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While it doesn't specify the limits of a condition, it sort of implies a single condition/action clause. However, I think it would be perfectly logical and should be acceptable (imo) to allow an if/else clause for a readied action. I think one reason that players don't use readying that often (at least in my area) is that they have encountered GMs who metagame. "I ready an action to attack any creature that comes near me," is one way to pretty much ensure that no creatures will get to your threatened areas that turn because for some reason they just decided to do something else.
I mean, readying an action is essentially preparing yourself to react to a certain situation. For say a caster, I would think an acceptable readying of "If the monster is moving towards me, I cast grease on the square 10' in front of me when he reaches it. Else, if he looks like he is moving to attack the fighter, I cast magic missile at him." In this situation, the character is setting his condition on a similar switch (the movement of the creature), but his response is different.
Have you ever done this or had a player try this? As a GM, I would definitely allow something like this to occur. The multiple cases of the "switch" statement would need to have the same base and unfortunately would still need to be subjective but I think it would more accurately represent what a person can react to if this were happening "in real time".
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Personally I wouldn't have too much of a problem with this. It would certainly be nice, but I don't find this necessary. I'm pretty sure I've actually tried to do this before as an inexperienced player mistake since it seems pretty logical.
Also, I think this should go in the Homebrew section. This isn't really a rule question as much as a "This is how I would change the rule in a homegame, what do you guys think?"
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I wouldn't allow it because you've just readied two different actions. The danger of readied actions is that you may not use them; this plan completely removes that issue. Even two actions are better than one.
Of course, I also try to think in the mindset of the bad guys and what they would or wouldn't do in order, not as the omnipotent GM that can tell what the players are planning.
Another fun question is whether or not an enemy can tell you've readied an action and if it is possible to determine what the action and/or trigger is? While a wolf may charge you because you're a target even though you are standing there with your sword up high obviously waiting to strike, it is perfectly reasonable for a sword master to be like "huh, I think he's going to hit me if I get near him... time to go after a different target".
What about, "I ready to cast a spell when an enemy approaches me or an ally?" Get specific with distance and such as required by your GM.
By the rules you ready a certain action, not several actions so that is not RAI. But if you want to discuss whether or not it it broken to allow it, that is an entirely different conversation.
You can ready a standard action, a move action, a swift action, or a free action. To do so, specify the action you will take and the conditions under which you will take it. Then, anytime before your next action, you may take the readied action in response to that condition.
One action only. Multiple conditions are acceptable, subject to reasonable GM discretion. As a rule of thumb, your character should be able to verify whether the conditions have been fulfilled with a split-second judgment so that the readied action can interrupt the action that fulfills the condition.
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One thing we tried once to avoid the DM making choices to avoid a Readied action was to say "I ready an action" then write down the action and condition on an index card.
Then if something meets the condition, you show the DM the card, and take your action.
Of course, the easiest answer is for a DM not to be an ass.
One thing we tried once to avoid the DM making choices to avoid a Readied action was to say "I ready an action" then write down the action and condition on an index card.
Then if something meets the condition, you show the DM the card, and take your action.
Of course, the easiest answer is for a DM not to be an ass.
That's a good approach. Sadly, an ass is less likely to allow such a method.
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In my "main" game we trust each other (10-20 plus years gaming together) and we don't even write it down. It really increases the level of fun when you can get a group like this.
Technically, the character is 'readying and action'. In game world, they are to me waiting until a certain moment occurs. WAIT/UNTIL rather than IF/ELSE. It is the character hanging about wondering if a certain event will occur or not.
He or she is effectively using up their time 'waiting'. There are only 6 seconds. Enough to squeeze in one action - if the expected circumstances occur. An IF/ELSE would tend to permit continual changes of mind to changing circumstances. Such a character could be described as 'not ready' and indecisive in a combat situation.
The advantage of readying an action is that you can interrupt an ongoing action. Other than that, it's better to just delay until you want to act, which will give you a full round's worth of actions. The price for readying is the loss of your other actions, and that you may not act at all. It's a quick process, and increased flexibility isn't something that should be given, IMO.
