Does a spell with only Verbal components provoke AoO

**The Dread Dormammu** · 06-12-2009, 01:58 PM

If not, I just caused a TPK. If so, The demon needs to make a few concentration checks and take a few more hits (Might still be a TPK).

Please site your sources, thanks!

**cplmac** · 06-12-2009, 02:17 PM

LOL! Sounds like it may not really make that much of a difference.

I prefer to say that since the casting is happening at the same time as the actions of everyone else, it would not provoke AoO. The thing that does come into play is that the time taken to cast the spell may allow for someone to make an attack that would disrupt the concentration of the caster upon a successful hit.

**templeorder** · 06-12-2009, 03:19 PM

I agree with cplmac

**The Dread Dormammu** · 06-12-2009, 03:38 PM

It turns out that casting a spell provokes an attack of opportunity regardless of components. See table 8-2 of 3.5 players Handbook.

**Malruhn** · 06-12-2009, 04:19 PM

I agree - PHB is pretty clear - no matter what components, it still provokes an AoO.

**Baldwin Stonewood** · 06-12-2009, 04:47 PM

PHB, pg 140 and 141:

Yes, it provokes an AoO if it is takes 1 standard action in casting time.
No, quickened spell (pg. 141 and 98)

**nijineko** · 06-13-2009, 12:09 PM

unfortunately, while it would seem that someone speaking a few words of arcane gibble-gabble shouldn't provoke the same reaction, or even allow the same amount of reaction time as making mystical passes with the hands and fetching a material component... the rules do not distinguish. thus any spellcasting will provoke, unless that casting is quickened, a swift action or an immediate action, if i recall correctly.

however, that would be a perfectly legitimate house rule that would make sense.

**Baldwin Stonewood** · 06-13-2009, 02:16 PM

I could see (and understand) the sonic type spells being house ruled for no AoO. As long as there are no other spell components.

**Dimthar** · 06-13-2009, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by cplmac

I prefer to say that since the casting is happening at the same time as the actions of everyone else, it would not provoke AoO. The thing that does come into play is that the time taken to cast the spell may allow for someone to make an attack that would disrupt the concentration of the caster upon a successful hit.

If we say "Concentration" is the reason why a Mage may provoke an AoO while casting, then I would say YES. Verbal Casting does provoke an AoO.

Let us use an analogy. You are Driving your Car in Heavy Fast Traffic. You can talk on your cellphone with a "free hands" (Verbal Components Only) or you could be "texting" (Somatic Components). Both take some of your attention from the road although not by the same amount.

But realize that in a DnD fight, the opponent is probably a pretty good, experience combatant, which means he will take advantage of any small opportunity that you give him. So by not having your FULL Attention on him, you are providing a possible opening.

**Baldwin Stonewood** · 06-13-2009, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by Dimthar

If we say "Concentration" is the reason why a Mage may provoke an AoO while casting, then I would say YES. Verbal Casting does provoke an AoO.

Let us use an analogy. You are Driving your Car in Heavy Fast Traffic. You can talk on your cellphone with a "free hands" (Verbal Components Only) or you could be "texting" (Somatic Components). Both take some of your attention from the road although not by the same amount.

But realize that in a DnD fight, the opponent is probably a pretty good, experience combatant, which means he will take advantage of any small opportunity that you give him. So by not having your FULL Attention on him, you are providing a possible opening.

Great example. I think the somatic component of texting (driving with your knees) would be a standard or a full round action. The hands free would be more of a quicken spell to standard action.

**EnderAcrobat17** · 08-22-2009, 01:28 PM

Dimthar is absolutely correct... You have to understand that for the same reasons initiating certain special manuevers (ie. trip, disarm, bull-rush) causes an attack of opportunity, so too will casting a spell, regardless of it's components...
If your attention is drawn to anything else for a split second, the trained combatant can and will take advantage of your opening...

**Oldgamer** · 08-23-2009, 05:08 PM

Thread necro!

**cplmac** · 08-25-2009, 06:32 PM

I based my answer on the combat initiative used in 2E. The casting time of the spell is used for the initiative roll. Since it is part of the combat round/turn, there is no AoO due to being in melee already. Does this hold true for 3.x also, or is the system different?

**nijineko** · 08-26-2009, 06:32 PM

the system is different. in 3e, you cast a spell you provoke. period. there are ways around it: casting defensively (requires skill check), and using clever movement, and using feats or other class abilities to mask the fact that casting is taking place. otherwise a caster (or manifester) provokes an aoo.

the theory is that the caster or manifester is momentarily distracted while marshaling the powers needed. here's the link: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/actionsInCombat.htm