Can Warlocks Use Bigby’s Hand? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Warlocks can absolutely use Bigby’s Hand, under specific circumstances. While it isn’t a standard part of the Warlock spell list, certain subclasses, such as the Fathomless Warlock, gain access to this powerful 5th-level spell. This ability is a significant boon, adding a versatile tool to the Warlock’s arsenal. This article will delve into the specifics of how Warlocks utilize Bigby’s Hand, its mechanics, strategic uses, and address many common questions surrounding this potent combination.
The Fathomless Warlock and Bigby’s Hand
The key to a Warlock wielding Bigby’s Hand lies within the Fathomless patron. This subclass, focused on the powers of the deep sea, features an expanded spell list that includes Bigby’s Hand as a 5th-level spell. This access is a significant benefit, providing the Fathomless Warlock with a powerful, multi-faceted option in combat and exploration. By including it in their list, it gives the Warlock access to a higher level spell earlier than other classes.
How Bigby’s Hand Works for Warlocks
When a Fathomless Warlock casts Bigby’s Hand, they conjure a Large hand of force in an unoccupied space that they can see. This hand moves at their command, mimicking the movements of their own hand. This unique feature allows for precise control and a wide array of tactical applications. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:
- Control: The Warlock commands the hand using a bonus action, allowing them to maintain their primary action for other spells or attacks.
- Movement: The hand doesn’t have a movement speed of its own, but the Warlock can magically move it in any direction.
- Size: The hand can vary in size, usually between 8 to 16 feet long, measured from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the wrist. Its appearance depends on the caster’s will, with a common visualization being a semi-translucent purple human hand.
- Durability: The hand has an AC of 20 and hit points equal to the Warlock’s hit point maximum. If it drops to 0 hit points, the spell ends.
- Actions: The hand can be used for several actions including, making a fist to attack, moving to interpose to block or grapple.
- Damage: The hand can deal force or bludgeoning damage, depending on the chosen action. Either way, it’s considered a magical force damage.
Strategic Uses of Bigby’s Hand for Warlocks
The versatility of Bigby’s Hand makes it incredibly valuable for Warlocks. Here are some key strategic uses:
- Offensive Power: The hand can be used to deliver a powerful force attack or a bludgeoning strike on enemies. It’s a reliable source of consistent damage, especially against targets that are vulnerable to force damage.
- Grappling: The hand is adept at grappling creatures, particularly Medium or smaller foes, where the warlock gains advantage on the grapple check. It can be used to hold enemies in place or to move them around the battlefield.
- Defensive Barrier: The hand can be positioned to interpose and block attacks, offering a layer of protection for the Warlock and their allies. This can be especially useful in bottleneck situations.
- Crowd Control: By grappling and moving enemies, the hand allows the Warlock to manipulate the battlefield, separating threats or pulling enemies into areas that are beneficial to their team.
- Utility: The hand can lift up to 1,000 lbs, moving objects around the battlefield. While it can’t pick up small items, it’s capable of moving obstacles, levers, or other large objects.
- Escape & Maneuvering: The ability to move a grappled creature up to 60 feet (along with the hand) can also be a good escape maneuver, pulling allies to safety or pulling enemies away from strategic locations.
Limitations of Bigby’s Hand
Despite its versatility, Bigby’s Hand does have limitations:
- Not a Creature: It’s an object, not a creature, meaning it can’t take actions like making attacks of opportunity or use reactions on its own.
- No Movement Speed: The hand doesn’t have a standard movement speed and relies on the Warlock to magically direct it.
- Spell Slot: It requires a 5th-level spell slot to cast, which means it can only be used a limited number of times each day.
- Vulnerable: If the hand drops to 0 hit points, the spell ends, requiring it to be recast which consumes another spell slot.
Bigby’s Hand and Warlock Pact Magic
Warlocks operate on a unique system called Pact Magic. This means they have a limited number of spell slots that recharge on a short rest, as opposed to most other spell casters who recharge on a long rest. Because of this they are able to cast their highest level spells multiple times a day as long as they have short rests.
Warlocks also rely on Eldritch Blast as their main offensive cantrip and use Invocations to buff this cantrip and other abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Bigby’s Hand Count as a Creature?
No, Bigby’s Hand is not a creature. It’s a spell effect, specifically an object with its own AC and hit points. It doesn’t have its own mind or initiative.
2. Can Bigby’s Hand Make Attacks of Opportunity?
No, because it is an object, Bigby’s Hand cannot make attacks of opportunity. It doesn’t have the ability to take reactions.
3. Is Bigby’s Hand Magical?
Yes, Bigby’s Hand is entirely magical as it is made of force. The damage it deals is considered magical, regardless of whether it’s force or bludgeoning.
4. Can Bigby’s Hand Pick Up Objects?
Yes, Bigby’s Hand can lift objects of up to 1,000 lbs and move them up to 30 feet per round. This is distinct from Telekinesis.
5. Can Bigby’s Hand Move a Grappled Creature?
Yes, Bigby’s Hand can move a grappled creature along with itself, effectively moving the foe up to 60 feet as long as it’s within range of its movement.
6. Does Bigby’s Hand Give Advantage on Grapple Checks?
Yes, if the target is Medium or smaller, you have advantage on the grapple check. The hand uses the caster’s Strength score for this check.
7. How Big is Bigby’s Hand?
Bigby’s Hand is a Large object. It can vary from 8 feet to a maximum of 16 feet, measured from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the wrist.
8. Can the Size of Bigby’s Hand Change?
The size of Bigby’s Hand can vary depending on how the spell caster manifests it. They can choose the size when the spell is cast, but the size remains static once summoned.
9. Does Bigby’s Hand Have a Speed?
Bigby’s Hand does not have a speed of its own. Instead, the caster magically moves the hand at their command.
10. Can Bigby’s Hand Fly?
Bigby’s Hand doesn’t fly or float. It moves through magical means, as directed by the caster.
11. Does Bigby’s Hand Count as an Ally?
Bigby’s Hand does not count as an ally because it lacks sentience and initiative. It’s merely a spell effect controlled by the caster. However, some Dungeon Masters may rule otherwise.
12. Can Warlocks Only Cast 2 Spells?
Warlocks have a limited number of spell slots (2 at lower levels) but these slots recharge after a short rest, unlike other spell casters. Therefore they can use spells more often throughout the day.
13. Can Warlocks Cast Spells From Other Classes?
Yes, Warlocks can cast spells from other classes if they are multiclassing. However, spell slots and pact magic slots do not combine when multiclassing.
14. Is Bigby’s Hand a Wizard Spell?
While it is a Wizard spell, the Fathomless Warlock subclass gains access to Bigby’s Hand via its expanded spell list. It isn’t part of the standard Warlock spell list.
15. What is The Best Use of Bigby’s Hand?
The best use of Bigby’s Hand is its versatility. It can be used to deliver damage, grapple foes, interpose as a barrier, and manipulate objects. It’s a valuable tactical tool for the Fathomless Warlock.
Conclusion
Bigby’s Hand is a potent spell that, while not a standard part of the Warlock’s arsenal, is a valuable addition for those who choose the Fathomless patron. Its versatility allows for a range of tactical options, making it a worthwhile investment of a 5th-level spell slot. Understanding its mechanics and limitations is key to unlocking its full potential, enabling a Warlock to control the battlefield and achieve victory.