Can You Lay on Hands While Raging? A Deep Dive into Barbarian/Paladin Multiclassing
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The short answer is: No, generally you cannot use Lay on Hands while raging. The reason is simple: Lay on Hands, a Paladin feature, requires you to take an Action. While raging, you can’t cast spells or concentrate on spells. While Lay on Hands isn’t a spell, it does require the use of an action, and the restrictions of Rage prevent actions that might involve spellcasting elements. Think of it as a mental block—the fury of rage impairs the focused, deliberate act of channeling divine energy required for Lay on Hands. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances and related questions that often arise when considering a Barbarian/Paladin multiclass.
Understanding Rage and its Limitations
Before we delve further, let’s recap what Rage does for a Barbarian. It grants:
- Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws
- A bonus to melee weapon attack damage rolls
- Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage
However, it also imposes a significant limitation: You can’t cast spells or concentrate on them while raging. This is crucial. It significantly impacts any multiclass character who blends the primal fury of a Barbarian with the divine powers of a Paladin, Cleric, or any other spellcasting class.
Lay on Hands: More Than Just Healing
Lay on Hands is a Paladin’s signature ability, a pool of healing power that can also cure diseases and neutralize poisons. It’s fueled by the Paladin’s level and is incredibly versatile. The issue lies in how it’s activated – an action and a deliberate act of channeling divine power.
Barbarian/Paladin Multiclass: A Thorny Path
A Barbarian/Paladin multiclass can be flavorful and potentially powerful, combining the raw strength and resilience of the Barbarian with the divine might and support abilities of the Paladin. However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations. You can’t easily switch between raging and healing. You need to carefully consider when to use your rage and when to hold back, prioritizing either offense or support based on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about combining Barbarian and Paladin abilities:
1. What spells can you use while raging?
J. Howard is correct, you can’t cast spells at all or concentrate while raging, but you can pre-cast spells that don’t require concentration. You can also use non-spell abilities (like Wild Shape or Divine Smite) regardless of whether they require spell slots.
2. Can you cast magic while raging?
You can’t cast them, but one cast you can concentrate on them, and use them if they have a duration. ie: Witch Bolt. Wait no, Rage also stops concentration, including Witch Bolt even if you cast it before raging. You need non-concentration spells with a duration to cast before you rage, which will stay after you rage.
3. Can you smite while raging?
Yes! A Barbarian/Paladin cannot cast Paladin spells while Raging, but they can do a Divine Smite while Raging. This is because Divine Smite isn’t considered spellcasting, but rather a class feature that expends spell slots.
4. Can you use Eldritch Smite while raging?
RAW (Rules As Written) says yes, you can. Although it uses a spell slot, smites are not spells. They are class features fueled by spell slots. A Barbarian cannot cast spells (take the Cast a Spell action) while raging, nor can they Concentrate on a spell while raging.
5. Paladin: How to use Lay on Hands effectively?
Lay on Hands is most effective when used to bring an ally back from the brink of death or to cure debilitating conditions like poison or disease. Strategically use smaller increments of healing to keep allies in the fight, rather than waiting for them to drop to zero hit points.
6. Can a barbarian use a wand while raging?
No. You cannot cast spells of any kind whilst raging. Using a wand typically involves casting a spell stored within it.
7. Can a barbarian use a spell scroll while raging?
No. If the item allows you to cast a spell, then that cannot be done while raging. The act of reading a spell scroll and invoking its magic is considered casting a spell.
8. Can you cast Shield while raging?
No. If you are able to cast spells, you can’t cast them or concentrate on them while raging. Your rage lasts for 1 minute. Even though Shield is a reaction, the act of casting it is still prohibited.
9. Can a Barbarian Paladin use Divine Smite while raging?
Yes! Divine Smite lets you sacrifice from your pool of spell slots for pure consistent damage when you hit things with melee attacks. Thankfully, this doesn’t count as casting a spell either, so we’re free to do it while raging.
10. Can you smite while unarmed?
No. Divine Smite isn’t intended to work with unarmed strikes. Divine Smite does work with a melee weapon attack, and an unarmed strike can be used to make such an attack. But the text of Divine Smite also refers to the “weapon’s damage,” and an unarmed strike isn’t a weapon.
11. Can cantrips be cast infinitely?
Any character can cast any cantrips they know at will and an unlimited number of times, unless the feature that lets them cast it specifically says otherwise. Repeated practice has fixed the spell in the caster’s mind and infused the caster with the magic needed to produce the effect over and over. A cantrip’s spell level is 0.
12. Can you use Spiritual Weapon while raging?
Yes! Spiritual Weapon doesn’t require concentration, so you can use it while raging. Ancestral Protectors doesn’t require a weapon attack either.
13. Can you cast Hellish Rebuke while raging?
No. Hellish Rebuke is a spell. Any effect that affects spells will affect the racial ability. Like rage, you cannot use this ability while raging.
14. Can you multiclass a Monk and a Barbarian?
Yes! Monk/barbarian can be a powerful multiclass combo in Dungeons & Dragons, but only with some proper planning and forethought. Multiclassing is a popular method of character customization in Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. A player can combine two classes to create a unique build with some of the abilities of both.
15. Can you smite in Antimagic?
Antimagic Field is described as working against “Spells and other magical effects”, thus Divine Smite wouldn’t work within an Antimagic Field. (The damage boost from Improved Divine Strike, however, would still take effect as it is not described as magical and does not use spell slots.)
Strategic Considerations for Barbarian/Paladin
If you’re set on playing a Barbarian/Paladin, here are some tips:
- Plan your turns carefully: Decide whether you’ll prioritize raging and attacking, or conserving your rage and using Paladin abilities like Divine Smite (while raging) or Lay on Hands (when not raging).
- Consider your Oath: Some Paladin Oaths have tenets that might clash with the Barbarian’s rage. Choose an Oath that aligns with your character concept and playstyle.
- Optimize your Ability Scores: You’ll need Strength, Constitution, and Charisma. Prioritize Strength and Constitution for Barbarian effectiveness, and then Charisma for Paladin abilities. Don’t spread yourself too thin.
- Embrace the Flavor: The real strength of this multiclass lies in the character’s story. Explore the internal conflict between rage and divine calling.
Exploring the Educational Value of D&D
Dungeons & Dragons offers more than just entertainment. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores these educational aspects, investigating how games can be used to enhance learning experiences. It’s a great resource for educators and anyone interested in the cognitive benefits of gaming. Consider checking out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Conclusion
While using Lay on Hands while raging isn’t possible due to the mechanical restrictions, the Barbarian/Paladin multiclass offers exciting possibilities for character development and strategic gameplay. Just remember to carefully consider the limitations and plan accordingly. Embrace the challenge and create a character that’s both a fearsome warrior and a beacon of hope!