The Dodge Action is Amazing

[ren1999]

In the play-test you can dodge adding to your ac and defenses as your standard action.

This really works well. And it could solve the problem with opportunity attacks slowing the game.

If you take an opportunity attack or if you cast a defensive spell such as blink that gives a disadvantage, dispel magic blade barrier etc --
just skip your next turn standard action.

Would it work?

 

[slobo777]

Noticed the action, but so far can only think of a few uses of it.

What I'm predicting is class and theme features that boost what dodge can do, such as being able to move through enemy spaces whilst dodging etc. Perhaps that will include "whilst dodging you can also ready an action - if you take that action, it uses your next turn's strandard action"?

 

[Li Shenron]

In 3.0 I've used many times the Total Defense action, so I think I'll be using Dodge in 5ed just as often

Edit: or maybe not... I forgot that cantrips now at will

 

[Teataine]

With Fighter's Surge you can Dodge to step up to a dangerous foe and attack for example. It's also a great action when you're retreating. Just dodge and move until you get behind a corner or behind some cover then double hustle. I think it has a lot of potential uses, even more so if classes will get options to have more than one action per turn.

Especially the fighter, the fighter definitely needs more Fighter surges. Maybe not at level 2 but soon.

 

[DogBackward]

Did nobody else ever Attack Defensively or use Total Defense in previous editions?
Why is everybody acting like this is some new, fancy thing they've added?

 

[mkill]

How do you kill enemies if all you do is dodge? I don't see the point.

 

[Pickles JG]

How do you kill enemies if all you do is dodge? I don't see the point.

It can be useful for a front line holding a choke point with fire support from behind. Its also good if you have terrible Damage output like the Dwarf Cleric who can stand next to a fighter & defend him & dodge himself. Boring but effective.

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

It can be useful for a front line holding a choke point with fire support from behind. Its also good if you have terrible Damage output like the Dwarf Cleric who can stand next to a fighter & defend him & dodge himself. Boring but effective.

That's exactly what happened - Dwarf Cleric with AC22 defending MR 2d6+7 damage. The Orc Chieftain didn't hit either!

 

[YRUSirius]

That's what I call an effective defender. He could also defend the wizard or the rogue. You don't need opportunity attacks. The guardian of the group should not always have to stand in the front line, he might be better off staying with the artillery, or the artillery could be at the front with the guardian defending him. Win!

 

[CAFRedblade]

I wouldn't mind seeing a fighting Defensive option either, perhaps a +2 AC/Dex while incurring Disadvantage and/or/maybe a small reduction in damage..