Branding Smite: Does the Spell End After One Hit?
No, Branding Smite does not end after a single hit. It’s a common misconception, especially with the abundance of similar smite spells in the Paladin’s arsenal. Branding Smite is a concentration spell, meaning that it lasts for up to a minute (10 rounds), provided you maintain concentration and haven’t already hit a target. The spell is consumed only upon hitting a creature. If you miss, the spell remains active, and you can attempt to hit again on subsequent attacks.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works: you cast Branding Smite as a bonus action, enchanting your weapon. The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack before the spell ends, that creature takes an extra 2d6 radiant damage and is branded with glowing light. This brand has two significant effects:
- The branded creature cannot become invisible, and if it is invisible, it becomes visible. This is incredibly useful against enemies that rely on stealth or illusion.
- The brand lasts for the duration of the spell (up to 1 minute), allowing you to track the creature and negate its invisibility attempts for an extended period.
So, to reiterate: Branding Smite lasts up to 1 minute, doesn’t require any further actions to use after the initial casting, and ends if you lose concentration, the duration expires, or you choose to dismiss it. It only applies its additional damage and branding effect once per casting, when you hit a creature with a weapon attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Branding Smite
Here are 15 frequently asked questions concerning Branding Smite, giving you a deeper understanding of this useful Paladin spell:
1. What happens if I miss my attack after casting Branding Smite?
If you cast Branding Smite and miss your attack, the spell does not end. Since it’s a concentration spell with a duration of up to a minute, you can maintain your concentration and attempt another attack on your next turn. The branding effect only applies when you successfully hit a target.
2. Can I use Branding Smite with ranged weapons?
Yes! Unlike Divine Smite, which requires a melee weapon attack, Branding Smite is versatile and can be used with both melee and ranged weapons. This makes it an excellent choice for Paladins who prefer to fight from a distance or who are forced into ranged combat situations.
3. Does Branding Smite require concentration?
Yes, Branding Smite is a concentration spell. This means you must make a Constitution saving throw whenever you take damage to avoid losing concentration and ending the spell.
4. Can I combine Branding Smite with Divine Smite?
Absolutely! You can combine Branding Smite with Divine Smite. Branding Smite is a spell cast as a bonus action, while Divine Smite is a class feature that is activated when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack. They do not conflict. You can have Branding Smite active, hit a creature, and then choose to expend a spell slot to use Divine Smite, adding even more radiant damage to your attack.
5. What is the best situation to use Branding Smite?
Branding Smite excels in situations where you are facing invisible or stealthy enemies. It is particularly useful against creatures that rely on invisibility, such as invisible stalkers, certain demons, or spellcasters using invisibility spells. The ability to negate invisibility and track the target can be a game-changer in such encounters. It’s also beneficial when you need a little extra damage.
6. How much extra damage does Branding Smite do?
Branding Smite adds 2d6 radiant damage to the attack that hits the target. While not the highest damage output of the Smite spells, the additional effect of negating invisibility makes it a worthwhile choice in the right circumstances.
7. Can a creature make a saving throw to resist the Branding Smite effect?
No, there is no saving throw associated with the branding effect of Branding Smite. Once you hit a creature, it is automatically branded and cannot become invisible for the duration of the spell. The radiant damage is also applied automatically upon a successful hit.
8. Does Branding Smite reveal creatures hiding behind total cover?
No, Branding Smite does not bypass total cover. The branding effect only prevents a creature from becoming invisible. If the creature is hidden behind total cover, it remains hidden, as you still need line of sight to target it with an attack.
9. Can Branding Smite be dispelled?
The branding effect itself cannot be dispelled directly. However, if the Paladin loses concentration on the Branding Smite spell, the branding effect immediately ends. It’s the spell that needs to be countered/dispelled, not the effect it creates.
10. Is Branding Smite worth using compared to other Smite spells?
The value of Branding Smite depends on the specific campaign and the types of enemies you frequently encounter. If you often face invisible or stealthy opponents, then Branding Smite can be a fantastic choice. If invisibility is rare, other Smite spells that offer higher damage or stronger debilitating effects might be more generally useful.
11. Does the radiant damage from Branding Smite affect undead?
Yes, radiant damage is effective against undead creatures. Many undead are vulnerable to radiant damage, meaning they take double damage from it. This makes Branding Smite a solid choice when fighting undead, providing both extra damage and the anti-invisibility effect.
12. Can I cast Branding Smite while wearing heavy armor?
Yes, you can cast Branding Smite while wearing heavy armor, provided you are proficient in heavy armor. Armor proficiency only affects your ability to make attacks and cast spells effectively; it does not prevent you from casting spells altogether.
13. What level Paladin do I need to be to learn Branding Smite?
You need to be a 2nd-level Paladin to learn Branding Smite. Paladins gain access to their Smite spells at 2nd level as part of their spellcasting feature.
14. If I’m silenced, can I still cast Branding Smite?
No, you cannot cast Branding Smite if you are silenced. Since it has a verbal component, you can’t cast it if you are unable to speak.
15. What happens if the target moves into an Antimagic Field after being branded?
If the target moves into an Antimagic Field, the effects of Branding Smite are suppressed while the target remains within the field. The branding effect and radiant damage are temporarily nullified, but they will resume if the target leaves the Antimagic Field and the spell’s duration hasn’t expired.
Understanding the nuances of Branding Smite, including its duration, effects, and limitations, can significantly enhance your effectiveness as a Paladin. By choosing the right Smite spell for the right situation, you can maximize your impact on the battlefield and protect your allies from hidden threats.
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