Can an Echo Smite? Unpacking the Echo Knight’s Divine Potential
The short answer is no, an Echo itself cannot smite. The Searing Smite spell, mentioned in the provided context, is a self-only spell, meaning it can only be cast on the caster, not another character, or an Echo. While an Echo Knight can make attacks originate from the Echo’s location, the Echo itself is not the one making the attack. The Echo Knight is making the attack and choosing the Echo’s space as the origin. This is a crucial distinction when considering the mechanics of features like Divine Smite or spells that trigger on a successful attack. The Echo is merely a conduit, a magical extension of the Echo Knight, not an independent entity capable of independent actions like smiting.
Understanding the Echo Knight’s Mechanics
The Echo Knight is a fascinating subclass for the Fighter in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, offering unique battlefield control and tactical advantages through the use of a summoned Echo. However, understanding the limitations and capabilities of this Echo is vital for playing the class effectively. The Echo is not a creature; it is a magical manifestation that exists to augment the Echo Knight’s abilities. It can be used as a point of origin for attacks, a teleportation anchor, and a distraction. But it is not an independent actor. The Echo Knight is the driving force behind the attacks and tactical maneuvers.
The key here is recognizing the distinction between the Echo Knight and their Echo. The Echo Knight uses their abilities through the Echo, but the Echo itself doesn’t possess those abilities. For example, an Echo Knight can make an attack originate from their Echo’s space, but it’s their attack roll, their damage, and their decision to use features like Divine Smite (if they have levels in Paladin) or other on-hit effects.
Echo Knight Multiclassing and Smites
The concept of an Echo Knight multiclassing into a Paladin to gain access to Divine Smite is a popular one, and understandably so. The tactical advantages of the Echo Knight combined with the burst damage potential of Divine Smite is a potent combination. However, it is important to remember that the Echo is never the source of the Smite. If the Echo Knight chooses to use Divine Smite, they are using it on their attack, even if that attack originates from the Echo’s location.
Divine Smite specifically states that “when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one paladin spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target, in addition to the weapon’s damage.” The Echo Knight is the one making the melee weapon attack, not the Echo.
Echo Knight in Tactical Combat
Understanding how the Echo interacts with other abilities and features requires a careful reading of the rules and a nuanced understanding of game mechanics. The Echo’s nature as an object, not a creature, is what defines its limitations. It cannot be targeted by spells that target creatures, it doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks, and it cannot be flanked. Conversely, it also doesn’t grant flanking bonuses, trigger sneak attacks, or benefit from features that require an ally.
The power of the Echo Knight lies in its tactical flexibility, its ability to control the battlefield, and its capacity to deliver attacks from unexpected locations. However, the Echo Knight is still bound by the rules of the game, and must always be the source of the attack and all the features and abilities that accompany it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Echo Knights
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the mechanics and limitations of the Echo Knight and its Echo:
Can Echos cast spells?
No, a Resonant Echo is unable to attack or cast a spell on its own. The Echo Knight can choose to have the effect of a spell originate from the Echo’s location if the spell permits it, but the Echo itself is not casting the spell.
Can an Echo Knight use a bow?
Yes, you can definitely have a bow out and have the shot originate from the Echo’s space. But you can’t be using a melee weapon while you’re making ranged attacks. Your echo won’t be making melee attacks unless you’re making melee attacks, even if they originate from the Echo’s location.
Can an Echo Knight Echo use feats?
The Echo itself doesn’t benefit from feats. The Echo Knight, however, does. The Sentinel feat is exceptionally valuable, allowing you to make opportunity attacks against creatures moving away from your Echo.
Can an Echo Knight sneak attack?
The Echo cannot trigger Sneak Attack, as it is not an “ally” creature. The Echo is also immune to opportunity attacks, which only affect creatures.
Does an Echo spy on you?
In the real world, some smart devices use web tracking technology and record snippets of your conversations. However, in the context of D&D, the Echo of an Echo Knight does not spy on you.
Can you hack an Echo?
Again, in the context of D&D and the Echo Knight, this is irrelevant. The Echo is a magical manifestation, not a computer system.
Can an Echo Knight Echo flank?
Since the Echo is a feature, and not an “ally” creature, technically it does not flank.
Do Echoes provoke opportunity attacks?
No, an Echo does not provoke an opportunity attack when it moves because opportunity attacks must target a creature, and an Echo is not considered a creature.
Does an Echo Knight’s Echo grant advantage?
The Echo being an object is a trade off. Since it’s not a creature, it can’t give flanking advantage. However, since it’s not a creature it can’t provoke opportunity attacks and is immune to auras and spells that don’t damage objects.
Can an Echo Knight open a door?
The Echoes can’t even attack on their own: notice that it is the Echo Knight who attacks and uses them as the source for the attack. So if an Echo Knight wanted their Echo to open a door, they would have to first teleport to the Echo’s location and then open the door themselves.
Does Fireball affect Echo Knight?
It is generally understood that a fireball spell won’t affect an Echo because it is not a creature, although it could potentially affect the Echo as an object.
Can an Echo Knight escape grapple?
You can also teleport to switch places with your Echo, allowing you to escape grapples, difficult terrain, and bindings with little effort (though it does also cost part of your movement for the turn).
What is the best multiclass for Echo Knight?
Echo Knight particularly works well with Ancestral Barbarian. Not only is that combination flavorful, but it also works well mechanically.
Can Echo Knight pass through Wall of Force?
Wall of Force doesn’t say it blocks teleportation, but it does block line of sight. Any teleportation that requires you to see the destination, like misty step, won’t work, but the Echo Knight doesn’t have any such condition. You just swap places with the Echo, no line of sight required.
Can Echo from Echo Knight float?
Yes, it can. It’s an object, not a creature, and as a result, the rules regarding creatures and their speeds don’t apply to it. In general, spells and abilities do what they say they do, and as a result, yes, you can move the Echo through walls or into the air.
Understanding the subtle nuances of the Echo Knight subclass is crucial for both players and DMs. The Echo is a powerful tool, but it is not a magical clone or independent being. By grasping its limitations and strengths, you can unlock the full potential of this dynamic and strategically rich fighter subclass. Furthermore, you can explore resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, to enrich your understanding of the educational aspects of games.