5' step, partial actions and haste

[Caliban]

Can you take 2 MEAs in a normal round?

Yes, if you take a Standard Action you can use an MEA for the Move portion of the action, and a second MEA for the Partial Action portion of the Standard Action.

However, MEA's are specifically limited to one 5' step if you haven't moved any actual distance, as per PHB, page 121.

If you take a 5' step on your first MEA, on your second MEA you wouldn't be eligible, because you have moved an actual distance during the round.

As far as I can tell, MEA's are the only action specifically limited like this, most likely because MEA's are the only action (that allows a 5' step) that it is possible to do more than once a round without the aid of magic.

Normally you can only do a Standard Action or a Full Round Action, with a Standard Action being comprised of a Move/MEA and a Partial Action (which can also be used for a Move/MEA). The Standard Action itself doesn't allow a 5' step, but if you use part of it for an MEA, the MEA allows the 5' step.

When you are doing a Partial Action seperate from the Standard Action, it allows a 5' step if you are not otherwise moving. Same thing for a Full Round Action.

I believe that you would be allowed to take a second 5' step if you are hasted.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Yes, if you take a Standard Action you can use an MEA for the Move portion of the action, and a second MEA for the Partial Action portion of the Standard Action.

Strcitly speaking, two MEAs generally requires the Double Move Action, rather than a Standard Action.

Though in practice the effect is identical.

-Hyp.

 

[Artoomis]

I did a little research in the PHB and here's what I've found:

The rules, taken as a whole, seem to indicate that you are only supposed to be allowed one free 5-foot step in a round.

However, taken individually, support exists for the Haste partial action giving you another 5'-step.

This is simply another case of the rules being unclearly written. So decide for yourself. Me? I like the one 5'-step per round rule - very simple and clear and seems to fit the overal intent of a ournd and 5-foot step.

Pretty much, I guess I'm saying this debate is pointless because there is no clear answer in the rules themselves.

 

[rhammer2]

I have to agree with you, I thought it was clearer in the book, but it isn't. I was not aware of the Sage's double answer.

I did a little research in the PHB and here's what I've found:

The rules, taken as a whole, seem to indicate that you are only supposed to be allowed one free 5-foot step in a round.

However, taken individually, support exists for the Haste partial action giving you another 5'-step.

This is simply another case of the rules being unclearly written. So decide for yourself. Me? I like the one 5'-step per round rule - very simple and clear and seems to fit the overal intent of a ournd and 5-foot step.

Pretty much, I guess I'm saying this debate is pointless because there is no clear answer in the rules themselves.

 

[Caliban]

Strcitly speaking, two MEAs generally requires the Double Move Action, rather than a Standard Action.

Though in practice the effect is identical.

-Hyp.

Err, no a Move Equivalent Action is not a Move Action.

Two Move Actions can be done with the Double Move action.
Two MEA's can be done with the Standard Action.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Err, no a Move Equivalent Action is not a Move Action.

Two Move Actions can be done with the Double Move action.
Two MEA's can be done with the Standard Action.

You force me to quote...!

PHB p121 : Move-Equivalent Action

Taking such an action counts as moving your speed. For instance, Tordek can use the attack action blah blah. He could also use the double move action to stand up from prone and move 15 feet. He could even use a double move action to stand up from prone and retrieve a stored item (both move equivalent actions).

Of course, I could be wrong.

-Hyp.

 

[Caliban]

Of course, I could be wrong.

-Hyp.

Ok, so they are equivalent. It really doesn't matter for what is being discussed.

As far as I can tell, the only time that doing a double move as opposed to a standard action is important is when you are actually moving, since doing a double move means that the square you start in is not threatened.

 

[Hypersmurf]

It really doesn't matter for what is being discussed.

Yup. Hence my qualifiers of "Strictly speaking", and "In practice the effect is identical".

But we must strive for accuracy in all we do!

-Hyp.

 

[karooba]

From p.56 of the (updated) D&D FAQ:

"A character can take only one 5-foot step each round, and then
only if the character has not otherwise moved during the round.
Supreme cleave lets you step between cleave attacks, but you still
can step only once".

I'm on the 'only one 5ft step/round' side.

 

[Artoomis]

From p.56 of the (updated) D&D FAQ:

"A character can take only one 5-foot step each round, and then
only if the character has not otherwise moved during the round.
Supreme cleave lets you step between cleave attacks, but you still
can step only once".

I'm on the 'only one 5ft step/round' side.

Gee, that would have been nice to be published in the rules.