"Trip attack" question

[auldian]

Hi,
I'm new to this game so I've searched through several forums, my manual, and still found no answer to what I've just seen in the ToEE game. Perhaps some veterans can shed some light.
I've rarely used the "trip" attack option. I assumed it was what the Temple Bugbears use when I see them "trip" my sorceror, beat him, let the fool stand up, and beat him as he rises. I just entered a side room after defeating Hedrack and decided to have my ranger try a trip attack on a bugbear. The ranger tripped himself and was beaten to a pulp. Okay. I tried it with my cleric on the same bugbear and once more my 'toon trips and is beaten while down. To my knowledge I've NEVER had one of my characters successfully trip a foe in combat.
Is there some skill or feat I'm missing, to be able to execute this, such that I don't get my ass handed to me every time?
Thanks in advance =)

[auldian]

I'm thinking I've answered my question. I found this attack on p. 111 of the manual. It indicates there it's a strength check, and I'm pretty sure those bears are stronger than my characters.

[Mulligan]

Normally, when you attempt a 'trip' and fail you are yourself tripped, but if you take the 'Improved Trip' feat you have a better chance to remain standing if you fail. You also get a +4 (i think) to your Str for trip attack checks.

Try tripping with Fruella, she's a Str of 16 and the Improved feat. She's very successful most of the time, even trips giants after a successful hit with 'Ray of enfeeblement'.

Hope this helps

[trm]

There are also some weapons that assist you in tripping oponents (give you a bonus on trip attempts). Use for example the 2handed Flail.
The Feat improved Trip will grant bonus as well, but that was mentioned above.

Happy Tripping!