Are Rakshasa Immune to Smite? Unraveling the D&D Rules
No, Rakshasa are not immune to Divine Smite or other forms of Smite in D&D. While Rakshasa possess a powerful Limited Magic Immunity which renders them unaffected by spells of 6th level or lower (unless they choose otherwise), and grants them advantage on saving throws against other spells and magical effects, Smite is not a spell that directly targets them or requires a saving throw. Consequently, the Smite damage applies normally, making it a potent weapon against these formidable fiends.
Understanding Rakshasa and Smite Mechanics
To fully grasp why Smite works against Rakshasa, let’s delve into the mechanics of both.
Rakshasa: Fiendish Foes with Magical Defenses
Rakshasa are cunning and powerful fiends native to the Nine Hells. Their most notable defensive ability is their Limited Magic Immunity. As the rule states: “The Rakshasa can’t be affected or detected by spells of 6th level or lower unless it wishes to be. It has advantage on saving throws against all other spells and magical effects.”
This immunity is selective. They can choose to be affected by lower-level spells, potentially allowing them to benefit from buffs or healing if they so desire. Furthermore, it’s critical to recognize that this is not blanket immunity to everything magical. Instead, it focuses on direct targeting and effects.
Smite: Divine (and Otherwise) Fury Delivered Via Weapon
The term “Smite” encompasses a range of abilities, the most common being the Paladin’s Divine Smite. This ability triggers when a Paladin hits a creature with a melee weapon attack. By expending a spell slot, they deal additional radiant damage to the target. Other classes, like Warlocks with their Eldritch Smite, also possess similar abilities.
Here’s the key: Smite is not a spell being cast at the time of weapon attack even though it consumes a spell slot. It’s an effect added to a weapon attack. It doesn’t target the Rakshasa in the same way a spell like Fireball does. It simply enhances the damage of the already successful weapon attack. And because the Rakshasa is only “unaffected” by spells of 6th level or lower, then it is still open to be smited upon
Why Smite Circumvents Rakshasa’s Defenses
Several factors contribute to Smite’s effectiveness against Rakshasa:
- Not a Targeted Spell: Smite abilities are not spells being directly cast at the Rakshasa. They are an effect added after a weapon attack hits. The triggering event is the hit, not the casting of a spell.
- No Saving Throw Required: Divine Smite (and similar smites) doesn’t require the Rakshasa to make a saving throw. Therefore, the Rakshasa’s advantage on saving throws against magical effects is irrelevant.
- Weapon Attack Focus: Smite is tied to a melee weapon attack. The Rakshasa is being damaged by the weapon, with the Smite adding to that damage.
- Limited Magic Immunity specifics: Smite is an ability, rather than a spell being cast at a target.
Practical Implications
This understanding has important implications for gameplay:
- Paladins are Effective Against Rakshasa: Divine Smite makes Paladins strong contenders against Rakshasa.
- Strategic Spell Use: While direct damaging spells may be less effective, spells that buff allies (like Bless) or create advantageous terrain are still valuable.
- Weapon Choice Matters: Ensure the weapon used for the Smite attack is magical to bypass any potential resistance to non-magical weapon damage the Rakshasa might have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rakshasa and Smite
Here are some common questions about Rakshasa and Smite interactions:
1. Does Limited Magic Immunity protect against Smite damage?
No. Limited Magic Immunity only protects against spells of 6th level or lower and provides advantage on saves against spells and magical effects. Since Smite doesn’t target directly and doesn’t require a save, it bypasses this immunity.
2. Can a Rakshasa willingly be affected by Divine Smite?
No. The Rakshasa’s choice only applies to spells of 6th level or lower. Smite is not a spell being cast at the Rakshasa, but rather is an ability being enacted by the Paladin. There is no choice involved.
3. Does a magical weapon affect Smite damage against Rakshasa?
Divine Smite’s radiant damage bypasses most resistances. However, a magical weapon is still important for hitting the Rakshasa in the first place, as some may have resistance or immunity to non-magical weapon damage.
4. Can a Rakshasa use Counterspell against Divine Smite?
No. Counterspell requires a spell to be cast. Divine Smite is an ability triggered by a weapon attack, not a spell being cast in that moment.
5. Does Dispel Magic remove Divine Smite?
No. Dispel Magic targets ongoing magical effects. Divine Smite is instantaneous; the damage is applied immediately and is not an ongoing effect that can be dispelled.
6. Can a Rakshasa be immune to all forms of Smite?
In general, no. Rakshasa’s defenses don’t extend to non-spell based damage enhancements like Smite. The DM could rule unique Rakshasa variations, but RAW, Smite works.
7. If a Rakshasa is invisible, can a Paladin still Smite it?
Yes, provided the Paladin can still target and hit the Rakshasa (through blindsight, for example). Invisibility primarily impacts attack rolls, not Smite damage itself. Importantly, remember that see invisibility and true seeing won’t work on a Rakshasa due to its Limited Magic Immunity.
8. Is Eldritch Smite affected by Limited Magic Immunity?
Eldritch Smite, like Divine Smite, is triggered by a weapon attack and does not require a saving throw. Therefore, Limited Magic Immunity does not protect against its damage.
9. Can a Rakshasa benefit from a friendly Paladin’s Divine Smite (if it chooses to be affected by lower-level spells)?
No, since Divine Smite is not a spell being cast at the Rakshasa. Even if the Rakshasa did wish to be affected by lower-level spells, the Divine Smite is still considered an ability.
10. What is the best strategy for fighting a Rakshasa if spells are less effective?
Focus on weapon attacks (especially with magical weapons), abilities like Smite, and tactical maneuvers that don’t rely on direct spell targeting. Support spells that buff allies or create advantageous terrain are also helpful.
11. Do spells that summon creatures work against Rakshasa?
Yes, summoning spells can be effective. The Rakshasa’s Limited Magic Immunity applies to spells targeting it directly, not to creatures summoned by spells. However, be aware of the Rakshasa’s ability to charm creatures.
12. Does the Rakshasa’s Limited Magic Immunity extend to magical items?
The interpretation is up to the DM, but generally, no. Magical items create magical effects, but aren’t spells themselves. For instance, a Sword of Sharpness would function normally against a Rakshasa.
13. Can you use Smite with a Flame Blade spell?
This is a point of contention. Flame Blade creates a blade of fire that you wield. Divine Smite requires a melee weapon attack. While Flame Blade is a melee weapon attack, it may depend on the DM if it’s considered a weapon for the purposes of Divine Smite.
14. How does Tiamat’s immunity compare to Rakshasa’s?
Tiamat possesses a similar Limited Magic Immunity. Unless she wishes to be affected, Tiamat is immune to spells of 6th level or lower. She has advantage on saving throws against all other spells and magical effects. In either case, the Smite ability will still affect Tiamat.
15. Does Divine Smite work with claws?
Yes. Claws and other natural weapons make melee weapon attacks and also count as unarmed strikes. Since Divine Smite is triggered on a successful melee weapon attack, claws work just fine.
Conclusion
While Rakshasa present a unique challenge due to their Limited Magic Immunity, understanding the nuances of their defenses and the mechanics of abilities like Smite allows players to develop effective strategies for overcoming these cunning fiends. Remember to focus on weapon attacks, abilities that enhance weapon damage, and tactical maneuvers that circumvent their spell-based defenses. And remember to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into how game mechanics can inform learning and problem-solving!