Rules Reminders

A quick page to look up how certain things work in 5E.

Free Actions (PHB 190)

Much freer compared to other editions. When not needing special care it includes:

• draw or sheathe a sword
• open or close a door
• withdraw a potion from your backpack
• pick up a dropped axe
• hand an item to another character

Ranged (Spell) Attacks in Close Combat (PHB 195)

When you make a ranged attack with a weapon, a spell, or some other means, you have disadvantage on the attack roll if you are within 5 feet of a hostile creature [it doesn't mention anything about the creature needing to be armed] who can see you and who isn't incapacitated. This includes spells that use Ranged Spell Attack (but not those few with Melee Spell Attack).

Sneak Attack (PHB 94)

• The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon.
• Needs advantage on the attack roll, or, if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it [flanking is not needed!], that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Spell Scrolls (DMG 139)

• If the spell is on your class's spell list you can use an action to read the scroll and cast its spell without providing any material components. Otherwise, the scroll is unintelligible.
• If the spell is on your class's spell list but of a higher level than you can normally cast, you must make an ability check using your spellcasting ability to determine whether you cast it successfully. The DC equals 10 + the spell's level. On a failed check, the spell disappears from the scroll with no other effect.
• Once the spell is cast, the words on the scroll fade, and the scroll itself crumbles to dust. The level of the spell on the scroll determines the spell's saving throw DC and attack bonus, as well as the scroll's rarity, as shown in the Spell Scroll table.