How you can get MULTIPLE REACTIONS ('14/'24)
Normally DnD limits you to only one reaction per turn for balance reasons. But honestly I'm the kind of player to stare off into nothing when it's not my turn, and I know I'm not alone. So here's the complete guide of how to get the most reactions possible and how to make good use of it.
Option 1: True Polymorph/Shapechange into a creature that get's multiple reactions. This is perhaps the most obvious solution. Spells like Shapechange that let you maintain your class features and abilities while transformed will become incredibly strong when we stack our own options on that of the creature. Several creatures get more reactions:
- Deathwolf (VEoR): has two reactions per turn. Also has hands, which is an important note (we'll) get into that in a moment). It is notably an undead meaning the Shapechange spell doesn't work on it but using the Magic Jar+Nystul's Aura option which we'll discuss later is still viable.
- Hydra (MM): [including variants like the Ironscale & Dracohydra] Gets a number of Opportunity Attacks = the # of heads. It's only CR 8 and Monstrosity.
- Marilith (MM): Perhaps the most notable option. Mariliths have a neat little feature called Reactive which allows them to take a general reaction every turn. At least in 2024, Shapechanged creatures retain their spellcasting, meaning you can counterspell on every turn if you so choose, or use the Shield spell+the Marilith's parry ability for a +10 to AC.
- Adult Time Dragon (MPP): introduced in Planescape this dragon has some neat features, including that it gets 3 reactions per round.
- Transcendent Order Instinct & Conduit (MPP): Both of these creatures are Humanoids w/ relatively low CRs, and both have 3 reactions. Humanoid is a great creature type since it makes then innately susceptible to Magic Jar.
- Hundred-Armed One (MOT): A big ol' Giant with a hundred arms. Reactions the same as the Marilith.
Option 2: Magic Jar. Magic Jar lets us possess the body of a humanoid while still keeping all of our features, not just Spellcasting like Shapechange. If you will recall both of our Transcendent Order monks are humanoid.
If you are playing with '24 rules, Nystul's Magic Aura can change creature types of targets into humanoid, although this strategy still works with 2014. A simple Suggestion spell cast on the desired target with the phrase "Allow me to cast this masking spell on you" bypasses the willingness restriction of the Aura, and voila, any creature can act as your body of choice.
This is uniquely abusable with feats like Sentinel since we will still have access to those while in another body.
Option 3: Cavalier Fighter/Cobalt Soul Monk (CR).
Cavaliers an make Opportunity Attacks without expending their reaction. Considering they can make opportunity whenever creatures move while in their reach and you have one of the best lockdowns in the game. The only issue is that you have to be 18th level to get this feature, so it's inaccessible for most of the game.
Cobalt Soul monks are a Critical Role exclusive so you'll need to ask your DM. At 11th level their feature Mind of Mercury allows them to buy extra reactions although no more than once per turn. This and the Magic Jar combo are the most accessible options in my experience.
Other Options: These are some other options that are usually to inaccessible to use, but still are worth mentioning
- Knight (UA): the predecessor to the Cavalier, its Unwavering Mark ability allows for free reaction attacks against marked creatures.
- Tunnel Fighter (UA): Opportunity attacks don't cost a reaction if you use a bonus action to brace yourself.
- Marking (DMG '14): An optional rule you might consider discussing eith your DM. (p. 271).
- Boon of Fluid Forms ('24): available to all characters at 19th level. You can shapechange into a Beast, Humanoid, or Monstrosity of CR 10 or lower for one hour. For Humanoid, you'll have to be a Transcendent Order Conduit. For Monstrosities you have the Hydra, which has a very interesting rules interaction with head regrowing now that shapeshifting using temporary up instead of a nother health pool. Pop this when your low on hitpoints and by the time the Hydra form where's off you'll be back to full.