, undergrowth, or shallow water, hinders movement. This imposes a –2 penalty on attack rolls and Reflex saving throws. This penalty also applies to CMB checks used for maneuvers like Bull Rush, Drag, and Trip.
• Severe Terrain: Severe terrain, such as steep slopes or deep mud, presents even greater challenges. Movement becomes extremely difficult, potentially requiring additional actions to traverse. This increases the penalties on maneuver checks, often at the GM’s discretion, and can even prevent the maneuver’s execution entirely.
• Uneven Ground: Uneven ground, like a battlefield strewn with corpses or broken furniture, can make it harder to maintain balance. Characters may need to make Acrobatics checks to avoid falling prone before, during, or after a maneuver.
• Obstacles: Walls, pits, and other solid obstacles can directly impede maneuvers. A character attempting a Bull Rush might be stopped by a wall, while a Trip attempt might fail if the target is behind a barrier.

Environmental Conditions and Combat Maneuvers

Environmental conditions like darkness, wind, and weather significantly affect combat maneuver performance. These conditions introduce additional challenges, impacting visibility, movement, and the ability to apply force.

• Darkness and Visibility: Darkness, whether magical or natural, can impose penalties on attack rolls and other actions. If a character cannot see their target, they suffer a miss chance. This impacts maneuvers that rely on sight, such as a targeted Disarm or Sunder attempt.
• Wind: Strong winds can affect ranged attacks and the ability to maintain balance. This might impose penalties on ranged combat maneuver checks or even make it difficult to stand.
• Weather: Rain, snow, and other weather conditions can create difficult terrain, reduce visibility, and potentially affect a character’s ability to perform maneuvers. Icy conditions, for example, increase the risk of slipping and falling.

Surface Effects on Maneuvers

The surface a combatant stands on plays a critical role in the success of combat maneuvers. Different surfaces offer varying degrees of traction and stability.

• Ice: Ice makes it difficult to maintain balance. A character moving across ice must make a DC 10 Acrobatics check each round to avoid falling prone. Any combat maneuver performed on ice, by either the attacker or the defender, is made at a penalty (often –2 or –4, depending on the severity of the ice).
• Uneven Ground: As mentioned earlier, uneven ground increases the risk of stumbling. Acrobatics checks are often required to maintain balance, potentially disrupting or preventing the execution of a maneuver.
• Slick Surfaces: Surfaces coated in oil, grease, or other slippery substances can make it difficult to gain purchase. This can impose penalties on CMB checks and potentially lead to falls.
• Water: The effects of water depend on its depth and movement. Shallow water acts as difficult terrain. Deep water can hinder movement and impose penalties on CMB checks. Fast-moving water can make it very difficult to maintain position and perform maneuvers.

Using the Environment to Your Advantage

A skilled combatant can use the environment to gain an edge in combat maneuvers. This can involve setting traps, exploiting terrain features, or manipulating the surroundings to create favorable conditions.

• Setting Traps: Characters can use caltrops, tanglefoot bags, or other area-effect items to create difficult terrain, hindering the movement of their opponents and potentially imposing penalties on their maneuver checks.
• Exploiting Terrain: Using cover, high ground, or other terrain features can provide advantages. A character on higher ground might have an easier time performing a Trip maneuver, while cover can provide concealment, making it harder for the opponent to target the maneuver.
• Manipulating the Environment: A character might use spells or abilities to create ice, oil slicks, or other environmental hazards, turning the battlefield into a treacherous area.

Table: Environmental Effects on Combat Maneuvers

The following table summarizes the environmental effects on specific combat maneuvers. Note that the specific penalties and effects are often subject to the GM’s discretion.

Combat Maneuver Examples and Scenarios: Pathfinder Combat Maneuvers

Combat maneuvers, though straightforward in principle, often become complex in the heat of battle. Understanding how these maneuvers play out in various scenarios is crucial for effective tactical decision-making. This section provides detailed examples and scenarios, illustrating the application of different combat maneuvers and their impact on the battlefield.

Bull Rush Maneuver Example

The Bull Rush maneuver allows a character to forcefully shove an opponent, potentially moving them and disrupting their position.A heavily armored paladin, Sir Reginald, confronts a towering ogre. Sir Reginald decides to bull rush the ogre to push it away from a vulnerable village.

• Initiation: Sir Reginald declares a bull rush action. He must move in a straight line toward the ogre.
• CMB Check: Sir Reginald rolls his CMB, adding his Strength modifier, base attack bonus, and any special bonuses. The ogre uses its CMD (10 + its base attack bonus + its Strength modifier) to defend.
• Result: Sir Reginald rolls a 15 + his CMB of +8 (Strength +4, BAB +4). The ogre rolls a 10 + its CMD of 20 (10 + BAB +6, Strength +4). Sir Reginald succeeds.
• Movement and Effect: Sir Reginald succeeds in the bull rush. He pushes the ogre back 10 feet. The ogre stumbles back, now further away from the village.

Sir Reginald’s successful bull rush pushes the ogre back, providing a crucial delay, allowing villagers to escape and reposition, and denying the ogre access to the village for at least a round.

Disarm Maneuver Example

The Disarm maneuver aims to knock a weapon out of an opponent’s grasp, rendering them less dangerous.A nimble rogue, Anya, faces a heavily armed bandit. Anya attempts to disarm the bandit of his sword.

• Initiation: Anya declares a disarm action. She must be in a position to attack the bandit.
• CMB Check: Anya rolls her CMB, including her Dexterity modifier, base attack bonus, and any bonuses. The bandit uses his CMD (10 + his base attack bonus + his Dexterity modifier) to defend.
• Result: Anya rolls a 18 + her CMB of +6 (Dexterity +2, BAB +4). The bandit rolls a 12 + his CMD of 18 (10 + BAB +4, Dexterity +4). Anya succeeds.
• Effect: Anya succeeds in the disarm. The bandit drops his sword. Anya can choose to pick it up or leave it.

Anya’s successful disarm significantly reduces the bandit’s offensive capabilities, potentially turning the tide of the fight in her favor. The bandit now needs to spend an action to retrieve his weapon.

Grapple Scenario with Multiple Participants

Grappling becomes particularly complex when multiple combatants are involved. This example demonstrates how a grapple can involve several individuals.A barbarian, a fighter, and a rogue are all grappling a large troll.

Ah, Pathfinder, with its intricate dance of combat maneuvers. You grapple, trip, and bull rush with such finesse! But sometimes, I wonder, how does it all compare to the simplicity, or perhaps complexity, of 5e? Exploring combat maneuvers 5e reveals some interesting takes. Ultimately, though, I always return to the tactical depth of Pathfinder, where every action feels like a strategic chess move.

• Barbarian’s Action: The barbarian initiates the grapple against the troll. The barbarian’s CMB check is successful, and he establishes the grapple.
• Fighter’s Action: The fighter, adjacent to the troll and the barbarian, attempts to grapple the troll as well. The fighter rolls his CMB, adding any bonuses.
• Result: The fighter’s CMB check is successful. He is now also grappling the troll.
• Rogue’s Action: The rogue attempts to grapple the troll. The rogue must make a CMB check.
• Outcome: The rogue’s CMB check is unsuccessful. The rogue is not grappling the troll but is adjacent to the grapple.

The barbarian and fighter are now grappling the troll. The rogue can now choose to aid either of them, attack the troll, or take another action. The troll is at a disadvantage, being grappled by multiple opponents, limiting its actions.

Trip Maneuver Example

The Trip maneuver aims to knock an opponent prone, which grants combat advantages.A nimble ranger, Elara, fights a heavily armored knight. Elara attempts to trip the knight to gain a tactical advantage.

• Initiation: Elara declares a trip action. She must be in a position to attack the knight.
• CMB Check: Elara rolls her CMB, including her Dexterity modifier, base attack bonus, and any bonuses. The knight uses his CMD (10 + his base attack bonus + his Strength modifier) to defend.
• Result: Elara rolls a 19 + her CMB of +7 (Dexterity +3, BAB +4). The knight rolls a 10 + his CMD of 20 (10 + BAB +5, Strength +5). Elara succeeds.
• Effect: Elara succeeds in the trip. The knight is knocked prone. Elara now has advantage on her attacks against the knight, and the knight will suffer penalties for being prone.

Elara’s successful trip provides her with immediate advantages, including easier attacks and a defensive advantage. The knight must spend an action to stand up, further delaying his attacks.

Final Thoughts

Nah, jadi udah tau kan serunya
-pathfinder combat maneuvers*? Dari nge-
-bull rush* musuh sampe nge-
-trip* biar jatoh, semua ada strateginya. Jangan lupa, latihan terus biar
-CMB* makin tinggi,
-CMD* makin kuat. Ingat, di dunia
-Pathfinder*, bukan cuma pedang yang penting, tapi juga otak dan jurus-jurus jagoan. Ayo, siap-siap nge-
-maneuver*! Dijamin, seru kayak ngopi sambil ngobrol sama Bang Haji di warung kopi pinggir jalan.

FAQ Insights

Apa bedanya
-combat maneuvers* sama serangan biasa?

Kalo serangan biasa, ya gebuk doang. Kalo
-maneuvers*, lebih kompleks, pake perhitungan
-CMB* dan
-CMD*, serta strategi biar lawan gak bisa ngelawan.

Gimana cara ngitung
-CMB*?

Gampang, CMB = Bonus Serangan Dasar (BAB) + Modifier Kekuatan/Kelincahan (tergantung
-maneuver*) + Bonus Ukuran (kalo gede, makin enak) + Bonus Lainnya (dari
-feat* atau kemampuan khusus).

Kalo kena
-maneuver*, gimana cara nahan?

Pake
-CMD*, yang dihitung dari 10 + Bonus BAB + Modifier Kekuatan/Kelincahan + Bonus Ukuran + Bonus Lainnya. Makin gede
-CMD* lu, makin susah kena
-maneuver* orang.

Apa aja
-maneuver* yang paling sering dipake?

Tergantung gaya main. Tapi,
-grapple* buat nahan,
-trip* buat ngejatohin,
-disarm* buat ngambil senjata, dan
-bull rush* buat nge-
-push* lawan, sering banget dipake.

Whitney Morris

Whitney Morris is a renowned author with a passion for military history and strategic analysis. Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, Defense developed a deep fascination for warfare and national defense from a young age. His unwavering interest in military strategy, combined with his natural storytelling ability, has earned him a reputation as an engaging and insightful writer in the field.