[RPG] Can you take a “free object interaction” while incapacitated

actionsconditionsdnd-5e

The incapacitated condition description (PHB 290) says:

An incapacitated creature can't take actions or reactions.

Meaning that you can still move. But what about "interactions"?

Page 190 of the PHB describes examples you can do "in tandem with your movement and action", it also mentions, "You can interact with one object of feature in your environment for free".

It seems that an "Interaction" is distinctly different from an "Action" or a "Reaction".

Are you still allowed to do (one) interaction on your turn when incapacitated?

Best Answer

You can interact with an object by merely using movement

The Basic Rules (and the Player's Handbook section you reference) specify:

You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action.

Since the Incapacitated condition only says:

An incapacitated creature can’t take actions or reactions.

You can still move, and therefore interact with an object or the environment when you do so.

Usually an incapacitated creature can't move anyway

Do note, however, that the most common cause of the Incapacitated condition is through other conditions like Unconscious:

An unconscious creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings

and Paralyzed:

A paralyzed creature is incapacitated (see the condition) and can’t move or speak.

and Petrified:

The creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.

and Stunned:

A stunned creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move, and can speak only falteringly.

In these instances, as you can't move or take actions, you would be unable to interact with an object or with a feature of the environment.

Related Topic