Does Elemental Weapon Work on Pact Weapons? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: generally, no. The Elemental Weapon spell specifies that it must be cast on a nonmagical weapon. Since a pact weapon is inherently magical, and becomes even more so with the Improved Pact Weapon invocation, it is not a valid target for the Elemental Weapon spell, RAW (Rules As Written).
Let’s delve into why this is the case, explore the nuances involved, and answer some frequently asked questions about pact weapons, Hexblades, and the Elemental Weapon spell.
Why Elemental Weapon Doesn’t Work on Pact Weapons
The core of the issue lies in the wording of the Elemental Weapon spell:
“A nonmagical weapon you touch becomes a magic weapon.”
The spell’s intended effect is to make a weapon magical, not to enhance an already magical one. The Pact of the Blade feature, especially when combined with the Improved Pact Weapon invocation, creates a magical weapon. Consequently, the Elemental Weapon spell has no valid target.
The Improved Pact Weapon invocation is where things get particularly tricky. It grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls and allows the pact weapon to function as a spellcasting focus. These enhancements further solidify the weapon’s magical nature, disqualifying it from the Elemental Weapon spell.
Furthermore, while the Hexblade subclass allows you to use your Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls with your pact weapon, it doesn’t change the fact that the pact weapon is inherently magical. Even if you could cast Elemental Weapon on a pact weapon (which you cannot, RAW), doing so would likely provide minimal benefit compared to other spells or invocations a Warlock could use.
Pact Weapon Nuances and Hexblade Synergies
The interaction between the Pact of the Blade, the Hexblade subclass, and various invocations can be complex. Understanding the different aspects of each feature is crucial for making informed decisions about character builds and spell choices.
Pact of the Blade: The Foundation
The Pact of the Blade allows a Warlock to create or transform a weapon into their pact weapon. This weapon is considered magical. The Warlock can summon the weapon at any time, dismissing it into an extradimensional space when not in use.
Hexblade: Empowering the Weapon
The Hexblade subclass enhances the Pact of the Blade feature by allowing the Warlock to use their Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls with their pact weapon (and one other designated weapon). This makes the Hexblade a formidable melee combatant.
Improved Pact Weapon: Further Enhancement
The Improved Pact Weapon invocation is critical for many Hexblade builds. It allows the Warlock to summon ranged weapons (shortbow, longbow, light crossbow, heavy crossbow) as their pact weapon, and it also allows the pact weapon to function as a spellcasting focus. The +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls is another significant benefit.
Alternative Spells and Invocations
Since Elemental Weapon doesn’t work on pact weapons, Warlocks should focus on other spells and invocations that enhance their combat capabilities. Spells like Shadow Blade (though see FAQ below) and Spirit Shroud can be more effective, and invocations like Thirsting Blade (for an extra attack) and Eldritch Smite can significantly boost damage output.
Why Bother with Elemental Weapon At All?
While it’s not useful for pact weapons, Elemental Weapon can still be a viable option for other classes or party members who rely on nonmagical weapons. The +1 to attack rolls and the additional 1d4 elemental damage can be helpful in certain situations, especially against enemies with vulnerabilities to specific damage types. However, given the spell’s 3rd-level slot and concentration requirement, other spells might offer better overall utility.
The Games Learning Society and Strategic Spellcasting
Understanding the rules and interactions between different spells and class features is a crucial part of mastering Dungeons & Dragons. Just as the Games Learning Society aims to foster learning through games, players can improve their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills by carefully analyzing the effects of their choices in-game. You can check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Pact Weapon be anything?
The Pact of the Blade doesn’t specify that your pact weapon must be simple or martial. While improvised weapons can technically be almost anything, there is no way to “summon” an improvised weapon. You would have to find it and make it your pact weapon.
2. Can a Hexblade have two weapons?
Yes, a Hexblade can have two separate weapons: their pact weapon, and the weapon chosen through the Hex Warrior feature which allows you to use Charisma for attacks with one weapon you choose.
3. Can my pact weapon be my hex weapon?
Yes. If you later gain the Pact of the Blade feature, the Hex Warrior benefit extends to every pact weapon you conjure with that feature, no matter the weapon’s type.
4. Can a Magic Weapon be a pact weapon?
Yes, you can transform one magic weapon into your pact weapon by performing a special ritual while you hold the weapon. This ritual takes 1 hour and can be done during a short rest.
5. Can you dual wield with a pact weapon?
If you just want the extra attack, the Thirsting Blade invocation is a better option. If you actually want to literally dual wield, it won’t work without the Dual Wielder feat (and even then, both weapons need to qualify).
6. Can I use Shadow Blade as my pact weapon?
No. Shadow Blade never counts as a pact weapon or as a hex warrior weapon, so you can never use Charisma with it. You have to use Strength or Dexterity to attack with Shadow Blade.
7. Can a pact weapon be broken?
The weapon ceases being your pact weapon if you die, if you perform the 1-hour ritual on a different weapon, or if you use a 1-hour ritual to break your bond to it. The weapon appears at your feet if it is in the extradimensional space when the bond breaks.
8. Can you use a greatsword as a Hexblade Warlock?
Yes, you can turn a greatsword into your pact weapon with the Pact of the Blade feature. The Hex Warrior benefit extends to every pact weapon you conjure with that feature, no matter the weapon’s type, which can include two-handed weapons.
9. Can Hexblades use Eldritch Blast?
Yes, you can use Eldritch Blast as much as any other Warlock, even when you go Hexblade. The subclass doesn’t force you to go Pact of the Blade or be in melee.
10. Can your Hexblade be a bow?
Yes, it’s certainly possible. However, be aware that you’d be casting your Warlock spells with Charisma, while any special bow abilities might rely on a different ability score.
11. Can a warlock pact weapon be a bow?
Yes, the Improved Pact Weapon Eldritch Invocation allows an extended list of summoned pact weapons, which extends to short and long bows, and both heavy and light crossbows.
12. Can a pact weapon be an arcane focus?
Yes, the Improved Pact Weapon invocation explicitly allows the warlock to use their pact weapon as an arcane focus for their spells.
13. Can a warlock pact weapon be a gun?
Some DMs may allow this, especially in settings with firearms. The specific rules would depend on the campaign setting and the DM’s interpretation.
14. Does a Hexblade count as a magic weapon?
No, the Hex Warrior feature doesn’t make a weapon magical. The Pact of the Blade feature that allows you to conjure any weapon you might desire is innately magical.
15. Does Booming Blade work with a pact weapon?
Yes, RAW (Rules As Written). A Pact Weapon is considered to have the value of the weapon it becomes, whereas the weapon created by Shadow Blade is composed of “gloom,” which has no value. The material component for Booming Blade is a weapon that’s worth at least 1 sp.
Conclusion
While Elemental Weapon might seem like a tempting addition to a Pact of the Blade Warlock’s arsenal, the rules clearly state that it cannot be used on pact weapons due to their inherent magical nature. Understanding these nuances and exploring alternative spells and invocations is key to optimizing your Warlock’s combat prowess. Embrace the strategic depth of D&D, and may your pact weapon strike true!