Can You Cast Green-Flame Blade with Shadow Blade? A Deep Dive
The burning question on many a spellsword’s mind: Can you cast Green-Flame Blade with Shadow Blade? The short, RAW (Rules as Written) answer is generally no. The longer, more nuanced answer delves into the specific wording of the spells and the interpretations thereof. Let’s unpack why.
The Core Conflict: Material Components and Weapon Restrictions
The primary reason why Green-Flame Blade (GFB) and Shadow Blade (SB) typically clash is due to the material component requirement of GFB. Green-Flame Blade specifically states that you must make a melee attack with a weapon as part of casting the spell. While Shadow Blade creates a melee weapon, GFB adds the crucial, albeit often overlooked, specification that the weapon must be worth at least 1 silver piece.
Shadow Blade, while potent, isn’t explicitly stated to be worth 1 silver piece. It’s a construct of shadow, not forged metal or wood. It exists only for the spell’s duration. Many interpret this lack of explicit monetary value as a failure to meet the GFB requirement. Some DMs might allow it, but RAW leans toward disallowing this combination.
Consider this: the 1 silver piece requirement is there, however insignificant it might seem, it’s a deliberate game design.
RAW vs. RAI (Rules as Intended)
While RAW is fairly clear, the debate often shifts to RAI. Is the intention to prevent powerful combinations or simply to ensure that the spell is used with a proper weapon? Some argue the 1 silver piece is purely to prevent using an improvised weapon like a chicken bone or a twig. If your DM subscribes to this interpretation, they might allow Shadow Blade with GFB.
However, others will insist that RAI mirrors RAW in this scenario. Shadow Blade is already a powerful spell, and combining it with the extra damage from GFB could be considered overpowered, especially at lower levels.
Practical Considerations
Even if your DM does allow the combination, there are practical considerations. Both spells require concentration. Casting a new concentration spell (like Shadow Blade) ends the duration of any previous concentration spell you were maintaining. You couldn’t cast Shadow Blade and then subsequent GFB attacks fueled by SB, because you’d have to cast SB first!
This limitation largely negates the potential for excessive damage, as you would only get one GFB attack per casting of Shadow Blade.
The Case for Permitting the Combo (with Caveats)
Despite the obstacles, a few factors might support the pairing in specific scenarios:
- DM Fiat: Ultimately, the DM has the final say. If they believe it’s balanced within the context of the campaign and player character, they can certainly allow it.
- Storytelling: Perhaps a narrative element justifies the combination. A pact with a shadow entity could infuse the shadow blade with emerald flame, blurring the lines between shadow and magical fire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to Green-Flame Blade, Shadow Blade, and related mechanics:
1. How do you cast Green-Flame Blade?
You cast Green-Flame Blade as an action. As part of the casting, you make a melee attack with a weapon against a target within 5 feet.
2. Can you use Green-Flame Blade and Booming Blade at the same time?
No, you can’t use both at the same time. Both spells require you to make a melee attack as part of the spell’s casting, and you can only cast one spell with your action. You could potentially cast one as an action and another as a bonus action (if you have a feature like the War Caster feat), but not simultaneously.
3. Can you dual wield and use Green-Flame Blade?
No, you cannot use two-weapon fighting with Green-Flame Blade. Two-weapon fighting requires you to take the Attack action, whereas casting a spell (including GFB) is a different action entirely.
4. Can I cast Green-Flame Blade with Extra Attack?
No. The Extra Attack feature allows you to make multiple attacks when you take the Attack action. Casting Green-Flame Blade uses the Cast a Spell action, which isn’t the Attack action, therefore Extra Attack isn’t triggered.
5. Does Shadow Blade work with Extra Attack?
Yes, Shadow Blade does work with Extra Attack. Because you’re making weapon attacks with the Shadow Blade, Extra Attack applies.
6. Is Green-Flame Blade good?
Green-Flame Blade is considered one of the best cantrips for “gish” builds (characters who combine martial and spellcasting abilities), especially for classes that only get one attack per action.
7. Does Green-Flame Blade do extra damage?
Green-Flame Blade adds 1d8 fire damage to the target on a hit at level 5 and beyond. Also, the secondary target takes fire damage equal to your spellcasting ability modifier (e.g., Intelligence for a wizard) plus an additional 1d8 at 5th level and beyond.
8. Does Spell Sniper work with Green-Flame Blade?
No, Spell Sniper only works with spells that require you to make an attack roll. Green-Flame Blade requires you to make a melee weapon attack, which uses a weapon attack roll not a spell attack roll.
9. Does Thirsting Blade work with Green-Flame Blade?
No. Thirsting Blade requires you to take the Attack action. Casting a spell uses the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action.
10. Can you combine Green-Flame Blade and Shillelagh?
Yes, the Green-Flame Blade spell works just fine with a Shillelagh-ed weapon. Shillelagh makes a club or quarterstaff use your Wisdom modifier for attacks and damage, but doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a weapon you can use to make a melee attack for GFB.
11. Can Green-Flame Blade be twinned?
No, Green-Flame Blade cannot be twinned by the Twinned Spell metamagic option. To be eligible, a spell must only target one creature. Green-Flame Blade can target two creatures (the primary target of the weapon attack and a secondary target).
12. Does Green-Flame Blade need a second target?
No, you do not require a second target. If there’s no valid second target within 5 feet of the primary target, you can still cast the spell; the secondary effect just won’t happen.
13. Do you need a free hand to cast Green-Flame Blade?
Generally, yes. You need a hand free to perform somatic components unless you have a feat like War Caster that allows you to perform somatic components even when you have weapons or a shield in one or both hands.
14. Can you smite off Green-Flame Blade?
Yes, a Paladin can use Divine Smite with Green-Flame Blade, as a melee weapon attack is part of the spell.
15. What modifier does Green-Flame Blade use?
Green-Flame Blade uses the same modifier as the weapon you use to make the melee attack. If you’re using a longsword, you use your Strength modifier. If you’re using a dagger and using your Dexterity (with the Finesse property), you use your Dexterity modifier.
Conclusion
While the combination of Shadow Blade and Green-Flame Blade is typically disallowed by RAW due to the 1 silver piece weapon requirement of Green-Flame Blade, the final decision rests with the DM. Consider the balance of your game, the narrative elements, and the intent behind the rules when making your ruling. After all, D&D is about collaborative storytelling, and sometimes, bending the rules can lead to a more engaging and memorable experience. For more insights into the world of gaming and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.