So...as I've been playing, I've seen a specific distinction between moving and shifting.

I think I get the moving, being based on your speed, and being able to double-move by using your move action and your standard action. But what's the difference between moving and shifting? I'm guessing it has to do something with AoO...can someone confirm? Also, what's the limit on the number of squares you can shift?

Thanks!

The Player's Handbook, p.292:

"Shift

Moving through a fierce battle is dangerous; you must be careful to avoid a misstep that gives your foe a chance to strike a telling blow. The way you move safely when enemies are nearby is to shift.

SHIFT: MOVE ACTION

✦ Movement: Move 1 square.

✦ No Opportunity Attacks: If you shift out of a square adjacent to an enemy, you don’t provoke an opportunity attack.

✦ Difficult Terrain: Because each square of difficult terrain costs 1 extra square to enter, you can’t normally shift into a square of difficult terrain, unless you’re able to shift multiple squares or you’re able to ignore the effects of difficult terrain.

✦ Special Movement Modes: You can’t shift when using a form of movement that requires a skill check. For ex-ample, if you’re climbing or swimming, you can’t shift if you would need to make an Athletics check to use that kind of movement.

You might find it useful to first shift away from an adjacent enemy, then walk or run."

~SE++

So - you can shift and then move?

Thanks - very helpful info!

I believe the move after the shift requires you to sacrifice a different action, though. So, it's only really good for running away.

~SE++

You can shift, move, then do a minor action. Running away this way is actually very difficult in 4e, because your enemies can just wait for you to retreat via shift-->move, then double-move and wait for an OA if you move again. The "Run" option grants +2 to movement, but your attacks get -5 and you grant combat advantage and people get OAs.

Basically, if you're gonna fight, commit to finishing it

Or be a pansy and run away like a little girl..... gods I miss playing Thirty-Four....

~SE++

Some classes or moves allow you to shift more than one, but as far as a normal shift it is the equivalent of a 5 foot step from previous editions. You simply take one step and do not provoke.

You can give up attacking for a turn to shift away from something, then use a normal move action to but some distance between you and the baddie.