D&D 5E dropping - drawing - wacking and other weaponry thingies

[TheLoneRanger1979]

A general question about economy of actions in 5E. In general, is there a way to switch from one weapon to another and still attack in the same turn?

More detailed example, if we get one movement, one standard, one extra and one free action in one turn, does that mean we can no longer use drop object as a free action and then use that same free action to interact with an object (draw weapon) and then attack with the standard?

 

[delericho]

More detailed example, if we get one movement, one standard, one extra and one free action in one turn...

It's not as formalised as that. You get one action and might get one extra action, but beyond that it's a bit more flexible.

So speak to your DM - certainly, I'd allow you to drop one weapon and draw another as well as move and attack, but other DMs may not. (And that is indeed *drop* one weapon, not sheathe it. Which makes very little difference unless and until you need to switch back, or run away, or similar.)

 

[Li Shenron]

A general question about economy of actions in 5E. In general, is there a way to switch from one weapon to another and still attack in the same turn?

You can go with the following rule from Basic:

"You can also interact with one object or feature of the
environment for free, during either your move or your
action. For example, you could open a door during your
move as you stride toward a foe, or you could draw your
weapon as part of the same action you use to attack"

Dropping an object can hardly be considered an interaction, and is normally just handwaved. So you can drop your weapon #1 and draw your weapon #2 in your turn without taking any action.

Probably by the RAW if you want to carefully sheather weapon #1 before drawing weapon #2 (so altogether a "proper" weapon switch) your DM may require you to use your action, and therefore you don't attack in this turn.

But check with the DM because many DMs wouldn't give a about this rule and would let you switch for free. It's hardly game-breaking anyway.

More detailed example, if we get one movement, one standard, one extra and one free action in one turn, does that mean we can no longer use drop object as a free action and then use that same free action to interact with an object (draw weapon) and then attack with the standard?

You should get used to 5e terminology of actions, so that you will avoid misunderstandings with others:

- movement is not a separate action (more similar to 3.0 than 3.5)
- "action" is your main activity
- "bonus action" is the extra you might have from special abilities (always max 1/turn)
- "reaction" is out of your turn, and always triggered by external events (always max 1/round)
- no such thing as a free action, but rather minor stuff that you can safely not count

 

[TheLoneRanger1979]

Thanks guys. I kinda hoped there would be more RAW way of justifying dropping the weapon (and yeah, i really meant dropping the weapon on the ground, not sheathing it) as outside the action economy. I fully endorse sheathing it as an object interaction, and if there isn't one i would probably made a feat for everyone who wanted to switch weapons seamlessly during combat (like the quickdraw in 4E). I think my DM will favor dropping as interaction though, so no dropping stuff for me ))))

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

If so consider making it useful. Cast aside rather than drop (ie toss it out of the way, or towards an ally, even 'stick it point first in that beam' in case it's usable later as a decapitation trap or a step for a climber). That way, for the sake of using an action, it's at least a useful/tactical action.

 

[Ancalagon]

... isn't this covered by the table on page 190? Based on that, drop and draw could be combined with an action/move...

 

[The Crimson Binome]

The RAW is that dropping is a free action, and drawing is a free object interaction, and as a community we're pretty sure that's also how they intended it.

Personally, I say that swapping one weapon out for another weapon counts as a single object interaction, because it's way less complicated. It's a bit of a stretch, and not strictly RAW, but I think it fits within the realm of DM discretion that is the cornerstone of this edition.

 

[Hriston]

Thanks guys. I kinda hoped there would be more RAW way of justifying dropping the weapon (and yeah, i really meant dropping the weapon on the ground, not sheathing it) as outside the action economy. I fully endorse sheathing it as an object interaction, and if there isn't one i would probably made a feat for everyone who wanted to switch weapons seamlessly during combat (like the quickdraw in 4E). I think my DM will favor dropping as interaction though, so no dropping stuff for me ))))

Maybe not RAW, but Crawford tweeted on 4th April, 2015, that it's RAI that dropping something doesn't require use of your one object interaction, but picking it up does.

 

[TheLoneRanger1979]

Maybe not RAW, but Crawford tweeted on 4th April, 2015, that it's RAI that dropping something doesn't require use of your one object interaction, but picking it up does.

Good point , and my thinking exactly. After all if being disarmed doesn't require your action (free or otherwise, why would dropping something would)

The RAW is that dropping is a free action, and drawing is a free object interaction, and as a community we're pretty sure that's also how they intended it.

Personally, I say that swapping one weapon out for another weapon counts as a single object interaction, because it's way less complicated. It's a bit of a stretch, and not strictly RAW, but I think it fits within the realm of DM discretion that is the cornerstone of this edition.

I'll consult the DM again before the next session (so not the waste valuable play time)

... isn't this covered by the table on page 190? Based on that, drop and draw could be combined with an action/move...

Combined yes, but only one of them, or both of them? As in attach one to the movement and the other to the standard action?

If so consider making it useful. Cast aside rather than drop (ie toss it out of the way, or towards an ally, even 'stick it point first in that beam' in case it's usable later as a decapitation trap or a step for a climber). That way, for the sake of using an action, it's at least a useful/tactical action.

I might if such need arises. Though being armed with a great sword, long bow +1 and a dagger, i can only foresee using the dagger in such a fashion ATM.

 

[Ancalagon]

The RAW is that dropping is a free action, and drawing is a free object interaction, and as a community we're pretty sure that's also how they intended it.

Personally, I say that swapping one weapon out for another weapon counts as a single object interaction, because it's way less complicated. It's a bit of a stretch, and not strictly RAW, but I think it fits within the realm of DM discretion that is the cornerstone of this edition.

To me that's where the "line" lies. dropping and drawing is a free action, but sheathing and drawing is "too much" and takes an action. So the player has a choice - drop and draw and risk losing the weapon, or sheath and draw and lose valuable time.