Readied actions

[arixe]

ok me and my dm are always arguing this. so readied actions do the always have to be a standard action or can they be other things. like a 5 ft step to avoid an on coming attack. or a move action to avoid a volly of arrows.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Yes, but you have to specify what action you're readying (attack and 5-ft. step) and what you've got it readied to react to (which specific opponent's attack).

Also note that when you take a readied action, your initiative count changes to when you took the readied action. Often this will result in you going after the person you interrupted, because their turn already started and then you took your readied action. That means you can avoid an opponent's attack only once, and then they get to act again before your next turn.

[Esgath]

Sure you can. Read page 160 on the PHB, all your questions are clearly answered there.

[Esgath]

Also note that when you take a readied action, your initiative count changes to when you took the readied action. Often this will result in you going after the person you interrupted, because their turn already started and then you took your readied action. That means you can avoid an opponent's attack only once, and then they get to act again before your next turn.
PHB clearly states, that you act ahead of the character which triggered your readied action.