Assuming that Larian isn't currently overhauling the Reaction system, I think a good compromise is to allow a player to pause the game at any time and turn on/off Reactions on any PCs. This allows players more control during an enemy's turn.
And your suggestion of not using/burning a Reaction for any reason unless it was needed in the attempt was something that didn't cross my mind but is easily automated.
- Divine Smite Reaction: Land Hit with Damage Roll did not kill the enemy; Use Divine Smite for Extra Damage
- Bardic Inspiration: Running pass NPC which provides an Attack of Opportunity and NPC Missed; Don't Use Bardic Inspiration
- Bardic Inspiration on Spellcaster with the spell Shield available: Run pass NPC with AoO attack of 17 vs 12 AC; Use Bardic Inspiration first, and if not pass, then if Shield would make me pass, cast Shield
The third automation is more difficult to assume, but I think the following priority would work for multiple available Reactions: free non-spell, non-action Reactions > action Reactions > spell Reactions.
Also, the third thing above couldn't really happen in PnP D&D because the Bardic Inspiration, you can't know if the action succeeded or not before using it. You just get to see your roll first if you want to use it. But, Larian's current implementation wants complete automation, so...
Edit: Heck, Featherfall is also a Reaction, with which how Shoving is done right now, should be allowed to cast Featherfall on any target pushed and is going to suffer falling damage.
Last edited by Zyllos; 11/07/22 11:18 PM.
