Combat Primer 3, The Reckoning

How can I move?

The standard methods of tactical movement (we’ll learn about flying later!) are as follows

-Take a move action to move your speed

-Take a full-round action to run

-Take a full-round action to withdraw

-Take a 5-foot step along with other actions

A) What’s involved in moving my speed?
This is the most basic way to move on the battlefield. As a move action, you can move a number of feet up to your speed. You may move through spaces occupied by friends, but not enemies. You need not move in a straight line. Note that some spaces are treated as rough terrain, such as an area filled with rubble or fallen trees. You move at half speed through these spaces.

B) What’s involved in running?
If you take a full-round action, you may move in a straight line up to 4 times your normal speed. In heavy armor or while carrying a heavy load you only run at 3 times normal. You may not run through difficult terrain. You lose your Dexterity bonus (and thus also all dodge bonuses) to AC while running.

C) What’s involved in withdrawing?
If you take a full-round action to withdraw, you may move twice your speed this turn, just as though you had taken two move actions to move and then move again. Notably, however, when you withdraw, the first square of your movement is not considered threatened by any enemies that you can see. Thus, you can avoid some attacks of opportunity.
*Special note: If you are restricted to only making standard actions or move actions, such as during a surprise round or from the effects of a slow spell, you may still withdraw. When making a restricted withdrawal, however, you may only move up to your speed, not double.

D) What’s involved in a 5-foot step?
You get a 5-foot step in any turn that you make no other movement. If you take a 5-foot step, you cannot use an action to move later in your turn. If you’ve used an action to move this turn, you cannot later take a 5-foot step. You cannot take a 5-foot step into difficult terrain. When you do get one, you can take a 5-foot step at any time during your turn, even between attacks during a full attack. Taking a 5-foot step does not provoke attacks of opportunity.