Action Questions
- Thread starter Jhyarelle
- Start date
Theo R Cwithin
I cast "Baconstorm!"
There are quite a few exceptions to the actions rules, so assigning them point values is probably not much help. Here are the all the basic action rules, with some tables and definitions that might help you!
The most basic rule is that on his turn a character can either do:
1 "standard action" + 1 "move action" (or 1 move + 1 standard)
- or -
1 "full-round action"
Also, any reasonable number of "free actions" are possible at any time, including on another creature's turn. The DM determines how many is "a reasonable number", though!
Also, 1 "swift action" is possible during a character's turn.
Or, 1 "immediate action" is possible at anytime during the round, including on another creature's turn, but if you use an "immediate action" on another creature's turn, you can't also use a "swift action" on your turn.
(I think I got all that right... I'm sure someone will correct me here. Best idea is to just look at the rules!
)
The most basic rule is that on his turn a character can either do:
1 "standard action" + 1 "move action" (or 1 move + 1 standard)
- or -
1 "full-round action"
Also, any reasonable number of "free actions" are possible at any time, including on another creature's turn. The DM determines how many is "a reasonable number", though!
Also, 1 "swift action" is possible during a character's turn.
Or, 1 "immediate action" is possible at anytime during the round, including on another creature's turn, but if you use an "immediate action" on another creature's turn, you can't also use a "swift action" on your turn.
(I think I got all that right... I'm sure someone will correct me here. Best idea is to just look at the rules!
)Don't hink in term of the amount of time it takes (that was only ever given as an approximation and to provide some kind of overall perspective as to how long a combat might last).
Actions are best thought of in terms of the "amount of effort" it takes.
A full round action consumes all of the effort a character can take within a given round.
A standard action takes most of the effort it takes but not all
A move action takes a little less effort than does a standard action (my logic here is that you can take a move action instead of a standard action but not vice-versa)
A swift action takes almost no effort but enought effort so that you can only do it once in a round
A free action takes almost no effort and the amount of effort it takes is ejudicated by the DM (basically you can take as many free actions as the DM feels is appropriate)
An immediate action is special (like magic is special) and is akin to making an anticipatory action - it is basically making your swift action early)
A 5 ft step is a "non-action", so it take no effort whatsover - but you can only take one a round and you can't "move" (not move action, but move) in the same round.
The reason I say not to get consumed with the amount of time it takes is because D&D combat is abstract in its design and when you start to assign "times" to actions then you are assigning logic to the combat and then that will break down or lead to "analysis paralysis" because you will end up trying to quantify everything to the point that you won't be able to get through the round in a "fun" way.
Look at it this way it takes as much effort for a 16th level fighter to make 4 attacks with his great axe as it does for a 1st level human wizard to move 30 ft and cast magic missile.
Oh yeah - welcome aboard
Actions are best thought of in terms of the "amount of effort" it takes.
A full round action consumes all of the effort a character can take within a given round.
A standard action takes most of the effort it takes but not all
A move action takes a little less effort than does a standard action (my logic here is that you can take a move action instead of a standard action but not vice-versa)
A swift action takes almost no effort but enought effort so that you can only do it once in a round
A free action takes almost no effort and the amount of effort it takes is ejudicated by the DM (basically you can take as many free actions as the DM feels is appropriate)
An immediate action is special (like magic is special) and is akin to making an anticipatory action - it is basically making your swift action early)
A 5 ft step is a "non-action", so it take no effort whatsover - but you can only take one a round and you can't "move" (not move action, but move) in the same round.
The reason I say not to get consumed with the amount of time it takes is because D&D combat is abstract in its design and when you start to assign "times" to actions then you are assigning logic to the combat and then that will break down or lead to "analysis paralysis" because you will end up trying to quantify everything to the point that you won't be able to get through the round in a "fun" way.
Look at it this way it takes as much effort for a 16th level fighter to make 4 attacks with his great axe as it does for a 1st level human wizard to move 30 ft and cast magic missile.
Oh yeah - welcome aboard
Persiflage
First Post
"You must spread some experience points around before you give them to irdeggman again."
Geez, how many people am I currently excluded from bigging up? That makes three today!
Anyway, nice summary man
Geez, how many people am I currently excluded from bigging up? That makes three today!
Anyway, nice summary man
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