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4 months ago ::
Jan 23, 2013 - 6:40AM
#31
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Date Joined:
Jun 17, 2010
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This was clarified in 3.5e, and the consensus is that the writers did not change paradigms (as the associated rules did not change).
This is not valid 4e rules logic.
We cannot assume that just because they didn't say anything new in the 4e material that rules from prior systems apply.
If they say nothing in 4e, then they said nothing in 4e. 3.5 is irrelevant, always, as is Spyro the Dragon.
Regarding readied actions, yes, they can seem cheesy. But the cheesy factor only comes about if you ignore the downsides, which are considerable. It's a dramatic loss in throughput to habitually ready. There's a chance your trigger won't happen. And, most importantly, if you did start to cheese, you are starting an arms race you will most certainly lose. The DM can cheese readied actions better than the players can, period. It's cheesy in theory, but it rapidly becomes a bad idea once you hit an actual table.
D&D Next = D&D: Quantum Edition
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4 months ago ::
Jan 23, 2013 - 9:44AM
#32
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Date Joined:
Jun 15, 2004
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We cannot assume that just because they didn't say anything new in the 4e material that rules from prior systems apply.
Again: it was never actually a stated rule 3.5e. It was simply a concensual understanding based on the stated rules. The D&D community discussed the matter at some length (several times)... both in 3.5e and 4e. And the writer's themselves have previously weighed in.
I plainly acknowledge that a 3.5e clarification doesn't neccesarily mean anything in 4e... it would just be surprising if the writer's intended to change the general paradigm on this one (since this area of the rules is otherwise so similar).
My own general guideline is: anyone that would've had a readied action (were it allowed) before combat begins instead gets to go on the surprise round... which is technically even better than readying an action.
Instead of starting each fight with a bunch of people with readied actions, you just have a surprise round... which is effectively similar (since simultaneous readied actions are usually resolved in initiative order) but much simpler to adjudicate. And if everyone would've readied an action (and who wouldn't given the opportunity), you can just start regular initiative.
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4 months ago ::
Jan 23, 2013 - 9:53AM
#33
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Date Joined:
Jun 17, 2010
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That makes it a rule...how?
D&D Next = D&D: Quantum Edition
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4 months ago ::
Jan 23, 2013 - 10:04AM
#34
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Date Joined:
Jun 15, 2004
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That makes it a rule...how?
I've stated thrice that it is not a rule. Merely a clarification. The rules have always been subject to interpretation on whether you can ready an action outside of the initiative structure. Both methods have merit, and a DM could use either method without breaking strict RAW. Some players might like information on possible RAI (and prior consensus, examples here, here etc.), is all. I even preceded the quote with "if desired", so that those that didn't desire such information wouldn't whine.
From the forum's Readying an Action FAQ (i.e. not the one I maintain), if desired:
"Can I ready an action outside of combat?
The rules do not specifically forbid this, but the ready an action mechanic is very heavily dependent on other mechanics that only have meaning when combat is actually happening, such as actions and initiative order, so the intent seems to be that it should be used inside of combat only."
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