Combat Mechanics Flashcards
What are the steps of a combat round in D&D?
- Determine Surprise, 2. Roll Initiative, 3. Take Turns (Move, Action, Bonus Action, Reaction), 4. End of Turn Effects, 5. Repeat Until Combat Ends.
How is initiative determined?
Each combatant rolls a d20 and adds their Dexterity modifier. The DM resolves ties based on highest Dex or another method.
What are the main types of actions a creature can take?
Attack, Cast a Spell, Dash, Disengage, Dodge, Help, Hide, Ready, Search, Use an Object.
How does the Attack action work?
Roll a d20 + proficiency bonus + relevant ability modifier vs. target’s AC. A hit deals damage; a natural 20 is a critical hit.
What is a critical hit?
Rolling a natural 20 on an attack roll doubles the damage dice before adding modifiers.
What are the main types of attacks?
Melee Attack, Ranged Attack, Spell Attack, Unarmed Strike, Grapple, Shove.
What is the range for melee and ranged attacks?
Melee: Typically 5 feet. Ranged: Based on weapon; has normal and long range (disadvantage at long range).
What happens when you attack a prone creature?
Melee attacks have advantage; ranged attacks have disadvantage.
How does the Ready action work?
You prepare an action with a trigger (e.g., ‘I attack if the goblin moves’). You use your reaction when the trigger happens.
What is the difference between half cover and three-quarters cover?
Half cover gives +2 to AC and Dexterity saves. Three-quarters cover gives +5.
How do reactions work in combat?
A reaction is a special response to a trigger, such as an Opportunity Attack or a Counterspell.
What causes an Opportunity Attack?
Leaving a creature’s melee reach without using the Disengage action provokes an Opportunity Attack.
How does two-weapon fighting work?
If wielding two light weapons, you can attack with the second weapon as a bonus action but don’t add your ability modifier to its damage.
What is the difference between a saving throw and an ability check?
A saving throw resists harmful effects (like spells or traps); an ability check determines success in skill-based tasks.
What is concentration in spellcasting?
If a spell requires concentration, taking damage forces a Constitution save (DC 10 or half damage, whichever is higher).
What happens when a creature drops to 0 HP?
It falls unconscious and makes Death Saving Throws. Three successes = stable. Three failures = dead.
How does stabilizing a dying creature work?
A Medicine check (DC 10) or healing magic can stabilize a creature at 0 HP.
What is exhaustion and how does it affect combat?
Exhaustion has six levels, causing penalties to ability checks, speed, attacks, and eventually leading to death.
How does movement work in combat?
You can move up to your speed on your turn, splitting movement between actions (e.g., move 10 feet, attack, move 20 feet).
What are the conditions that can affect combat?
Blinded, Charmed, Deafened, Frightened, Grappled, Incapacitated, Invisible, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Stunned, Unconscious.
How does grappling work?
Use an Attack action to attempt a grapple (Strength [Athletics] vs. target’s Strength [Athletics] or Dexterity [Acrobatics]). A grappled creature’s speed is 0.
What is the Shove action?
You use an Attack action to push a creature 5 feet or knock it prone (contested Strength [Athletics] check).
How does hiding work in combat?
You use the Hide action and make a Dexterity (Stealth) check vs. an enemy’s passive Perception. Hidden creatures have advantage on attacks.
What happens when a creature is surprised?
Surprised creatures can’t move or act on their first turn and can’t take reactions until their turn ends.
