If you have not acted in combat yet, you usually have no reaction available, as you "regain" them at the end of your turn:
The last step of starting your turn is always the same.
• Regain your 3 actions and 1 reaction.
So, no reactions usually. Clear enough. However, Defend says:
If combat breaks out, you gain the benefits of Raising a Shield before your first turn begins.
Shield Block says you can use it while you have your shield raised. Seems like this is a benefit to me, and a very strong reason to use Exploration mode. (From a flavor perspective, I find it hard to believe someone Defending would not be able to block an attack as well).
So, if you have not acted in combat yet, and you have been Defending, can you shield block if something hits you? Or do you just get the AC bonus?
I have ruled that the player gets the Reaction for now, but I'm interested in whether there's a definitive ruling here, as I am sure it will come up again either at my home games or in PFS.
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Source Core Rulebook pg. 472
"Your reactions let you respond immediately to what’s happening around you. The GM determines whether you can use reactions before your first turn begins, depending on the situation in which the encounter happens."
Looks like it is explicitly spelled out in the CRB that this is entirely up to GM's discretion on whether you have your reaction available or not.
For me personally as long as they weren't taken completely unawares (attacked by an undetected enemy) I would probably allow it most of the time.
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Hmm it’s a good question. I really think if a player is doing nothing but defend or scout an argument could be made that they should get to use reactions before they act in combat. They lose the benefits of spotting traps or treasures so that seems like reasonable compensation.
At least that is how I would be inclined to rule it.
Source Core Rulebook pg. 472
"Your reactions let you respond immediately to what’s happening around you. The GM determines whether you can use reactions before your first turn begins, depending on the situation in which the encounter happens."Looks like it is explicitly spelled out in the CRB that this is entirely up to GM's discretion on whether you have your reaction available or not.
For me personally as long as they weren't taken completely unawares (attacked by an undetected enemy) I would probably allow it most of the time.
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!
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Source Core Rulebook pg. 472
"Your reactions let you respond immediately to what’s happening around you. The GM determines whether you can use reactions before your first turn begins, depending on the situation in which the encounter happens."Looks like it is explicitly spelled out in the CRB that this is entirely up to GM's discretion on whether you have your reaction available or not.
For me personally as long as they weren't taken completely unawares (attacked by an undetected enemy) I would probably allow it most of the time.
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!
No problem. Happy to help!
Source Core Rulebook pg. 472
"Your reactions let you respond immediately to what’s happening around you. The GM determines whether you can use reactions before your first turn begins, depending on the situation in which the encounter happens."Looks like it is explicitly spelled out in the CRB that this is entirely up to GM's discretion on whether you have your reaction available or not.
For me personally as long as they weren't taken completely unawares (attacked by an undetected enemy) I would probably allow it most of the time.
I agree with this.