Can You Smite with Claws? A Deep Dive into Paladin Natural Weaponry
The answer, in short, is yes, conditionally. A Paladin can indeed smite with claws, but the specific mechanics depend heavily on how the claws are implemented in your game and the specific rules being used. The core issue revolves around the definition of a “weapon” and a “melee weapon attack” within the framework of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). Let’s unpack this in detail.
Understanding the Divine Smite Mechanic
The Paladin’s Divine Smite feature allows them to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a successful melee weapon attack. The wording is crucial. It requires both a melee attack and that the attack be made with a weapon.
Natural Weapons as Weapons?
This is where things get interesting. Many creatures, including player races with natural weapons like the Tabaxi or Lizardfolk, possess claws, teeth, or other natural implements that can be used in combat. Whether these natural weapons qualify for Divine Smite depends on how they are defined and used.
Generally, natural weapons are considered unarmed strikes. However, some racial traits or class features can blur the lines, treating them as both unarmed strikes and weapons. For example, a race description might state: “Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.”
In this scenario, because the claws are also considered weapons, they would be eligible for Divine Smite. The attack is a melee attack made with a weapon – fulfilling both criteria.
The Importance of Wording
Pay close attention to the exact wording of any racial traits or class features that grant natural weapons. If the feature only states that the claws can be used to make unarmed strikes, without explicitly designating them as weapons, then Divine Smite would not apply.
When It Works, It Really Works
When a Paladin can smite with their claws, it opens up exciting possibilities. It allows for a more primal, visceral combat style, blending the divine power of the Paladin with the ferocity of a natural predator. It also allows for some interesting character concepts, such as a Paladin dedicated to a nature deity, channeling their power through their natural weaponry.
FAQs: Smite, Claws, and Everything In Between
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Divine Smite and its interactions with various combat scenarios:
1. Can you smite on a grapple?
No. Grapples are not melee weapon attacks, and they don’t deal damage. Therefore, Divine Smite cannot be applied to a grapple attempt. Smite requires a successful melee weapon attack.
2. Can you smite with your hands (unarmed strike)?
Generally, no. Unless your hands are considered natural weapons (see above), an unarmed strike is typically not considered an attack with a weapon. However, certain class features or magic items could change this.
3. Can you smite with a bite attack?
RAW (Rules As Written), usually no. Similar to claws, a bite attack is typically an unarmed strike, unless it’s specifically defined as a weapon by a racial trait or other feature. Lizardfolk teeth, for example, might qualify if the racial description explicitly states that the teeth are a natural weapon.
4. Can you smite with a dagger?
Yes, a Paladin can smite with a dagger as long as the Paladin makes a melee weapon attack with the dagger. Note, though, that a thrown dagger is a ranged weapon attack, and so Divine Smite will not work.
5. Can you smite by throwing a weapon?
No. Divine Smite requires a melee attack with a weapon, which a thrown weapon attack is not. When you throw a weapon, you are making a ranged weapon attack.
6. Can smite be non-lethal?
Yes. The damage from Divine Smite is dealt through a melee attack, and per the standard rules, you can choose to knock a creature unconscious with a melee attack rather than kill it.
7. Can I smite while raging?
Yes. Divine Smite is not a spell, although it uses spell slots. Therefore, the Barbarian’s Rage, which prevents spellcasting, does not prevent the use of Divine Smite.
8. Can you smite on a shove?
No. Divine Smite only applies to melee weapon attacks that hit. A shove is a special melee attack that attempts to push a creature, not deal damage.
9. Can you smite with a thrown javelin?
No. Throwing a javelin is a ranged weapon attack. Divine Smite requires a melee weapon attack.
10. Can an echo smite?
This requires a more nuanced understanding of specific class features, spells, and rulings. If, for example, you cast a Searing Smite via a Ring of Spell Storing, while being an Echo Knight with an Echo, you can choose to have it originate your attack, which would include the searing smite effect. So the desired result is possible, but requires specific circumstances.
11. Can you cast smite after hitting?
Yes. While spells like Thunderous Smite require you to cast them before the attack, Divine Smite is a class feature that is activated after you hit with a melee weapon attack.
12. Is smite damage doubled on a critical hit?
Yes. Any damage dice that are a part of an attack that hits critically are doubled per RAW. This includes the dice rolled for Divine Smite.
13. Can you counter a smite?
No. Divine Smite is not a magical effect that can be targeted by Counterspell. It is a class feature, not a spell.
14. Can you smite with a bow?
RAW, no. Divine Smite requires a melee weapon attack. A bow is a ranged weapon.
15. Can you smite twice?
Yes. If you have the Extra Attack feature, you can attack twice in a turn. If both attacks hit and you have sufficient spell slots, you can use Divine Smite on both attacks. However, you can only spend one spell slot per hit. The Games Learning Society studies such elements of game mechanics.
Conclusion: Know the Rules, Embrace the Flavor
Ultimately, the ability to smite with claws depends on the specific rules and character features in play. If the claws are defined as weapons, and you are making a melee weapon attack with them, then Divine Smite is perfectly acceptable. If not, you’ll need to find other ways to channel your divine fury. Remember to consult with your Dungeon Master for clarification, and embrace the opportunity to add unique flavor to your Paladin character!
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