Does Longstrider Affect Flying Speed in D&D 5e?
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The short answer is: No, Longstrider does not directly affect flying speed in D&D 5th Edition. While this might seem counterintuitive, the spell’s mechanics and specific wording limit its influence to a creature’s base speeds, specifically its walking speed. However, the interaction with flying speed becomes more nuanced when considering other spells and abilities, so let’s delve into the details.
Longstrider: A Closer Look
What Does Longstrider Do?
The Longstrider spell states that it increases a creature’s speed by 10 feet. Critically, it enhances the creature’s base speed for the movement types it already possesses, and it does not grant additional movement types. This means if a creature has a walking speed of 30 feet, the Longstrider spell will increase that to 40 feet. However, the spell has no stated effect on other modes of movement such as burrowing, climbing, flying, or swimming.
The Key Limitation
The crucial part of the spell description is that it only affects the creature’s “speed” which, in the context of D&D 5e, usually refers specifically to walking speed. This intentional limitation ensures that Longstrider remains a relatively low-level utility spell, avoiding unintended boosts to more powerful movement modes like flying.
Flying Speed and Other Enhancements
Base Flying Speed
Most creatures gain a flying speed from specific racial traits, spells, or items. For example, Aarakocra have a natural flying speed, the Fly spell grants a flying speed of 60 feet, and Winged Boots often grant a flying speed equal to a creature’s walking speed. This is crucial, because while Longstrider does not increase this directly, how this speed interacts with other abilities matters.
The Haste Exception
Unlike Longstrider, the Haste spell does affect all of a creature’s speeds. When under the effect of Haste, a creature’s speed is doubled. This means that if you were wearing Winged Boots, Haste would double your base walking speed and subsequently your base flying speed because they are tied together. Therefore, Haste can effectively double your flying speed and also gives you an additional action, which can be used for a dash action, allowing you to potentially move even further.
Combining Movement Types
While you can’t combine your walking and flying speeds simultaneously, you can switch between them during your movement. When you switch from one speed to another, you subtract the distance you’ve already moved from the new speed to determine how much farther you can go. This flexibility in movement makes strategic positioning in combat more dynamic.
Hovering and Falling
It’s important to know that creatures with a flying speed don’t necessarily hover by default. All flying creatures can stay airborne as long as they are still able to act. If a creature with a flying speed is knocked prone, has its speed reduced to 0, or is otherwise deprived of its ability to move, the creature will fall, unless it has the hover trait or is being held aloft by magic.
Speed in D&D 5e
What Does Speed Mean?
In D&D 5e, “speed” refers to the distance in feet a character or monster can travel during a round. This assumes bursts of energetic movement during potentially dangerous situations. It is important to note that these speeds do not represent actual, sustained travel speeds, but rather a character’s ability to maneuver quickly within a combat or action scene.
Walking Speed
A character’s base walking speed is determined by their race and is often between 25 to 30 feet. Various class features and magical effects can increase this speed.
Flight and Other Speeds
Different modes of movement like flying, swimming, climbing, or burrowing each have their speeds determined by specific situations.
Conclusion
In summary, while Longstrider is a useful spell for increasing walking speed and, by extension, speed provided by Winged Boots, it does not directly enhance flying speed. To increase your flying speed, you’ll need to rely on spells like Haste, specific class abilities, or items that specifically boost those other speeds. Always pay close attention to spell and ability descriptions in D&D to ensure you are using the rules to your advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Longstrider affect swimming speed?
No. Longstrider only increases a creature’s base walking speed. It has no direct effect on other modes of movement, including swimming.
2. How can you increase flying speed in 5e?
Several ways exist, including: using the Haste spell, certain magic items that increase flying speed directly, and, for some creatures, leveling up their class for unique speed boosts. For instance, using Winged Boots in combination with Haste will double your walking speed and thus, also double your flying speed.
3. Does Haste affect flying speed in 5e?
Yes. Haste doubles all of a creature’s speeds, including their flying speed.
4. Can you switch between walking and flying speed during a move?
Yes. You can switch between movement types during a move. When you switch, subtract the distance already moved from the new speed.
5. What happens if you have a flying speed but are restrained?
If you have a flying speed but not the hover trait, and you are restrained, stunned, or paralyzed, you will fall to the ground.
6. What is the average flying speed in 5e?
The Fly spell grants a flying speed of 60 feet. Many creatures and monsters often have flying speeds in that range. Some creatures, like Dragons, often have considerably faster flying speeds.
7. What is the fastest flying mount in D&D 5e?
The Pegasus is one of the fastest, with a flying speed of 90 feet.
8. Which classes are good for speed-focused builds in D&D 5e?
The Barbarian and the Monk classes are well-suited for speed builds due to class features that enhance movement.
9. What happens if a flying creature’s speed is reduced to 0?
If a flying creature’s speed is reduced to 0 or otherwise unable to move, it falls unless it has the hover trait or is held aloft by magic.
10. Can a winged Tiefling hover?
Yes, like all flying creatures, a winged Tiefling can choose to remain stationary (i.e. hover) in the air if they choose, so long as they are not incapacitated.
11. Why is flying good in 5e?
Flying provides mobility, allowing you to bypass rough terrain and engage enemies from advantageous positions.
12. Can you carry stuff while flying in 5e?
Yes, you can carry items while flying, but you are still subject to the rules of encumbrance based on your Strength score.
13. How does speed work in D&D 5e?
Speed indicates how many feet a character can move in a 6-second round. It represents bursts of movement during combat or action scenes, not a sustained travel pace.
14. What is Griffon flying speed in 5e?
A Griffon’s speed is 30 feet walking and 80 feet flying.
15. How useful is Longstrider?
Longstrider is useful for increasing travel speed between engagements or to move around the battlefield. A 10-foot increase in speed can be quite beneficial, especially since it lasts for an hour, which allows you to prepare in advance.