Fun with action points!

K

Krand's_Brother

First Post

• May 19, 2009

• #1

So I'm thinking that there are a lot of interesting points that come up regarding the proper use of an action point. I'm actually not entirely sure about the rule on this. My point is that the rule on action points does not say anything about when in the round you can use it. I assume this means you can use it at the beginning of your round if you choose, while still retaining your other actions. This actually makes a huge difference in some tactical aspects of the game. This is especially true in my case, being that I am currently playing a rogue.

The most recent scenaria in which it came up was while using my newly acquired 5th level daily power Downward Spiral. I had charged one of the front combatants we were facing with my standard action, then I used a move action to tumble into the middle of their ranks. At this point I used my action point and used Downward Spiral which affects all around me in a close burst 1, knocking all prone. Assuming the rules allow this, I then used my remaining minor action to use Low Slash. It was pivotal to use Low Slash last because after Downward Spiral they were all prone, thus granting me combat advantage and sneak attack with Low Slash. I'm wondering if I can save my minors or moves until after the action point. The rule seems to allow it!

 

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fissionessence

First Post

• May 19, 2009

• #2

Krand's_Brother said:

The most recent scenaria in which it came up was while using my newly acquired 5th level daily power Downward Spiral. I had charged one of the front combatants we were facing with my standard action, then I used a move action to tumble into the middle of their ranks. At this point I used my action point and used Downward Spiral which affects all around me in a close burst 1, knocking all prone. Assuming the rules allow this, I then used my remaining minor action to use Low Slash. It was pivotal to use Low Slash last because after Downward Spiral they were all prone, thus granting me combat advantage and sneak attack with Low Slash. I'm wondering if I can save my minors or moves until after the action point. The rule seems to allow it!

Click to expand...

While I don't know of any reason that you can't use your remaining actions after an action point, you're not allowed to do anything after you charge You can't, for example, charge, then move.

You can charge then spend an action point though. Would that mean that you could charge, spend an action point, then use any remaining actions? That's up for interpretation. I'd allow it.

~

 

Morrus

Well, that was fun

Staff member

• May 19, 2009

• #3

Just a note - your yellow text is nearly impossible to read for those using the "white" stylesheet for the boards.

 

Asmor

First Post

• May 19, 2009

• #4

Morrus said:

Just a note - your yellow text is nearly impossible to read for those using the "white" stylesheet for the boards.

Click to expand...

Or RSS readers with a white background. See attachment for example.

 

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CapnZapp

Legend

• May 19, 2009

• #5

I actively dislike getting technical with action timing.

However, as a general reply: I have done away with having to keep track of action points between encounters.

My PCs get an action point every encounter. If they do not use it in that encounter, it is lost.

 

K

Krand's_Brother

First Post

• May 19, 2009

• #6

All the answers so far sound like fun ideas. The one about charging, then using an action point, and then still getting to use all your other actions sounds great! Somehow I doubt my DM will go for that though hehe. I also like the idea of not having to keep track of action points by simply having one for each encounter. Again, my DM will probably not go for it.

Come to think of it, I remember I didnt get to charge for that very reason. I tried to argue for it, but my DM looked it up and showed me that charging does end your turn, unless you use an action point. However the question of using your minor and move after the action point still remains. I'm sure players and DMs alike have found that being experienced in D&D would help in making a good attorney!

 

the Jester

Legend

• May 20, 2009

• #7

You can use your action point at any point during your turn.

Once you hit 11th level this becomes even more important. You get a paragon path feature that generally ties into your action point usage. With this effect, it is very often best to spend your action point to get it before you take a standard action, because it will often give you bonuses on both attacks you make (your standard plus your action point attacks).