Attack of opportunity
From NWNWiki
An attack of opportunity (AoO) is a single extra melee attack (per round) that is automatically taken when an enemy makes themselves vulnerable, such as moving in combat (see also tumble and spring attack) or casting a spell. This attack is made at full base attack bonus and replaces an attack in either the main- or off-hand attack sequence, whichever made the last attack. (That is, the the attack following the AoO will be at -10 relative to the attack before the AoO.) Making an AoO with the main hand results in a bonus attack (as described in attacks per round) being added to the round, while an AoO with the off-hand results in an extra off-hand attack being added to the round.
[edit] Situations which provoke AoO
- drinking a potion
- casting a spell
- firing a ranged weapon in melee
- non-combat movement while in melee
- a disarm attempt (not improved disarm)
- fighting unarmed without the improved unarmed strike feat
[edit] Tip
Taking an AoO will cancel other actions, such as casting a spell. One way spellcasters avoid taking them is to carry a ranged weapon, since AoOs are only taken for melee weapons.
Some casters may find it beneficial to take the dodge, mobility, and spring attack feats in order to protect them from attacks of opportunity while they are positioning themselves in combat.
