[RPG] By the rules, how can you attack while jumping

attackdnd-3.5ednd-3emovementpathfinder-1e

At the different tables I've played at, it has always been assumed that you can attack while jumping. After reading this answer I'm not so sure you can.

By the rules, what ways can a character attack while jumping?

I'm looking for anything in 3rd/3.5 or Pathfinder that allows it.

The Character takes a move action to move, and jumps as part of that movement. When he succeeds on the DC of the desired distance of his jump, his move action ends and he then attacks with a standard action while in midair.

Best Answer

Nothing says you cannot be mid-air when attacking. That rule simply doesn’t exist. So if you are mid-jump—i.e. mid-air—nothing says you can’t attack. So you can, provided you meet all the requirements that the rules do have for attacking (actions, armament, reach, and so on).

Note that you must have some way to attack mid-movement in order to actually attack mid-jump. Spring Attack covers that, for example.

Anyway, the issue is not addressed explicitly anywhere, which limits how much it can be truly backed up. But Tome of Battle’s Stone Dragon discipline says that “Unlike with other disciplines [...] Stone Dragon maneuvers can be initiated only if you are in contact with the ground,” (pg. 81), which suggests strongly that the default is the expectation that you can attack mid-air. The Tiger Claw discipline has many maneuvers that involve making a Jump check in order to gain some benefit to your attack, and are described as jump attacks (though mechanically you don’t actually move).