Aid Action - Missing in the book?

[HWalsh]

On page 333 of the Playtest Rulebook the "Aid Action" is mentioned... Which doesn't appear anywhere else in the book... That might be an issue.

Note:
The Action *does* exist as a reaction - Page 307

However - I don't think you *can* use reaction actions outside of Encounter Mode, for things like Exploration Mode.

Now, while common sense says otherwise, we don't use common sense when playtesting, if there is ambiguity it should be pointed out.

[Kerobelis]

HWalsh wrote:

On page 333 of the Playtest Rulebook the "Aid Action" is mentioned... Which doesn't appear anywhere else in the book... That might be an issue.

Page 307

[HWalsh]

Kerobelis wrote:

HWalsh wrote:

On page 333 of the Playtest Rulebook the "Aid Action" is mentioned... Which doesn't appear anywhere else in the book... That might be an issue.

Page 307

Yeah, someone pointed that out to me, but my concern is that since it is a reaction it is limited to use in Encounter Mode. Thus not usable in exploration mode per normal.

[Kerobelis]

HWalsh wrote:

Kerobelis wrote:

HWalsh wrote:

On page 333 of the Playtest Rulebook the "Aid Action" is mentioned... Which doesn't appear anywhere else in the book... That might be an issue.

Page 307

Yeah, someone pointed that out to me, but my concern is that since it is a reaction it is limited to use in Encounter Mode. Thus not usable in exploration mode per normal.

That I can’t help with, but I can’t see why you cannot use aid to help a friend in need!

[HWalsh]

Kerobelis wrote:

HWalsh wrote:

Kerobelis wrote:

HWalsh wrote:

On page 333 of the Playtest Rulebook the "Aid Action" is mentioned... Which doesn't appear anywhere else in the book... That might be an issue.

Page 307

Yeah, someone pointed that out to me, but my concern is that since it is a reaction it is limited to use in Encounter Mode. Thus not usable in exploration mode per normal.

That I can’t help with, but I can’t see why you cannot use aid to help a friend in need!

I feel you totally *should* be able to do so - I am with you there - But Exploration mode also has a list of specific things you *can* do and the Aid Action is not on that list.

So - As we are playtesting, this is something that should be pointed out. I mean, sure, again, common sense... But since it is only specifically mentioned being possible in Downtime and Encounter mode, that leaves Exploration mode out in the cold.

[Kerobelis]

I kind of find exploration mode a bit over the top. This was one area I never thought was problematic in any edition of D&D.

[HWalsh]

Kerobelis wrote:

I kind of find exploration mode a bit over the top. This was one area I never thought was problematic in any edition of D&D.

Also note:

Everywhere else in the book where using Aid refers to the "Aid Reaction" this is the only instance of the "Aid Action" which makes them 2 different things... It is PROBABLY a typo... But... Needs to be checked out.

[Ouranou]

Pg. 329 under Exploration

Actions and Reactions: Though exploration’s not broken into
rounds, the exploration tactics assume the PCs are spending
part of their time taking actions. If they have specific actions
they want to take, they should ask you, and you can decide
whether it’s relevant and whether to switch to encounter
mode for greater detail. PCs can take any relevant reactions
that come up.

[DerNils]

I guess the Aid Action is the one you use to prepare the aid Reaction, as described in the text.
"To use this reaction, you must first prepare to help, usually by using an action during your turn."
But I agree that this needs to be clearer - at the bare minmum give Aid the Action Symbol in addition to the reaction or make clear that this needs to be a Ready Activity. Which would be beyond painful, as helping your friend than would eat two Actions and your reaction, but at least it would be clear.