Can You Use Lay on Hands at Level 1? A Comprehensive Guide
The short, definitive answer is: No, you cannot use Lay on Hands at level 1. This is a common point of confusion for new players, especially those eager to jump into the Paladin class. While you might have a strong desire to heal your party from the get-go, the core ability, Lay on Hands, is specifically granted to Paladins starting at 2nd level. Let’s delve deeper into why and explore everything you need to know about this pivotal Paladin skill.
Understanding Lay on Hands: The Basics
Lay on Hands is a defining feature of the Paladin class, a magical ability focused on healing. It’s not a spell in the traditional sense but rather a class feature that allows a Paladin to channel divine energy to mend wounds. Here’s what you need to know:
- Activation: Lay on Hands is an action, requiring the Paladin to physically touch a creature to heal them. This touch can be done even if the Paladin is holding a weapon, as long as part of their hand can make contact.
- Healing Pool: You have a pool of healing power that replenishes after a long rest. The size of this pool is equal to your Paladin level multiplied by 5. At level 2, for instance, you would have a pool of 10 hit points.
- Uses per Day: You can use the Lay on Hands ability a number of times per day equal to half your Paladin level, plus your Charisma modifier. So, at level 2 with a Charisma of 16 (+3 modifier) , you can use it twice per long rest ((2/2) + 3 = 4). This is why it’s vital to have decent Charisma if you wish to make the most of this ability.
- Healing Amount: When you use Lay on Hands, you can restore hit points up to the maximum amount remaining in your pool. You don’t have to use all the remaining points in a single use.
Level 1: Building the Foundation
At level 1, Paladins are focusing on building their core combat and roleplaying foundations. You select your Fighting Style and your Divine Sense, giving you the ability to detect celestial, fiendish, and undead presences. These are important for a Paladin, but the healing ability of Lay on Hands doesn’t come into play yet. While some racial abilities like the Aasimar’s Healing Hands can provide limited healing at level 1, they are separate from the Paladin’s Lay on Hands.
The Wait: Why Level 2?
The design of the game intentionally spreads out class abilities across different levels to make the class more engaging as characters grow. Paladins at level 1 are primarily melee combatants with the ability to detect evil or good. The introduction of Lay on Hands at level 2 provides a much-needed supportive element that is a defining part of the Paladin class. It represents a step in a paladin’s character arc where they begin to manifest their divine grace in healing.
Lay on Hands Enhancements
While you can’t use Lay on Hands at level 1, there are a few features that can enhance its utility later on:
- Extra Lay on Hands: Some games allow additional uses of Lay on Hands at Level 1, but these are usually house rules or custom campaigns. These additional uses can add some healing to the Paladin starting experience, if allowed.
Lay on Hands: More Than Just a Heal
Beyond the raw healing power, Lay on Hands can be an extremely versatile tool when utilized effectively. It can provide immediate health restoration and can be a powerful tool in a combat encounter if used strategically. Because it is a very potent ability, it’s critical to understand its proper usage.
- Use in Combat: Because it takes an action to use, consider its usage during battle as healing for a downed ally or other time sensitive situations.
- Use Out of Combat: Feel free to use Lay on Hands after a conflict. This is usually a much safer time to heal your allies.
- Who Can You Heal: You can use Lay on Hands on yourself, or others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Lay on Hands and a healing spell?
Lay on Hands is a class feature, not a spell. It doesn’t require spell slots and has a resource pool that recharges on a long rest, unlike spells which are limited by spell slots. Spells generally have different effects, are available to different classes, and have different activation requirements.
2. Does Lay on Hands have a range?
No, Lay on Hands has no range. It requires you to physically touch the target.
3. Can I use Lay on Hands if I have no remaining hit points in the pool?
No, you cannot use Lay on Hands if your pool is depleted. You need to rest to replenish it.
4. Can I use Lay on Hands multiple times on the same target?
Yes, you can use Lay on Hands multiple times on the same target, as long as you have healing points left in your pool and the available uses for the day.
5. Does Lay on Hands cause any debuffs?
In some video game adaptations (like World of Warcraft), Lay on Hands might cause a debuff called “Forbearance” which prevents further usage on the same target for a set duration. In the core tabletop rules, this is not a standard effect.
6. Do I need a free hand to use Lay on Hands?
No, you do not need a free hand. As long as some part of your hand touches the target, you can use Lay on Hands, even if you are holding a weapon.
7. Does Lay on Hands work on undead or constructs?
Yes, Lay on Hands works on undead, constructs, and any other type of creature, but it is ineffective against objects or structures.
8. What is a Paladin?
A Paladin is a class focused on divine power, often taking an oath to uphold certain ideals. They are skilled warriors and also possess some healing abilities, such as Lay on Hands.
9. How many spells can a level 1 Paladin cast?
A level 1 Paladin has no spell slots. They start gaining the ability to cast spells at level 2, but this does not include the Lay on Hands ability.
10. Can Lay on Hands be used as an attack?
No, Lay on Hands is purely a healing ability. It cannot be used to harm or damage creatures.
11. Can a Cleric use Lay on Hands?
No, Lay on Hands is exclusive to the Paladin class, and other classes have their own healing abilities. Clerics use spells and do not use Lay on Hands.
12. Does Lay on Hands use a spell slot?
No, Lay on Hands is a class feature and does not use a spell slot. This is one of the key differences between it and healing spells.
13. What does “at-will power” mean in relation to Lay on Hands?
This wording from the article is inaccurate. Lay on Hands is not at-will. It can only be used a limited amount of times before needing a long rest to restore the amount of available uses.
14. Is Lay on Hands considered “holy-based” magic?
Yes, Lay on Hands is generally considered a form of divine or holy-based magic, as it channels the paladin’s faith to heal others.
15. Does Lay on Hands allow me to “lay hands on the sick and be healed” as cited in some religious texts?
Lay on Hands within the game’s rules is an ability to heal wounds using the mechanics of the game. It does not have any direct relation to religious beliefs or practices outside the game.