Can a Paladin Smite Twice? A Deep Dive into Divine Justice
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Yes, a Paladin can smite twice in a single turn in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, provided they have the means to do so. The key lies in understanding the Extra Attack feature and the mechanics of Divine Smite. A Paladin, starting at 5th level, gains the Extra Attack feature, allowing them to make two attacks instead of one when they take the Attack action. Because Divine Smite can be used on any successful melee weapon attack, a Paladin with Extra Attack can indeed smite twice in a turn, expending a spell slot for each smite.
Understanding the Mechanics
The core of this ability hinges on the interplay between the Attack action, the Extra Attack feature, and the Divine Smite ability. Let’s break each of these down:
The Attack Action
This is a fundamental action in D&D 5e. When a character takes the Attack action, they make a single melee or ranged attack. However, for classes like the Paladin (and Fighter, Ranger, etc.), this action can become significantly more potent.
The Extra Attack Feature
Starting at 5th level, the Paladin gains the Extra Attack feature. This explicitly states that “when you take the Attack action on your turn, you can attack twice, instead of once.” Crucially, this doesn’t grant an extra action; it enhances the Attack action itself.
Divine Smite: Delivering Radiant Justice
This is the Paladin’s signature ability. The text is very clear: “Starting at 2nd level, when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target, in addition to the weapon’s damage.” The crucial phrase here is “when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack.” There’s no limit on how many times per turn this can be triggered, only that it must occur on a successful melee weapon attack. Because Extra Attack provides two such opportunities within a single Attack action, it allows for two uses of Divine Smite.
Strategic Implications and Considerations
While the Paladin can smite twice in a turn, it’s important to consider the resources involved. Each use of Divine Smite requires expending a spell slot. A Paladin’s spell slots are a limited resource, and burning through them too quickly can leave them vulnerable in longer encounters. Wise Paladins will consider the situation carefully. Is the target a significant threat? Is it undead or a fiend, taking extra damage from the smite? Is the encounter likely to end soon, or will spell slot conservation be vital? These questions guide the optimal use of Divine Smite.
Multiclassing and Divine Smite
The ability to smite twice in a turn can also be enhanced through multiclassing. For instance, a Paladin/Sorcerer multiclass gains access to more spell slots, enabling more frequent smiting. Similarly, a Hexblade Paladin might benefit from short rest spell slot recovery, as mentioned in the excerpt. However, multiclassing comes with its own trade-offs, delaying access to higher-level Paladin features. Striking a balance depends on the player’s desired playstyle.
FAQs: Smite, Glorious Smite!
Here are some frequently asked questions about Paladins and their smiting abilities, addressing various nuances and edge cases:
1. Can a Paladin smite after hit?
Yes, the rules specifically state that you can declare the use of Divine Smite after the outcome of the attack roll is determined. This allows you to avoid wasting a spell slot if the attack misses.
2. Does Divine Smite count as casting a spell?
No, Divine Smite is a class feature, not a spell. This distinction is important because it is not subject to restrictions that might apply to spellcasting, such as being unable to cast spells while raging as a Barbarian (although a raging Barbarian/Paladin can still use Divine Smite!).
3. Can an Oathbreaker Paladin smite?
Yes, but instead of Divine Smite, they use Unholy Smite, which deals necrotic damage instead of radiant damage. The mechanics are otherwise the same.
4. Can a Paladin smite with a gun/bow?
No. Divine Smite specifically requires a melee weapon attack. Ranged weapons, including bows and guns, do not qualify.
5. Can a Paladin smite with their fists?
No. Although an unarmed strike can be used to make a melee attack, Divine Smite refers to the “weapon’s damage.” Unarmed strikes are not considered weapons for this purpose.
6. Is smite damage doubled on a critical hit?
Yes! Any damage dice that are a part of an attack that hits critically are doubled. This includes the damage dice from Divine Smite. This can lead to truly devastating bursts of damage.
7. What is the maximum damage a Divine Smite can deal?
A Divine Smite can deal a maximum of 5d8 radiant damage using a 5th-level spell slot. Against undead or fiends, this increases to 6d8 radiant damage. This is in addition to the weapon’s normal damage.
8. Can a Paladin use other smite spells and Divine Smite on the same attack?
Yes, you can use a Smite spell (like Thunderous Smite or Wrathful Smite) and Divine Smite on the same attack. However, Smite spells require concentration, so you’ll need to maintain it.
9. Can a Paladin smite with warlock spell slots?
If you are multiclassed, yes. Multiclassing rules allow you to use spell slots gained from other classes for your Paladin abilities like Divine Smite.
10. How does Divine Smite work with multiclassing?
Your Paladin levels contribute to your total spell slots, which can be used for Divine Smite. The maximum damage of the Smite remains capped at 5d8 (or 6d8 against undead/fiends).
11. Does Smite interrupt concentration?
Divine Smite itself does not interrupt concentration. It is an instantaneous burst of radiant damage. However, Smite spells do require concentration. If you take damage while concentrating on a Smite spell, you must make a Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration.
12. Can you Divine Smite on an opportunity attack?
Yes, if the opportunity attack is a melee weapon attack, you can use Divine Smite. This can be a powerful deterrent for enemies trying to move past you.
13. Can you use Divine Smite if you are surprised?
Whether you can smite while surprised depends on whether you can take actions on your turn. If you are surprised, you cannot move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and can’t react until after your turn. If you are no longer surprised later in the round you can use divine smite as normal.
14. Is Divine Smite magical?
While Divine Smite deals radiant damage, which is often associated with magical effects, it’s a class feature, not a spell. This means it isn’t subject to things that affect spellcasting or magical effects specifically.
15. Are there any limits to how many times I can smite per day?
Other than the number of spell slots you have, there are no explicit limits on how many times you can use Divine Smite per day. Once your spell slots are depleted, however, you’ll have to rely on your weapon damage alone until you can rest and recover them. So, Paladins must choose when and where to use their spell slots.
Conclusion
The ability to smite twice in a turn is a defining characteristic of the Paladin class in D&D 5e. It embodies their divine power and their dedication to vanquishing evil. By understanding the mechanics of Extra Attack and Divine Smite, players can effectively wield this ability to deliver righteous justice and protect the innocent. Remember to consider spell slot conservation and the strategic implications of each smite. Now go forth, Paladin, and smite evil mightily!
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