Does Telekinetic Shove Break Invisibility? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is: No, a telekinetic shove does not break invisibility in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). This is because the Invisibility spell specifically states that it ends when you attack or cast a spell. A telekinetic shove, as granted by the Telekinetic feat, is neither an attack nor a spell; it’s a special bonus action ability that forces a saving throw. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and explore some related questions.
Understanding Invisibility and Its Limitations
The Invisibility spell is a powerful tool for stealth and reconnaissance. It grants the invisible condition, making the caster difficult to target and observe. However, this condition isn’t absolute. The spell has a very clear trigger for its termination: attacking or casting a spell. Actions such as moving, interacting with objects, or even making noises don’t break the spell. This makes it a great option for those who want to be sneaky, but not so much for those who want to enter combat.
Why Telekinetic Shove is Different
The Telekinetic feat grants you the ability to perform a telekinetic shove as a bonus action. This action requires a target to make a Strength saving throw. If the target fails, they are moved 5 feet either towards or away from you. This movement does not count as an attack, nor does it involve casting a spell. Instead, it’s a special ability that manipulates a creature through psychic force. Thus, it bypasses the mechanisms that break the Invisibility spell. This also means that if you have advantage on attacks due to invisibility, using a telekinetic shove will not remove this advantage.
The Strategic Implications
This interaction opens up some fascinating strategic options for players. For example, an invisible character could repeatedly shove enemies off ledges, into hazards, or away from allies without breaking their invisibility. They can also use this ability to reposition allies, remove them from grapples, or create advantageous combat situations all while remaining unseen. This can be a game-changer, especially in situations where controlling the battlefield is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nuances of the telekinetic shove and its interaction with invisibility, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Does a Shove Action (Without the Telekinetic Feat) Break Invisibility?
Yes, a normal shove action taken as part of the attack action does break invisibility. This is because a shove is considered a melee attack that is an alternative to making a standard weapon attack. The trigger for breaking invisibility is any “attack” action, and shoving falls under that category. Telekinetic shove, however, does not.
2. Can You Use Telekinetic Shove While Grappled?
Yes, you can use a telekinetic shove while grappled. It is a bonus action, and does not involve casting a spell. You aren’t casting a spell to do this, and you are not attacking, so being grappled does not prevent you from using this feature.
3. Does Using a Magic Item Break Invisibility?
It depends on the magic item. If the magic item’s effect is achieved through an action that is not a spell, it does not break invisibility. However, if activating the magic item counts as casting a spell, then invisibility is broken. Carefully read the magic item’s description to understand its activation method.
4. Does a Telekinetic Shove Trigger Opportunity Attacks?
No, a telekinetic shove does not trigger opportunity attacks. The movement forced by the shove is not movement made by the target themselves, but is instead imposed by an outside force. This is similar to being pulled by a rope or an ability like thorn whip, where you move but you aren’t considered to be moving yourself.
5. Can a Telekinetic Shove Move a Grappled Target?
Yes, a telekinetic shove can move a grappled target. As long as you can see them and they fail the Strength saving throw, they are moved 5 feet towards or away from you, breaking the grapple if moved a sufficient distance away from the grappler.
6. Does Faerie Fire Cancel Invisibility?
Yes, Faerie Fire does not cancel invisibility, it simply makes the affected creature visible and negates the benefits of being invisible. However, the creature is still invisible, but attackers gain advantage and the creature does not benefit from being invisible.
7. Can Blindsight See an Invisible Creature?
Yes, Blindsight allows a creature to perceive their surroundings without relying on sight. This means they can effectively “see” an invisible creature as they can sense their location through sound and other means.
8. Does Sleight of Hand Break Invisibility?
No, using Sleight of Hand does not break invisibility because it is not an attack or a spell. However, items handled by an invisible creature become visible, unless they are concealed, like stowing something in a bag, or placing it under a cloak.
9. Can You Counterspell an Invisible Caster?
Yes, you can Counterspell an invisible caster. The Counterspell spell requires you to see the target, but invisibility does not prevent you from knowing where the caster is. If you know their location and they are casting a spell, you can try to Counterspell them.
10. Does Hypnotic Gaze Break Invisibility?
No, Hypnotic Gaze does not break invisibility. Like the telekinetic shove, it’s not an attack or a spell; it is a charm effect. Therefore, it does not affect the Invisibility spell at all.
11. Does Grappling Break Invisibility?
Yes, attempting to grapple someone does break invisibility, as it is considered an attack action. The fact that it doesn’t require an attack roll doesn’t change that this is still an attack action as defined in the Player’s Handbook.
12. Does a Cantrip Count as a Spell?
Yes, a cantrip is still a spell, even though it doesn’t consume spell slots and can be used at will. If an invisible creature casts a cantrip, their invisibility ends.
13. Why is Greater Invisibility Different From Invisibility?
Greater Invisibility does not end when you attack. This makes it more potent for combat as you can attack with advantage and remain invisible at the same time. The standard Invisibility spell, in contrast, is more geared towards stealth and reconnaissance.
14. Can You Use Telekinesis for Fine Manipulation?
Yes, you can use telekinetic abilities to manipulate objects, not just shove them. This includes tasks such as opening doors, retrieving items, and using tools at a distance, provided you are using a feature that allows for that like the Telekinesis spell.
15. How does Movement from a Levitate spell Interacts With Grapple?
The levitate spell states that you can move in a straight line upward by 20 feet. A grappled creature also moves with you, so you are lifted up with them if they are grappled. If you move over 20 feet, you break the grapple because you can’t move further. It might be worth noting that some DMs rule that you do not move with your grappler.
Conclusion
The interaction between the telekinetic shove and invisibility highlights the subtle but significant rules that govern D&D 5e. By understanding that a telekinetic shove is not an attack or spell, players can utilize this feature to their advantage without breaking their invisibility. This opens up tactical opportunities and adds an additional layer of depth to combat and exploration. When using such features, it’s always best to know the rules thoroughly and understand the nuances of how each ability interacts with others. This ensures you are playing your character to their full potential and are fully taking advantage of all that they can do.