Rex wrote:I am not sure how the bonus actions work. I have 2 healing spells I can use, 1 takes a bonus action and the other an action. I want to heal my fallen friend and am not sure which to cast, ideally it would be cure wounds since it heals more damage. But if healing word is faster or can take place sooner that would be my choice.
In theory, you could cast both. Both 'Cure Wounds' and 'Healing Word' are 1st level spells, and both would use a 1st level spell slot. But, because 'Cure Wounds' requires an action (e.g. Cast a Spell), and 'Healing Word' only requires a bonus action; they could both be case in the same turn.
Another notable and important distinction between the two is their range; 'Cure Wounds' is a touch spell, while 'Healing Word' can be cast at any target within 60-feet.
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This link will be particularly helpful: Your Turn.Your Turn wrote:"On your turn, you can move a distance up to your speed and take one action. You decide whether to move first or take your action first. Your speed — sometimes called your walking speed — is noted on your character sheet.
The most common actions you can take are described in the "Actions in Combat" section later in this chapter. Many class features and other abilities provide additional options for your action.
The "Movement and Position" section later in this chapter gives the rules for your move.
You can forgo moving, taking an action, or doing anything at all on your turn. If you can't decide what to do on your turn, consider taking the Dodge or Ready action, as described in "Actions in Combat.""
Then there are these rules: Bonus Actions.
Bonus Actions wrote:"Bonus Actions
Various class features, spells, and other abilities let you take an additional action on your turn called a bonus action. The Cunning Action feature, for example, allows a rogue to take a bonus action. You can take a bonus action only when a special ability, spell, or other feature of the game states that you can do something as a bonus action. You otherwise don't have a bonus action to take.
You can take only one bonus action on your turn, so you must choose which bonus action to use when you have more than one available.
You choose when to take a bonus action during your turn, unless the bonus action's timing is specified, and anything that deprives you of your ability to take actions also prevents you from taking a bonus action."
Finally, there are also Reactions: Reactions wrote:"Certain special abilities, spells, and situations allow you to take a special action called a reaction. A reaction is an instant response to a trigger of some kind, which can occur on your turn or on someone else's. The opportunity attack, described later in this chapter, is the most common type of reaction.
When you take a reaction, you can't take another one until the start of your next turn. If the reaction interrupts another creature's turn, that creature can continue its turn right after the reaction."
