Questions tagged [readied-action]

For questions about readied actions. A readied action is an action "held" to react to an anticipated circumstance.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
14 votes
4 answers
2k views

5e Combat economy and darkness

Here's the plan, and I think it's possible.. Move close to my ally Bobby Bonus action use Metamagic to cast Quickened Spell Darkness on my dagger's blade (or a tennis ball, doesn't matter) Free ...
SoggyShorts's user avatar
2 votes
4 answers
230 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, ...
Oakstout's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
1k views

Can you make an attack with a crossbow and then prepare a reaction attack using action surge without the crossbow expert feat?

As far as I can tell no one has asked this question before, so forgive me if they have. This also assumes the character here does not have an extra attack, so they are probably level 2 or 3 in ...
defmod's user avatar
  • 688
10 votes
2 answers
457 views

Would it be unbalanced to allow Extra Attack on a ready action?

The rules for D&D 5e clearly state that Extra Attack can only be used on the character's turn: Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action ...
nben's user avatar
  • 2,437
8 votes
2 answers
1k views

Does a summoned creature act immediately after being summoned by a readied action?

I have a player that wanted to use a spell to summon a creature if the person in front of him did something hostile using its ready action. After doing so, he wanted to attack immediately... But it's ...
gbb's user avatar
  • 193
11 votes
3 answers
878 views

Ready action to use the action part of a spell like Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp or Call Lightning

To ready spells for a trigger to occur, concentrations is required. But if you have already casts spells like Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp or Call Lightning, can you ready the "action" part of ...
Malthe's user avatar
  • 163
4 votes
3 answers
624 views

Readying Empty Body as an action in response to an attack

Empty Body states that as an action you can spend 4 ki points to become invisible. I understand this puts the monk under the invisible condition which means the monk is heavily obscured, resistant to ...
ashnair1's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
2 answers
531 views

Does a party get a full round of readied actions after an enemy comes back from banishment spell?

So our party has a dragon banished. Our plan is to drop the banishment spell right after the dragon's turn in initiative. Can the whole party get a whole round of readied attacks and/or advantage and ...
Dnd junkie's user avatar
  • 3,111
7 votes
2 answers
488 views

How to handle prepared actions when you are expecting to see an enemy but you haven't yet?

In my last session my group and I have encountered this situation: We found a trap that would trigger two hostile creatures to enter our room through a portal each. We knew that because there was a ...
Francesco Rogo's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
629 views

Does the Aid reaction require the Ready action?

In Pathfinder 2e the term action is used both to define the "currency" of time in battle and to define pretty much everything that require such currency (Strike action, Stride action, ...
Snakehelm's user avatar
  • 2,417
5 votes
3 answers
2k views

Some clarification for the Ready action

I've been looking through the rules and found the Ready Action confusing. According to the PHB pg.194 it states that the ready action can be done using a reaction, setting up a trigger, and proceeding ...
That somebody's user avatar
3 votes
5 answers
3k views

Can I prepare my movement to avoid damage by moving around an opponent on their turn?

So, what I'm asking is based on the (potential) ability to move out of the way of an attack, for example by moving through the target's legs. This example does require the target to be at least one ...
Ben's user avatar
  • 23k
8 votes
2 answers
490 views

Can you combine the Blink spell and a readied action, to affect another creature on the Ethereal Plane?

It certainly seems from reading the spell Blink, like it should be possible to ready an action, with the trigger being, "when I appear on the ethereal plane" and then using that action to ...
Fork Frog's user avatar
  • 534
7 votes
3 answers
1k views

Sanctuary + readied spell that affects an enemy

If I am under Sanctuary and ready an action to cast a spell such as Shocking Grasp, what actually happens? Sanctuary says: If the warded creature makes an attack, casts a spell that affects an enemy, ...
Jarno Porkka's user avatar
  • 1,099
4 votes
1 answer
918 views

When does the 'duration' of a delayed spell begin?

There are a few options in 5e to delay casting. For example, the Ready action allows one to ready a spell: When you ready a spell, you cast it as normal but hold its energy, which you release with ...
nonymous's user avatar
  • 1,698
4 votes
4 answers
575 views

Do siege weapons have a maximum rate of fire?

Siege weapons typically take a series of multiple actions to make an attack. Ballistae, for example, require the input of a load action, aim action, and fire action to make a single attack roll - ...
Kirt's user avatar
  • 43.3k
6 votes
1 answer
590 views

Can you direct a controlled mount to ready a dash action?

So you're a ranged combatant riding a controlled mount, maybe a horse. Regarding "Controlling a Mount", the PHB states about controlled mounts: It moves as you direct it, and it has only ...
Pumpkinjo's user avatar
  • 662
5 votes
0 answers
85 views

How does "hold action" work in EABA?

For EABA ("End All Be All" game system), you can "hold action" (page 8 of the quickstart rules) to act preemptively to a specific trigger (e.g. shoot if they try to shoot). How ...
MLee17's user avatar
  • 91
15 votes
1 answer
874 views

When readying an action to cast a spell from a magic item, do you have to maintain concentration as though you were readying the Cast a Spell action?

Typically, when using the Ready action to cast a spell, the following rule applies (emphasis mine): When you ready a spell, you cast it as normal but hold its energy, which you release with your ...
Thomas Markov's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
242 views

Can I use a Ready Action to Trigger an Opponent's Concentration Check?

Suppose, I (PLAYER) choose to Ready. Next turn, an enemy spellcaster (OPPONENT) casts a spell. Can PLAYER cast a spell during OPPONENT's turn via 'ready' and force OPPONENT to make a concentration ...
Niko Ilayan's user avatar
19 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can a druid release a readied spell whilst in Wild Shape?

The description of the druid's Wild Shape feature makes it clear that, whilst transformed: You can't cast spells [...] With the caveat that: Transforming doesn't break your concentration on a spell ...
Lovell's user avatar
  • 5,617
11 votes
2 answers
2k views

What happens to the multiple attack penalty if I use a readied action to step out of melee range?

Under this video and in various groups, there is a debate about what happens after a character uses a readied action to step out of melee range. I did not find an official answer, so maybe you guys ...
Snakehelm's user avatar
  • 2,417
13 votes
2 answers
2k views

Can I hit a creature that has a reach larger than mine but is using itself to hit me?

The Enormous Tentacle Has the following attack: Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 35 ft., one creature. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 16). ...
GPPK's user avatar
  • 3,344
11 votes
2 answers
1k views

Can a readied action trigger on loading a crossbow and take effect before the crossbow attack completes?

Situation: An enemy with a crossbow appears. On my turn, I shout "To your knees, hands behind your head!" and ready an action to shoot my own crossbow at him, if he begins to load his ...
WakiNadiVellir's user avatar
19 votes
3 answers
2k views

Are there any mechanical issues with removing the concept of "triggers" for readied actions?

Since I first read the Ready Action rules, the concept of a trigger rubbed me the wrong way. The idea that a character cannot adapt and improvise in the moment seems odd to me, and when I imagine them ...
Alex F's user avatar
  • 2,137
11 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does a character taking the Ready action perceive time?

The Ready action lets you react to a "perceivable circumstance." Trying to ready an action based on the initiative order is apparently possible, if you Ready based on a creature moving or ...
47948201's user avatar
  • 3,883
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:...
C Peters's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
772 views

What is the appropriate way to account for readied-action movement time and time to attack when trying to utilise Pack Tactics?

Context I want to play a character that is a Kobold race and make good use of their Pack Tactics. Pack Tactics. You have advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of your allies ...
SpiderWaffle's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
499 views

Do you have to specify what kind of attack or weapon you will Ready?

It seems logical that you can use the Ready action to prepare to grapple or shove an opponent if triggered. But can you just Ready an attack, and then decide when it's triggered whether to attack as ...
Erïch Jacoby-Hawkins's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
2k views

Does this lake event in the "Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden" adventure allow a grapple as an opportunity attack?

There is an event in Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden (an official D&D 5e adventure by Wizards of the Coast) that seems to allow for a grapple attack as an opportunity attack. In the Lake ...
Erïch Jacoby-Hawkins's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
94 views

help with readied action [closed]

We roll a new initiative each turn to make it more random. The scenario: the fighter readies to attack the creature when it moves into his range. The creature moves but doesn't reach the fighter. on ...
sean pella's user avatar
10 votes
4 answers
2k views

If I ready an action (spell) in response to a companion's attack, what is a fair GM ruling over the order of events?

In our campaign, I have a cleric who wished to use Ready an Action as his move. His idea behind this was that he wanted to ready Guiding Bolt and the condition he set was that, when one of the players ...
Senmurv's user avatar
  • 9,393
3 votes
4 answers
606 views

Can a creature react to being targeted by a missile attack from a non-Hidden foe?

Making an attack has the following structure: Choose a target. Determine modifiers. Resolve the attack (typically as a hit or miss) Consider a creature, standing near an ally, who could potentially ...
Kirt's user avatar
  • 43.3k
0 votes
0 answers
2k views

Holding, Delaying, or Readying an Action? - Rules As Written [duplicate]

Please point or link me to any official rules (rules as written) on when a character can delay, hold or ready an action for later in a round, instead of going on their initiative. What does a ...
SteveED's user avatar
  • 2,064
3 votes
1 answer
965 views

Can you warm yourself up with Fire Bolt?

During my last encounter my 3lvl wizard fell into a trap with freezing water below. He managed to save himself using Levitate, but during my party's post-game discussion there was a question of ...
z33k's user avatar
  • 369
8 votes
3 answers
1k views

In case a trigger for a readied action is someone else's reaction, what is resolved first?

I asked if you can ready an action with someone's reaction as a trigger. The answer is YES. But I'm still not sure - in such a case (i.e. a trigger for reaction being another reaction) - which ...
z33k's user avatar
  • 369
2 votes
1 answer
334 views

Can you Ready an action with someone's reaction as a trigger?

The rule for readied action says: First, you decide what perceivable circumstance will trigger your reaction. Of course, it's rather hard to be ready for someone's else reactions, especially first-...
z33k's user avatar
  • 369
4 votes
1 answer
163 views

How does trample work with hide and hide in plain sight?

Let's say there is a treant shadowdancer who does not appreciate interlopers in its forest. Assuming it has enough hide skill to remain unseen, and as silly as it sounds, can this treant trample over ...
Wannabe Warlock's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
2k views

Produce Flame Cantrip as a readied or holding action?

A PC states that they are going to use the Ready action to cast produce flame. They want to produce the flame to see on their turn, but they want to wait until the trigger happens to hurl the flame. ...
Francisco De La Paz's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
337 views

How should I be handling readied actions and turn order? [duplicate]

The monster my players were fighting acted first in the intitative order. It dove into the lake and out of sight. They all readied actions to attack when it revealed itself. On its next turn it ...
Itamar's user avatar
  • 21
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

With Crossbow Expert feat - can you Bonus Action attack on your turn, and then use a readied action to attack on someone else's turn?

I am playing a crossbow expert ranged rogue and trying to maximize my sneak attack capabilities in order to remain competitive with regard to DPR (Paladin and Fighter in the group). I am wondering if ...
Vince's user avatar
  • 49
1 vote
2 answers
501 views

Can a player use both a readied action and an immediate action?

Character A readies an action to counter a spell if Enemy Wizard casts a spell Character A is then attacked by Enemy Rogue, and uses an immediate action (like Windy ...
Mazu's user avatar
  • 125
8 votes
1 answer
598 views

Does readying class features require concentration?

I'm interested in getting an answer for class features in general, but the specific case that came up for me was the following: A Grave domain cleric chose to ready Path to the Grave to use before ...
Thrillxlordz's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
4k views

Do you lose concentration on a Readied spell when you use your reaction for something else?

The War Wizard gets the Durable Magic feature at 10th level which states: [...] While you maintain concentration on a spell, you have a +2 bonus to AC and all saving throws. The Ready action states: ...
Exempt-Medic's user avatar
  • 75.6k
21 votes
5 answers
2k views

Can a Readied Action be used multiple times in the same round if you have multiple reactions?

A Marilith picks up a Longbow to use in combat. It walks to a tower window overlooking a large battle with many creatures. It takes the Ready Action with a trigger of "when a creature moves or ...
Speedkat's user avatar
  • 8,137
15 votes
2 answers
2k views

Can an enemy "surprise" a character with the Alert feat by readying the Attack action before initiative is rolled?

My character with the Alert feat was attacked and received damage pre-combat. Specifically, our party was walking through a dark cave, and on the ceiling there was a swarm of insects (that none of the ...
Snowbody455's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Can someone use a Readied Help action between multiple attacks?

Scenario 1 : An ally is unseen and has Extra Attack. They have advantage on the first attack of their Attack action and I want to use the Help action to give them advantage on the second attack of ...
Yenapas's user avatar
  • 688
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

How does readying a spell interact with the Sorcerer's Metamagic feature?

The Ready action states (emphasis mine): [...] When you ready a spell, you cast it as normal but hold its energy, which you release with your reaction when the trigger occurs. [...] Thus, when you ...
Exempt-Medic's user avatar
  • 75.6k
4 votes
1 answer
738 views

Can you move during your reaction in a ready action?

So let's say that the party or the baddies want to dive a target all at once, but they are far apart on the turn order. Can the divers all do a ready action and then all jump in at once? Example: ...
Adam Gluntz's user avatar
19 votes
4 answers
2k views

If a spell caster loses concentration on Greater Invisibility, and an opponent has readied a reaction, what happens first?

As an example, both the spellcaster and the opponent ("the archer") have 1 hp remaining, so whoever completes their action first will knock the opponent unconscious. The spellcaster casts Create ...
Jon Aristotle's user avatar

1
2 3 4 5