Can a Readied Attack Trigger on Fake Spellcasting in Dungeons Dragons 5E?

When it comes to Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition (5E), the rules as written don't always cover every situation you might encounter. This is particularly true when dealing with complex interactions, such as whether a readied attack can trigger on fake spellcasting. In this article, we'll explore the nuances of this scenario, discuss the DM's role in making judgments, and provide insights into how to handle such situations.

The Role of the DM in Deciding Fake Spellcasting and Readied Actions

The Ready action in Dungeons Dragons 5E requires that you specify a 'perceivable' circumstance. However, this leaves room for interpretation when it comes to fake spellcasting. A spellcaster might intentionally fake casting a spell for various reasons, such as distracting the opponent, throwing them off balance, or even misleading other characters in the party.

Create a scenario where a spellcaster, like Olaf the Necromancer, might attempt to fake casting a spell. This action can be judged based on the DM's discretion. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the rules and considerations:

DM's Ruling on Fake Spellcasting

First, consider whether the spellcaster’s fake spell has an apparent effect that might be perceived as a real spell. If Olaf the Necromancer performs actions that look like spellcasting (e.g., drawing his staff, mouthing incantations), other characters should be able to perceive this.

As a DM, you might rule that the readied action is triggered based on the perception of the character readying the action. If Olaf's actions are convincing enough to Olaf's target, Peter the Barbarian, then the readied action should be triggered. However, this judgment should be based on the evidence presented to Peter.

Role-playing and Insight Checks

To add more depth, consider how the spellcaster (Olaf) knows that the target (Peter) is readying an action to trigger on spellcasting. This can be a matter of insight checks:

Insight Check: Olaf makes an insight check to read Peter's body language and intent. If Olaf succeeds, it indicates that he understands Peter's trigger condition: spellcasting. Deception Check: If Olaf intends to fake spellcasting, he might need to perform a deception check to convince Peter of the integrity of his actions. Peter can then respond by making another check to determine if he believes the spellcasting to be real.

If Olaf takes the initiative to deceive and succeed in his deception check, Peter may fall for the ruse. Conversely, if Peter succeeds in his check, he will recognize the deception and decide whether to trigger his readied action.

Tricking Perception with Illusions

Situations might also involve the use of illusions that create the appearance of spellcasting. For example, a mage might use an illusion to create the image of a fire bolt or a lightning bolt. In such cases, the DM would still rule based on the apparent image presented to the character readying the action.

If Olaf uses an illusion to create the image of a spell, Peter should interpret the image as the trigger. This might also involve checks to see if Peter can distinguish the difference between a real spell and a convincing illusion.

Conclusion and Ensuring Fair Play

Ultimately, the decision of whether a readied attack can trigger on fake spellcasting is in the hands of the DM. However, it's crucial to ensure that rules and outcomes are consistent and fair for all players. Here are some key points to consider:

Clearly communicate your decisions and reasoning to your players. Balance the element of surprise and the DM's role with the players' expectations for fairness. Encourage creative and tactical play without allowing players to exploit the system.

By understanding the rules, engaging in strategic role-playing, and maintaining fairness, you can create engaging and dynamic gameplay where players can challenge each other in imaginative and fun ways.