Questions tagged [bonus-action]
For questions about "bonus actions" in RPGs. In D&D 5e, this term is used to refer to a certain kind of quick action that can be taken alongside a regular action. A bonus action is considered a type of action, but you can take only 1 bonus action on your turn; actions and bonus actions are not interchangeable. The timing and distinction between actions and bonus actions is usually only important during combat, where timing is tracked more closely.
77
questions
4
votes
2
answers
312
views
Flurry of Blows has to be done after the action. Why?
Monk's Ki feature Flurry of Blows is defined like this (PHB, page 78):
Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus ...
- 43.2k
5
votes
2
answers
693
views
Can I spend additional ki points to make additional attacks with my Flurry of Blows bonus action?
I just re-read the rules about monks and I wonder how to interpret this from the PHB:
Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes ...
- 144k
9
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Does the Tasha's Mind Whip spell prevent bonus actions if you take away an action?
The description of the Tasha's mind whip spell states (TCoE, p. 115):
You psychically lash out at one creature you can see within range. The target must make an Intelligence saving throw. On a failed ...
- 9,695
9
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Is there a way to grapple as a bonus action without attacking first?
I know there are some ways to grapple as a bonus action (like with the feat Tavern Brawler and the maneuver Grappling Strike), but I was wondering if there was a way to grapple as a bonus action ...
- 1,243
53
votes
6
answers
721k
views
Two-Weapon Fighting & Bonus Actions
During the latest gaming session our level 3 Rogue was Two-Weapon fighting with a Rapier in the main-hand and a scimitar in the off-hand. At the completion of our gaming session I contested the ...
- 144k
7
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Can the Polearm Master bonus attack only be used after the main attack?
The first benefit of the Polearm Master feat says (PHB, p. 168):
When you take the Attack action and attack with only a glaive,
halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to make a
...
- 49.6k
11
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Would it harm game balance to allow potions to be self-administered with a bonus action?
Potion usage costs an action according to RAW, as stated in the DMG on page 139:
Drinking or administering a potion takes an action.
However, I have heard of GM's house-ruling that PC's may use a ...
- 49.6k
2
votes
1
answer
392
views
Druid, Circle of Stars "Archer Starry Form" and Lvl 10 Twinkling Constellations form change: How many Luminous Arrow attacks can you make in one turn?
Starry Form
At 2nd level, you gain the ability to harness constellations' power to alter your form. As a bonus action, you can expend a use of your Wild Shape feature to take on a starry form, rather ...
- 97.7k
33
votes
4
answers
41k
views
Can you break up your Attack action for a bonus action?
You can do it to move:
If you take an action that includes more than one weapon attack, you can break up your movement even further by moving between those attacks. For example, a fighter who can ...
- 124k
2
votes
4
answers
229
views
Ready Action and Bonus Action [closed]
In our weekly game we had a pretty typical question about a ready action, reaction and bonus action.
I was DM and here is how it starte.
The players decided to explore some ruins. As they explored, ...
- 43.2k
1
vote
0
answers
234
views
At what point is a character considered to have "taken the Attack Action"? [duplicate]
Per the rules of Bonus Action:
You choose when to take a bonus action during your turn, unless the bonus action's timing is specified, and anything that deprives you of your ability to take actions ...
- 30.6k
4
votes
2
answers
528
views
Does Unspoken Agreement stack with multi-attack or cantrips?
This question is about material from Genuine Fantasy Press's Compedium of Forgotten Secrets, which has a free version available.
Does Unspoken Agreement Spell stack with multi-attack or cantrips?
...
- 4,947
2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
If you use two Scimitars of Speed, do you get 2 bonus action attacks?
The description for a Scimitar of Speed says:
...you can make one attack with it as a bonus action on each of your turns.
The general rule for Bonus Actions is stated as such:
You can take only one ...
- 144k
37
votes
4
answers
13k
views
Which uses of Bonus-Action spellcasting are legal?
Looking at other questions about casting spells as a bonus action has left me trying to keep a lot of information in my head about whether a given combination of spells is legal according to the ...
- 144k
8
votes
1
answer
287
views
What are the consequences of changing the rule for casting multiple spells in a turn to "You can spend no more than one spell-slot each turn"?
The D&D 5e rules for casting multiple spells in one round are a frequent source of confusion across tables in my experience. While the rule is just a line of text
You can’t cast another spell ...
- 2,773
26
votes
2
answers
10k
views
Does order matter when casting a cantrip with a casting time of a bonus action and another spell?
When casting a spell as a bonus action, you can't cast another spell on the same turn except a 1-action cantrip - can the order be "reversed"? Can you cast a cantrip first as a bonus action, then any ...
- 144k
8
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Can a Steel Defender attack in every round with the cost of only one Bonus Action?
In combat, if a Battle Smith Artificer commands a Steel Defender to attack in every round, does he need to use his bonus action in every round or only one command is necessary?
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Does the Artificer's Spell-Storing Item effectively bypass the bonus action spellcasting rule?
The rule on Bonus Action Casting Time states:
A spell cast with a bonus action is especially swift. You must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, provided that you haven't already taken ...
- 144k
2
votes
1
answer
615
views
Can you use Second Wind outside of combat? [duplicate]
The fighter's Second Wind feature says:
You have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to ...
- 144k
22
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Can a Bonus Action be used outside of a combat encounter?
Is there anything preventing a character from using an ability such as Second Wind, or casting a spell such as Misty Step, when not engaged in a combat encounter?
The rules indicate you get one Bonus ...
- 97.7k
6
votes
6
answers
2k
views
Rogue Holding Bonus Action to disengage once attacked
Can a player hold ONLY their bonus action? They take their turn, take the attack action, hold the bonus action. With disengage and dash as bonus actions, it puts the rogue in a better place to control ...
3
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Can you activate your Extra Attack from the Bonus Action Attack of your primal companion?
As stated in the title, I got curious about the interaction between the Attack action of my beast (which requires my Bonus Action) and the Extra Attack feature.
Beginning at 5th level, you can attack ...
- 24.2k
20
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can a Bladesinger wizard cast a Bonus Action spell and still use their Extra Attack feature to cast a cantrip on the same turn?
I noticed a peculiar rule interaction. The rule on casting bonus action spells states:
A spell cast with a bonus action is especially swift. You must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell,...
- 49.6k
20
votes
1
answer
15k
views
Can you use a wand to cast a spell after casting a spell as a bonus action?
Almost every wand that casts a spell (eg Wand of Fireballs, Wand of Lightning Bolts, and Wand of Magic Detection) contains the wording:
While holding it, you can use an action to expend 1 [or more] ...
- 144k
14
votes
2
answers
574
views
Does ending the effect of Boots of Speed also require a bonus action?
The description for the Boots of Speed states:
While you wear these boots, you can use a bonus action and click the boots' heels together. If you do, the boots double your walking speed, and any ...
8
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Can I use a torch to make a bonus action attack?
A torch has a melee attack which deals 1 fire damage.
Torch: A torch burns for 1 hour, providing bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet. If you make a melee attack ...
- 144k
3
votes
2
answers
6k
views
Can you use your action to take a bonus action? [duplicate]
During a game tonight, I had a DM state using an action to do a bonus action is allowed by RAW. I was always taught this is not the case. I understand it's the DM's table, but for my own knowledge for ...
- 144k
8
votes
2
answers
4k
views
What actions, bonus actions or reactions can a character perform out of / outside of combat?
DnD 5e has a fairly clear set of rules governing a player's possible Actions in Combat, and in other fast-paced situations a GM may break time into rounds. Among the listed actions, some would seem to ...
- 97.7k
8
votes
3
answers
4k
views
How many times can a Lvl 17 Astral Self (UA) Monk attack, including bonus action
I believed this was straight forward, but I had a discussion with one of my players who didn't see it the same way as I did.
According to Unearthed Arcana's Way of the Astral Self's subclass features,...
- 142k
16
votes
4
answers
8k
views
When can you use a bonus action?
In the rules for bonus actions it states:
You choose when to take a bonus action during your turn, unless the bonus action's timing is specified ...
I have seen this quote used to justify some ...
- 75.6k
1
vote
0
answers
41
views
Does the Psychic Blades second offhand attack gain the attack roll bonus? [duplicate]
Does the Psychic Blades second offhand attack gain the attack roll bonus as the text says the original weapon disappears and that the only thing that changes is the damage dice.
Also at 3rd level, ...
- 97.7k
15
votes
3
answers
23k
views
Does the double-bladed scimitar's special attack let you use your ability modifier for the damage of the attack?
I am using the double-bladed scimitar with the Revenant Blade feat from Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron.
The double-bladed scimitar's special feature (p. 74):
Special. When you take the attack action ...
- 2,017
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Does the Swift Quiver spell let you make 2 extra attacks with a bonus action on the same turn you cast it?
Swift Quiver takes a bonus action to cast, then it lets you use a bonus action to make two attacks. So the turn you cast it, you use your bonus action just to cast it, then you need another bonus ...
- 144k
8
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How to get a ranged bonus action attack before/without attacking or using a combat manoeuvre?
I want to use Maneuvering Attack to move my mount, and then make an attack action on the creature I move towards. However I want the weapon attack that triggers this combat manoeuvre to be made as a ...
- 144k
19
votes
3
answers
20k
views
Can you ready a bonus action?
The Ready action states:
Then, you choose the action you will take in response to that trigger...
I am unsure whether this means you can only ready an action such as Dodge, Hide, Attack, Cast A ...
- 1
11
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Does moving by means of a bonus action provoke opportunity attacks?
The criteria for not provoking an opportunity attack when leaving an opponent’s reach are:
Take the Disengage action or
Teleport or
Move (or be moved) without using your action, reaction, or movement....
- 75.6k
8
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Balancing around Eldritch Cannon's use as a bonus action
I am fairly new to DM'ing and I am going to be running a simple one shot soon. I intend to start the players at level 3 so they can enjoy the more entertaining class features and not be so squishy ...
- 14.9k
23
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Can you use your bonus action while under the effects of the Fear spell?
The description of the fear spell states, in part:
While frightened by this spell, a creature must take the Dash action
and move away from you by the safest available route on each of its
turns, ...
- 635
4
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Multiple instances of the spell of Animate Dead and bonus action scope
If you cast Animate Dead, that allows you to use a bonus action to command any creature you made from "this spell". Do multiple instances of the effects created by the spell named Animate ...
- 454
9
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can you use a bonus action before a held readied action?
I know you can not "Ready" a bonus action. But can you ready an attack action and use the bonus action before the attack action when the action is triggered?
The rule for bonus actions says:...
- 19.4k
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
When can I use the Polearm Master bonus action attack? [duplicate]
The first benefit of PAM says
When you take the Attack action and attack with only a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the opposite end ...
- 24.2k
11
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can the Poisoner feat let you activate a Dagger of Venom as a Bonus Action?
The Dagger of Venom is a magic item with the following special property :
You can use an action to cause thick, black poison to coat the blade. The poison remains for 1 minute or until an attack ...
- 1,775
9
votes
2
answers
446
views
How many horns can be fired from Alicorn Lance during its duration?
I am somewhat confused by the wording of Alicorn Lance as stated in Elminster's Guide to Magic.
The text states:
Alicorn Lance
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Components: V, S, M (a lock ...
- 88k
46
votes
5
answers
64k
views
Shield Master - Can the shield push be taken before an attack?
Can the shield push from the Shield Master feat be taken before an attack? i.e. Push prone, follow up with an attack while they're down.
Shield Master
You use shields not just for protection ...
3
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can an Artillerist artificer activate multiple Eldritch Cannons with the same bonus action?
To my understanding, an Artillerist artificer can create an Eldritch Cannon during a battle using an action. The first one of the day doesn't require expending a spell slot.
But what about activation ...
- 49.6k
27
votes
2
answers
5k
views
If your bonus-action spell is counterspelled, are you still restricted to casting a cantrip that turn?
The rules for bonus-action spells state:
You must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, provided that you haven't already taken a bonus action this turn. You can't cast another spell ...
- 49.6k
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
Will multiclassing my warlock into bard with bardic inspiration give me an effective way to use my bonus action in battle?
In a party with a level 3 Warlock Tiefling - The Fiend (Pact of the Tome). We are noticing that the party members benefit more from bonus actions than the Warlock. Since that member is the only caster ...
- 29.7k
10
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can a Homunculus freely take a bonus action granted to it by a specific rule such as a spell?
After the errata / Tasha's, we know that you can use your character's bonus action to command a Homunculus to use a Spell Storing Item. I think we also know that a Homunculus can freely maintain ...
- 75.6k
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
As a monk, if I throw a dart with my action, can I make an unarmed strike using my bonus action?
As a monk, after failing to hit someone with a dart throw, can I make an unarmed strike against an enemy close to me using my bonus action?
- 80.2k
2
votes
1
answer
707
views
Can a Kensei monk spend a bonus action to use the Kensei's Shot feature after they make an attack roll, and still do the extra damage on that attack?
The Way of the Kensei monk's Path of the Kensei feature grants several benefits, including Kensei's Shot. The wording of Kensei's Shot is as follows (Xanathar's Guide to Everything, p. 34):
You can ...
- 32.2k