D&D 5E Giving monsters more (unlimited?) reactions in one turn

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Ultimately, what is the design intent behind the ability?

I'm looking for someone who can jump into a scrum of melee combatants and at least bloody a bunch of noses before he goes down.

 

[Zaukrie]

PS - I am looking at something similar. My current thought is:

Everything gets 3 action points and Movement. You need to spend an action point to take an Immediate Action / Reaction. You can also spend an action point to move (haven't decided on the amount) or disengage (not sure the whole list on single point actions), but some "actions" cost multiple points (like 2014 era legendary actions) such as multiattack, some spells, special maneuvers, etc. Not sure on the complete list and cost yet.

In some sense I am trying to merge PF 2e and 5e action economy.

I had not yet decided if boss / legendary monsters get more action points generally or just ones that make sense thematically. Still decided how I want to handle bosses.

EDIT: Thinking about it a bit more (thank you for that @Reynard) I think the baseline should be 2 action points + movement. I think that might it the sweet spot, particularly if I give boss monsters more action points.

That's what nimble does. You get three actions. To move. React. Act. In any combination.

 

[Zaukrie]

That's what nimble does. You get three actions. To move. React. Act. In any combination.

To be clear, that's for players.

 

[Yaarel]

Per the 2024 rules, characters can only take one reaction per turn. Is there a supported way around this?

I've homebrewed a monster that basically instantly reacts with a bonus attack any time someone does melee damage to it. I could just, essentially, cover it in spines, but that doesn't really fit the idea for the monster.

It doesn't look like Legendary actions would support this, either.

One way to do this − somewhat 'legally' − is to design the monster as actually two separate monsters. Thus it gets two attacks per round, has twice the hit points, etcetera − while still remaining within appropriate CR ranges for accuracy and damage.

Possibly describe the 'spines' as an aura of damage. Similar to an aura of fire, but dealing the Piercing damage type.

 

[dave2008]

That's what nimble does. You get three actions. To move. React. Act. In any combination.

That is not what quite what I am looking at. I am looking at either 2 or 3 actions points + movement. You can spend your action points to move more, but you can't convert the base movement to an action points to do something else. Also, some things cost more than 1 action point. I can't remember if Nimble does that or not, it has been to long since I looked at it.

 

[Cap'n Kobold]

I'm looking for someone who can jump into a scrum of melee combatants and at least bloody a bunch of noses before he goes down.

Vanguard: If the creature moves at least 10 feet towards an opponent before making an attack, all of their attacks this turn can push their target back up to 10ft, and the creature takes only half damage from Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing damage until the beginning of their next turn.

Beleaguered defiance: The creature gains a bonus to its AC and saving throws equal to the number of opponents within its reach.

 

[Zaukrie]

That is not what quite what I am looking at. I am looking at either 2 or 3 actions points + movement. You can spend your action points to move more, but you can't convert the base movement to an action points to do something else. Also, some things cost more than 1 action point. I can't remember if Nimble does that or not, it has been to long since I looked at it.

Yes, some things cost more. Mostly spells I think.