Level Up (A5E) Can you use a bonus action when surprised?

[DeviousQuail]

Thank you for citing the rule in the book! Very much appreciated.

There was a Dimension 20 episode where the GM interpreted this incorrectly and I looked it up to make sure I wasn't going crazy. It's been emblazoned in my brain ever since.

 

[lichmaster]

There is no "standard action" in A5E, it's just action.

You're right, part of the 3.5 lingo is still in my brain!

Pity that the specific terms aren't capitalized anymore because then you could more easily distinguish between "Action" and the general "action" (which might include bonus actions)

I honestly don't understand why 5e moved away from the tag system that was widely adopted in 3/3.5. It made things so well organized and easy to follow.

 

[lichmaster]

The thing is, it's specifically called out in o5e, at least, that you cannot use a bonus action as an action, which would suggest that it is not, in fact, an action. I order to use a bonus action, you must have a bonus action available, not an action. So I would argue the opposite, that it's a separate thing and it should be made clear if surprise interacts with it. This is also relevant for the paralyzed condition (i think?) which doesn't specify that you can't take bonus actions, which seems like an oversight.

Specific beats general, I'd say.
IMO a bonus action IS an action, but can only be taken when specific conditions apply.