Readied actions, AoO and cancelling attacks

[GwydapLlew]

I was pondering something while at work, and thought I'd seek input from the rest of EN World. Assume: Improved Disarm for X, no IUS for Y, and that I am DMing the situation.

1. Character X readies an action to "disarm Y when Y attacks an ally."
2. Y attacks Z ("an ally") while within X's reach.
3. X successfully disarms Y.

At this point, can X choose not to continue to attack Z and avoid the AoO? Must he continue through with the action, since his action is what triggered the readied action?

I know what I think of the matter, but I'm curious as to your thoughts. 'Lemon curry' is not an option, nor is 'do what you think best.'

 

[MarkB]

Character Y was attempting to carry out an armed attack. He can no longer do so, so he gets to choose what to do instead.

 

[mvincent]

I was pondering something while at work, and thought I'd seek input from the rest of EN World. Assume: Improved Disarm for X, no IUS for Y, and that I am DMing the situation.

1. Character X readies an action to "disarm Y when Y attacks an ally."
2. Y attacks Z ("an ally") while within X's reach.
3. X successfully disarms Y.

At this point, can X choose not to continue to attack Z and avoid the AoO? Must he continue through with the action, since his action is what triggered the readied action?

Readied actions like this are unclear according to RAW and subject to DM interpretation. The rules say:
"The action occurs just before the action that triggers it. If the triggered action is part of another character’s activities, you interrupt the other character. Assuming he is still capable of doing so, he continues his actions once you complete your readied action."

This implies that the individual can still do something, but it does not actually say that he has to continue with the same action. Some DM's might even allow the interupted individual to switch the triggering action, but I would generally just allow him to forego it.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Character Y was attempting to carry out an armed attack. He can no longer do so, so he gets to choose what to do instead.

He's already taking the Attack action, though; I certainly wouldn't let him use that standard action to Cast a Spell or Activate a Magic Item.

Since free actions can be taken while taking another action normally, I'd permit a Quick Draw before the Attack action is resolved, though.

-Hyp.

 

[Stalker0]

I would say his ability to perform an armed attack is gone, so I wouldn't force him to attack and get another AOO.

However, I wouldnt' let him switch his actions, he either attacks, or he sits there.

 

[Infiniti2000]

'Lemon curry' is not an option

Holy Toledo, I should hope not! How disgusting!

 

[GwydapLlew]

Holy Toledo, I should hope not! How disgusting!

There's nothing Holy in Toledo.

 

[Ranger REG]

I was pondering something while at work, and thought I'd seek input from the rest of EN World. Assume: Improved Disarm for X, no IUS for Y, and that I am DMing the situation.

1. Character X readies an action to "disarm Y when Y attacks an ally."
2. Y attacks Z ("an ally") while within X's reach.
3. X successfully disarms Y.

At this point, can X choose not to continue to attack Z and avoid the AoO? Must he continue through with the action, since his action is what triggered the readied action?

I know what I think of the matter, but I'm curious as to your thoughts. 'Lemon curry' is not an option, nor is 'do what you think best.'

If character X choose not to respond to the trigger, I'll rule that he has ended his turn, and continue to resolve Y's attack on Z.

 

[el-remmen]

1. Character X readies an action to "disarm Y when Y attacks an ally."
2. Y attacks Z ("an ally") while within X's reach.
3. X successfully disarms Y.

At this point, can X choose not to continue to attack Z and avoid the AoO? Must he continue through with the action, since his action is what triggered the readied action?

I bold and underlined the part that confused me. . Don't you mean "Can Y choose not to continue to attack Z", right?

Assuming so, I would rule that Y had his action interupted and lost it. If has not already used a move-equivalent, he can do so, but he already "did" his standard action.

 

[mvincent]

There's nothing Holy in Toledo.

Depends on your definition of Toledo