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Bull rush says that the character shifts into the vacated space.

Is this shift optional? (It became highly important when there was a Wall of Fire last night!)

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Based on the multitude of questions you and your friends have posted, it seems like last night was a really interesting night! – Iszi Oct 13 '10 at 22:01
@Iszi We usually generate a fair number, was better about writing them down this time. :) I get a lot dumber when I'm DMing and make some bone headed calls too! – Pat Ludwig Oct 13 '10 at 23:22

1 Answer

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To clarify: all non-forced movement is optional. Only when the power text explicitly requires that you move the full distance (and I couldn't find any instances of the term "must") Thus, any movement that is not forced movement is optional.

As per Move in the glossary:

If a power notes a distance that you or an ally moves willingly (for example, “you shift 2 squares”), the character allowed to move can decide to move all, some, or none of that distance. Similarly, if a power forcibly moves an enemy (for example, “you push the target 3 squares”), you can decide to move the enemy all, some, or none of that distance.

Inasmuch as bull rush is a push 1 for the enemy, and then you shift into their square, it seems to fall squarely under the move rules, and thus isn't required. There are no feats that contradict that assumption. Should I contact cust serv for you? (Replies tend to be spotty and inconsistent, but if your GM isn't happy with the move ruling...)

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(I was the DM) - my ruling was that you are free to use less than (including 0) squares if the text says Push 2, pull 3, or shift 1 (or similar). However Bull Rush says that you shift into the vacated square. That leaves less wiggle room, IMHO. – Pat Ludwig Oct 13 '10 at 6:18
Yes. However, under the move rules, you are never forced to shift. But it's one of those... annoying situations where we're debating the meaning of "and." However, we can look at the patterns of errata and see that for the various bullrush like powers, they all list a speed (shift one square into vacated square) and none of them force the issue. I believe your ruling was correct. – Brian Ballsun-Stanton♦ Oct 13 '10 at 6:22
(I was the player) In this case, the GM ruled that the player MUST follow the push with a shift. In reading these comments I believe Pat was not clear ("my ruling was[...] However") so Brian agreeing with Pat is not clear (though from your answer I can surmise that you would support the shift being optional). Could you please clarify your comments? – Mr Ice Oct 13 '10 at 13:43
Edited. Better? – Brian Ballsun-Stanton♦ Oct 14 '10 at 3:33
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As an example of forced movement that must occur see Lightning Lure[DDI]. If you don't pull the target adjacent (or can't do so for whatever reasons) you've just wasted your standard action. – user660 Oct 14 '10 at 6:05
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