So when looking at the rules for interacting with an object more closely, I find that there is a weird line between the Interact with environment as a free action, and taking the "use object" action.
So it says in the PHB that your free action can be used to interact with the environment (Pull a lever, push open an unlocked door, etc.) but I see that many different objects require an action to use.
Take for an example alchemists fire. You can use your action to throw it. But couldn't you take it from your belt as a free action (Similar to drawing a weapon), immediately drop it (no action required) then wait for your next turn to kick it at an enemy? Yes it takes two turns, but it doesn't use an action either. Of course the DM may give you disadvantage, or some other drawback, but wouldn't this significantly improve your action economy?
I feel like a lot of what you can do with your free action is DM dependent.
I rule that the "free object interaction" can only be used for quick, simple actions. Draw a sword. Close a door. Grab a potion bottle from a belt loop. Stuff food in your mouth. Uncork a wine bottle with your teeth.
Things that require care and concentration require an Action. Sheathing a sword (without stabbing yourself). Closing a door quietly. Putting something down on the ground so that it doesn't break (which covers the firepot example above). Grab a potion from a satchel or pouch. Drink a potion (which is a specific Action of Use a Magic Item). Eat food without making a mess. Put the cork back in a bottle.
I would say depending on DM, the alchemist fire would either go off at your feet or not go off when kicked at your target. You never performed the actions guaranteed to work, so you get no guarantee.
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So when looking at the rules for interacting with an object more closely, I find that there is a weird line between the Interact with environment as a free action, and taking the "use object" action.
So it says in the PHB that your free action can be used to interact with the environment (Pull a lever, push open an unlocked door, etc.) but I see that many different objects require an action to use.
Take for an example alchemists fire. You can use your action to throw it. But couldn't you take it from your belt as a free action (Similar to drawing a weapon), immediately drop it (no action required) then wait for your next turn to kick it at an enemy? Yes it takes two turns, but it doesn't use an action either. Of course the DM may give you disadvantage, or some other drawback, but wouldn't this significantly improve your action economy?
I feel like a lot of what you can do with your free action is DM dependent.
I rule that the "free object interaction" can only be used for quick, simple actions. Draw a sword. Close a door. Grab a potion bottle from a belt loop. Stuff food in your mouth. Uncork a wine bottle with your teeth.
Things that require care and concentration require an Action. Sheathing a sword (without stabbing yourself). Closing a door quietly. Putting something down on the ground so that it doesn't break (which covers the firepot example above). Grab a potion from a satchel or pouch. Drink a potion (which is a specific Action of Use a Magic Item). Eat food without making a mess. Put the cork back in a bottle.
I would say depending on DM, the alchemist fire would either go off at your feet or not go off when kicked at your target. You never performed the actions guaranteed to work, so you get no guarantee.