Can You Catapult an Eldritch Cannon? A Comprehensive Guide for Artillerist Artificers
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Yes, you absolutely can Catapult an Eldritch Cannon, with a few caveats. If you, as an Artillerist Artificer, can comfortably hold the Eldritch Cannon in your hand (meaning it’s the Tiny version), then it likely weighs little enough to be a valid target for the Catapult spell. This opens up some incredibly fun and surprisingly effective battlefield tactics! You can cast Catapult as an action and then use your bonus action on the same turn to command it to fire after landing. This is the key to unleashing some truly creative mayhem, but understanding the rules surrounding both the Eldritch Cannon and the Catapult spell is essential for optimal execution.
Understanding the Core Mechanics
Before launching your miniature artillery pieces across the battlefield, let’s solidify our understanding of the fundamental rules governing these abilities. We’ll delve into the specifics of each ability, uncovering crucial details that empower your strategic decision-making on the battlefield.
Eldritch Cannon: Your Portable Powerhouse
The Eldritch Cannon is the Artillerist Artificer’s signature ability. Here’s a breakdown of the key features that will come into play:
- One at a Time: You can only have one Eldritch Cannon active at any given time. You can’t create a second one while the first still exists.
- Magical Object: The cannon is a magical object, not a creature. This means that spells and abilities that affect creatures won’t necessarily affect it.
- Durability: Regardless of size (Tiny or Small), the Eldritch Cannon has an AC of 18 and hit points equal to five times your Artificer level. It is immune to poison and psychic damage.
- Activation: On each of your turns, you can use a bonus action (if within 60 feet) to activate the cannon and direct it.
- Size Matters: A Tiny Eldritch Cannon can be held in one hand. This is crucial for the Catapult combo.
- Dismissal: The Eldritch Cannon disappears if it is reduced to 0 hit points, after 1 hour, or if you dismiss it as an action.
- Mobility: Eldritch Cannons with legs can move 15 ft per bonus action you use to activate it,
The Catapult Spell: Projectile Potential
The Catapult spell, available to Artificers, allows you to hurl an object weighing between 1 and 5 pounds at a target. Here’s what you need to know:
- Range: The spell has a range of 60 feet.
- Damage: On a hit, the target takes 3d8 bludgeoning damage.
- Material Component: Requires a small stone.
- Saving Throw: The target must make a Dexterity saving throw or take the damage.
- Object Restrictions: Crucially, the object must be unattended.
The Synergistic Strategy: Catapulting Your Cannon
The core idea is to use the Catapult spell to launch your Tiny Eldritch Cannon across the battlefield, delivering it to a strategically advantageous location. Then, on the same turn, use your bonus action to activate the cannon and unleash its firepower.
Weighing the Options: Tiny vs. Small
While you are unable to use Catapult with a Small Eldritch Cannon, the Tiny one is a valid target as long as it meets the weight requirement of 1-5 pounds for Catapult.
Addressing the “Unattended Object” Rule
A common question arises: Is a hand-held Eldritch Cannon considered an “unattended object”? The Catapult spell specifies that the target object must be unattended. If you are actively holding the Eldritch Cannon, then it is attended.
To circumvent this, you would need to drop the Tiny Eldritch Cannon, cast Catapult and then use a bonus action to activate the Eldritch Cannon.
FAQs: Mastering the Eldritch Cannon Catapult
1. Can I use Catapult and activate the Eldritch Cannon on the same turn?
Yes! You can use your action to cast Catapult on a Tiny Eldritch Cannon and your bonus action to activate the Cannon, as long as you have dropped the Eldritch Cannon before casting Catapult.
2. What happens if the Catapult spell misses?
If the Catapult spell misses the intended target, the Tiny Eldritch Cannon simply lands in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the target.
3. Does the damage from Catapult affect the Eldritch Cannon?
No. The bludgeoning damage is directed at the creature that fails their Dexterity saving throw, not the object being hurled. The Eldritch Cannon remains undamaged by the spell.
4. Can I use the Catapult spell to move the Eldritch Cannon to a higher location, like a rooftop?
Potentially! As long as the trajectory and distance are within the spell’s parameters, you could launch the Eldritch Cannon onto a raised platform. Work with your DM to determine the feasibility based on the environment.
5. Can I use Catapult with other objects attached to the Eldritch Cannon?
This is a DM call. Technically, the Catapult spell targets a single object. Attaching extra items might be possible, but it could also be ruled that the spell fails, or that the additional weight exceeds the spell’s limit.
6. Does using the Eldritch Cannon break invisibility?
Activating and using the Eldritch Cannon does not end invisibility. But because you must drop the Eldritch Cannon to cast Catapult and then use a bonus action to activate it, you will break invisibility by dropping the Eldritch Cannon.
7. Can I change the type of Eldritch Cannon after I’ve catapulted one?
No, not while the first cannon still exists. You need to dismiss the existing cannon (as an action), or wait for it to expire after one hour.
8. How does the Protector Eldritch Cannon’s temporary hit points work in this scenario?
The Protector cannon grants temporary hit points to itself and creatures within 10 feet of it when it is activated. This means any allies within 10 feet of its landing zone would receive the temporary hit points.
9. Can a Homunculus Servant carry an Eldritch Cannon?
Yes, a Homunculus Servant can carry a Tiny Eldritch Cannon. They have a carrying capacity of 30 pounds and can be instructed to carry the cannon as an action, as long as the cannon doesn’t exceed the homunculus’ carry capacity.
10. If I use the Catapult spell, does the target know where the Eldritch Cannon came from?
Typically, yes. The source of the spell is usually apparent, especially if you’re in line of sight. However, clever use of cover and stealth could make it more difficult to pinpoint the origin.
11. Can an Eldritch Knight teleport with the Eldritch Cannon?
The Eldritch Knight’s Arcane Charge feature allows them to teleport 30 feet. While they cannot bring the Eldritch Cannon with them via this ability, they could teleport closer to it after launching it with Catapult.
12. Can I use the cannon’s movement to reposition it after it’s been catapulted?
Yes! If your Tiny Eldritch Cannon has legs, you can use your bonus action on subsequent turns to move it up to 15 feet, as long as you are within 60 feet of it.
13. What happens if the Eldritch Cannon lands on a creature?
This is another situation that requires DM adjudication. A reasonable ruling would be that the creature must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, they take the Catapult damage and the cannon lands prone on top of them. On a successful save, they avoid the damage and the cannon lands in an adjacent unoccupied space.
14. Can you be fired out of a cannon in real life?
In real life, the principles behind being fired from a cannon typically involve either compressed air or, in some instances, controlled explosions (using pyroxylin). The amount and pressure or force applied depend on the size of the person being launched and the desired distance.
15. Can I Catapult an Eldritch Cannon into a bag of holding to deliver it?
Since Catapult requires a saving throw, and you cannot have a saving throw against an object, Catapult fails to work.
Maximizing Your Artillery Potential
The Catapult and Eldritch Cannon combination is a fantastic way to add tactical flexibility and explosive power to your Artillerist Artificer. By understanding the rules and creatively applying them, you can transform your Tiny Eldritch Cannon into a mobile artillery platform, capable of raining down destruction on your enemies from unexpected angles. This kind of creative gameplay emphasizes the importance of Games Learning Society, which explores how games can enhance our understanding of the world. Experiment with different tactics, communicate with your DM, and unleash the full potential of your portable cannon! The Games Learning Society encourages and supports learning through creative and innovative gaming experiences. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.