Introduction
In the new glossary of rules for Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player’s Handbook (Crawford et al., 2024), the rules for the Ready [Action] and Reaction are essential for managing combat and strategy. This article explores these mechanics through a classic example: a goblin threatening to attack a warrior positioned 30 feet away.
Scenario
Imagine a goblin standing 30 feet from the warrior, wielding a bow and glaring at their opponent. The warrior wins the initiative during combat, allowing them to act first. Instead of directly approaching the goblin, the warrior decides to use the Ready [Action] to plan their response to a specific enemy movement.
The Warrior’s Decision
The warrior declares their intention with three possible conditions:
Decision 1: I will attack with my sword if the goblin attacks.
Decision 2: If the goblin takes a step toward me, I will attack with my sword.
Decision 3: If the goblin takes a step toward me, I will react.
Here are the key elements of these actions:
- Triggering circumstances: The warrior decides their actions will activate based on specific triggers such as an attack or movement by the goblin.
- Ready [Action]: In response to the chosen trigger, the warrior can attack with their sword or react as appropriate.
The warrior now waits until the goblin acts.
The Goblin’s Turn
The goblin, feeling confident, takes a step toward the warrior to close the distance and attack with their scimitar. Depending on the warrior’s declared conditions:
- Decision 1: If the goblin attacks, the warrior can use their Reaction to counterattack after the goblin completes the trigger (the attack).
- Decision 2: If the goblin steps toward the warrior, the Reaction allows the warrior to attack with their sword, provided the warrior has a ranged weapon, as the goblin is still 30 feet away. This attack occurs before the goblin completes its offensive action.
- Decision 3: If the goblin takes a step toward the warrior, the Reaction can be used for other strategic actions (such as moving away, using an item, or performing another prepared response), or to perform an attack, provided the warrior has a ranged weapon, as the goblin is still 30 feet away.
Trigger Determination
In all cases, the trigger determines the specific action the warrior takes. For example:
- Decision 1: The warrior makes an attack roll against the goblin after the goblin completes its attack (roll a D20 but before dealing damage).
If successful, the damage is applied before the goblin can complete its damage. If the goblin dies, then the warrior takes no damage. If the goblin does not die, then the goblin can complete its action, dealing damage to the warrior (assuming that both hit).
- Decision 2: The warrior makes an attack roll against the goblin as it takes a step toward them, interrupting the goblin’s movement.
If successful, the damage is applied, potentially stopping the goblin from completing its offensive action. If the goblin survives, it can continue its turn as normal.
- Decision 3: The warrior chooses an attack as in decision 2 or a different reaction, such as moving away to create distance, drawing a shield to prepare for defense, or using an item.
This type of reaction does not involve an attack roll but allows the warrior to respond strategically to the goblin’s approach. The goblin can continue its action unless interrupted by the warrior’s movement or other chosen response.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to understand that the Ready [Action] has three parts:
- First, you decide what perceivable circumstance will trigger your Reaction.
- Then, you choose the action you will take in response to that trigger, or you choose to move up to your Speed in response to it.
- When the trigger occurs, you can either take your Reaction right after the trigger finishes or ignore the trigger.
- If the goblin had not moved or attacked, the warrior would have maintained their position without spending their Reaction, as no trigger would have occurred.
- If the warrior had prepared a spell instead of an attack, they would need to concentrate to keep the magic ready until the start of their next turn. If their concentration was broken, the spell would dissipate without effect.
Advantages of the Ready [Action]
- Tactical Flexibility: Allows players to adapt to an opponent’s actions, gaining strategic control of the battlefield.
- Space Management: In this case, the warrior avoids advancing toward the goblin, forcing it to act first and come within the range of the warrior’s sword.
- Versatile Responses: Multiple triggers can allow for varied and strategic reactions depending on the flow of combat.
Conclusion
Ready [Action] and reactions are powerful tools for players to anticipate enemy actions and maximize their combat efficiency. This example of the goblin and the warrior demonstrates how a well-calculated decision can change the course of an encounter, highlighting the importance of intelligent planning.
Use these mechanics to take control of your strategy and add an exciting twist to your sessions!
Resources
Crawford, J., De Armas, M., Petrisor, B., Perkins, C., Schneider, F. W., Winninger, R., & Wyatt, J. (2024). Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player’s Handbook (D&D Core Rulebook) (J. Carter, J. Bauer, & A. Ng, Eds.; 5.5). Wizards of the Coast. https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/phb-2024