Why Are Monster Bonus Action Options Usually Listed in the Traits Section?

Hexmage-EN · May 25, 2019

Just curious why most of the monsters I've seen that have a Bonus Action option have that option hidden up in the traits section of the statblock. I often end up forgetting about them because they don't have their own section, like Reactions do.

77IM · May 25, 2019

Because bonus actions are hateful and I hate them.

robus · May 25, 2019

Hexmage-EN said:
Just curious why most of the monsters I've seen that have a Bonus Action option have that option hidden up in the traits section of the statblock. I often end up forgetting about them because they don't have their own section, like Reactions do.

Not sure why it is. Bonus actions should be listed after actions as Reactions are. This is a good reason (among others) to transcribe them into a format you can use at the table. I find the transcription process helps to cement the aspects of the creature in my mind. I can also add a brief description too.

Paul Farquhar · May 26, 2019

If I am creating a stat block I usually have separate sections for actions, bonus actions and reactions.

Shiroiken · May 26, 2019

Probably because they are so rare that they didn't want to bother with an additional section, like they did with reactions. It would make sense for them to be listed separately IMO, however.

dave2008 · May 27, 2019

Bonus Actions are supposed to be different than regular actions. You only have one if a feature (or trait) says you do. So there is a certain logic to locating them in traits. Of course, there would also be a logic to putting it in its own section (like Reactions). However, I do find it saves saves space to have them in the traits area instead of its own section.

Immoralkickass · May 29, 2019

Same reason why Warlock Invocations that are locked to particular Pacts/Patrons aren't listed under their respective Pacts/Patrons - WotC suck at basic arrangement.