How do you all handle ready action for your players? Do you only allow calling of a single scenario or multiples?

I’m think of implementing a rule at my table where a player that readies an action can calls out a scenario and a “otherwise” option. The reason is that, we as players, often think about our options on our turn and strategize - simulating a character deciding what they would do in that moment.

An example of how I’d see this idea in use: Your character is next to a monster but there are a couple of enemies closing in that could choose you or a teammate. You ready an action so that you use Dodge if the enemy closing in reaches you to attack OTHERWISE you will attack the creature you’re engaged with when it makes their next attack.

Thoughts?

  • WindyRebel@lemmy.worldOP
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    1 year ago

    Some logical responses here, and I completely understand where your rulings come from.

    I think I want to try something different in my game. This is coming from the RAW verbiage “First, you decide what perceivable circumstance will trigger your reaction. Then, you choose the action you will take in response to that trigger, or you choose to move up to your speed in response to it.”

    I read that as, yes, a single action and trigger happens but you can decide what PERCEIVABLE circumstance will trigger the action. In the case of a more seasoned/experienced combatant - they can perceive multiple actions and potential responses to those actions at the same time, but in real time can only take that one response based on the trigger because of the speed of which things are happening.

    Perhaps I could amend my rule as someone level 2 and above can do this or only martial characters (since they are seasoned fighters) can make use of this special amendment of readying an action.

    Or maybe I’ll scrap it all and go with only allowing single circumstance reactions (as you all have interpreted). I think I’ll bring it up with my table and see how they feel.

    I appreciate the responses so far!