Can I cast a spell as a reaction when a creature enters the reach of my quarterstaff if I have the Polearm...
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This question already has an answer here:
Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
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Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?
5 answers
The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:
While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.
The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:
When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.
Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).
Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?
dnd-5e spells feats
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
add a comment |
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
2 answers
Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?
5 answers
The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:
While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.
The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:
When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.
Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).
Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?
dnd-5e spells feats
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
1
Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48
add a comment |
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
2 answers
Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?
5 answers
The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:
While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.
The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:
When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.
Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).
Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?
dnd-5e spells feats
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
This question already has an answer here:
Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
2 answers
Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?
5 answers
The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:
While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.
The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:
When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.
Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).
Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?
This question already has an answer here:
Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
2 answers
Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?
5 answers
dnd-5e spells feats
dnd-5e spells feats
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
edited Nov 21 at 1:28
V2Blast
18.2k248114
18.2k248114
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
asked Nov 20 at 21:15
F.Capoccia
1737
1737
marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
1
Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48
add a comment |
1
Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48
1
1
Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48
Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
This works fine by RAW
There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:
- Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")
- Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)
- Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)
- Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.
So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.
However, by RAI...
The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm.
At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
1
I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
– MarkTO
Nov 20 at 22:15
That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
– Miniman
Nov 20 at 22:26
add a comment |
up vote
11
down vote
Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No
Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm
This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
This works fine by RAW
There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:
- Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")
- Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)
- Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)
- Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.
So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.
However, by RAI...
The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm.
At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
1
I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
– MarkTO
Nov 20 at 22:15
That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
– Miniman
Nov 20 at 22:26
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
This works fine by RAW
There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:
- Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")
- Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)
- Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)
- Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.
So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.
However, by RAI...
The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm.
At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
1
I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
– MarkTO
Nov 20 at 22:15
That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
– Miniman
Nov 20 at 22:26
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
This works fine by RAW
There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:
- Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")
- Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)
- Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)
- Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.
So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.
However, by RAI...
The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm.
At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
This works fine by RAW
There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:
- Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")
- Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)
- Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)
- Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.
So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.
However, by RAI...
The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm.
At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
answered Nov 20 at 21:23
Mwr247
1,537717
1,537717
1
I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
– MarkTO
Nov 20 at 22:15
That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
– Miniman
Nov 20 at 22:26
add a comment |
1
I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
– MarkTO
Nov 20 at 22:15
That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
– Miniman
Nov 20 at 22:26
1
1
I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
– MarkTO
Nov 20 at 22:15
I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
– MarkTO
Nov 20 at 22:15
That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
– Miniman
Nov 20 at 22:26
That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
– Miniman
Nov 20 at 22:26
add a comment |
up vote
11
down vote
Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No
Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm
This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
add a comment |
up vote
11
down vote
Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No
Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm
This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
add a comment |
up vote
11
down vote
up vote
11
down vote
Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No
Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm
This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No
Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:
Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?
A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm
This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
edited Nov 21 at 3:01
Rubiksmoose
44.6k6224340
44.6k6224340
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
answered Nov 20 at 21:22
Rykara
1,271213
1,271213
add a comment |
add a comment |
1
Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48