Partial actions and readying

[Spove]

Can you ready an action as a partial action?

Bok is hasted, he runs across the room and attacks and subsequently kills the orc. For his haste granted partial action can he ready a partial charge. (Or any other partial action)

The PHB lists readying as a standard action. A partial action is a standard action without the move. It sounds clear but some how it just sounds fishy.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

He can make a partial charge with the extra partial action, but he cannot take the ready action unless he uses a standard action. A partial action is not the same thing as a standard action, although functionally they are similar.

 

[0-hr]

You can ready an action as a partial action. Now, charging as a readied action is a whole nuther can o'worms (as in, you might be able do it, but you better not change direction!).


Here are some fun quotes from the SRD:

Haste
On his turn, the subject may take an extra partial action,
either before or after his regular action.
...
Partial Action
As a general rule, a combatant
can do as much with a partial action as a combatant could with a
standard action minus a move. Typically, a combatant may take a
5-foot step as part of a partial action.
...

Ready [Standard][AoO: No]
Description: The ready action lets a combatant
prepare to take an action later, after a combatant's turn is over
but before a combatant's next one has begun. Readying is a
standard action, so a combatant can move as well. It does not
provoke an attack of opportunity (though the action that a
combatant readies might do so).

 

[Ristamar]

I disagree with Dr. Zoom. You can ready an action with a partial action, you just don't get a move (though you can take a 5' step, if applicable). You can perform standard actions, just no movement with a standard action.

In regards to the partial charge in your specific scenario, it's generally not legal, even when hasted. All movement during the round must be in a straight line (and in the same direction) for a charge, even a partial charge.

Here's the supporting evidence...

From the D&D FAQ:
Is it possible to prepare a partial charge, move, turn, and then execute the charge? Do I get a 5-foot step in between my move and my charge? Can I squeeze an extra 5 feet of movement out of each round by moving as a partial action, then taking a 5-foot step and attacking as a partial action?

No in all cases. When you charge, all your movement must be in a straight line (and in the same direction); any movement you make before a partial charge counts against you. You don't get a move-equivalent action plus a partial action as your turn. You get either a standard action (which does not allow a 5-foot step), a full-move action (which allows a 5-foot step if the action itself doesn't include movement), or a partial action (which also allows a 5-foot step if the action doesn't include movement).

The FAQ also mentions readying partial charges in various examples.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

You all may be right. It seems to make sense. I will have to re-read and see if/where I made my mistake.

 

[dcollins]

* Ready is listed as a miscellaneous standard action in Table 8-4 (PH p. 128).
* One of the partial action options in Table 8-3 (PH p. 127) is "Miscellaneous Partial Actions**", whose note reads: "** Those actions on Table 8-4: Miscellaneous Actions defined as standard or move-equivalent actions..."

Therefore, yes, you can ready with a partial action.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Thanks dcollins. I was just looking at those tables and noticed the same thing. Chalk this up to a rule I did not notice before.