Is Spiritual Weapon Magical Damage? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, spiritual weapon deals magical damage. The spell description clearly states that the damage is force damage, and force damage almost universally originates from a magical source in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Furthermore, because the weapon is conjured by a spell, even if it visually resembles a mundane weapon, it bypasses resistances and immunities to non-magical damage. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics of this versatile spell and address some common questions.
Understanding Spiritual Weapon
Spiritual Weapon is a 2nd-level conjuration spell available to clerics. It creates a spectral weapon that attacks enemies within 5 feet of it. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Spell Attack Modifier: The spell uses your spell attack modifier for attack rolls.
- Damage Type: It deals force damage.
- Damage Amount: The damage equals 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier.
- Bonus Action Attack: As a bonus action on your turn, you can move the weapon up to 20 feet and command it to attack.
- Form: The weapon can take any form you choose, such as a hammer, sword, or even a floating skull.
Spiritual Weapon and Magical Damage
The core reason Spiritual Weapon deals magical damage boils down to two primary factors: the damage type and the spell’s origin. Force damage is overwhelmingly tied to magic within the D&D universe. Think of spells like magic missile or eldritch blast; they all deal force damage and are explicitly magical. The spell itself conjures the weapon. This magical creation inherently imbues the weapon’s attacks with a magical quality, allowing it to overcome resistance and immunity to non-magical damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spiritual Weapon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Spiritual Weapon to further clarify its mechanics and usage:
1. Can Spiritual Weapon Deal Non-Lethal Damage?
Yes, Spiritual Weapon can deal non-lethal damage. The rules for non-lethal damage state that it can be done with any melee attack, and Spiritual Weapon is considered a melee spell attack. The source of the damage (magical or non-magical) is irrelevant.
2. Does Spiritual Weapon Count as a Magical Attack for All Purposes?
Yes. If the attack is derived from a spell it counts as a magical attack.
3. What Makes a Weapon Magical in D&D 5e?
A weapon is considered magical if it’s listed as a magic item in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) or if it’s conjured by a spell. Any infused weapon is also considered magical. Magical weapons bypass resistances and immunities to damage from nonmagical attacks.
4. Is Spiritual Weapon a “Bad” Spell in D&D 5e?
Opinions vary. Spiritual Weapon is generally considered a strong and efficient spell, especially at lower levels. It allows a cleric to deal consistent damage as a bonus action, freeing up their action for other spells or abilities. However, its effectiveness might diminish at higher levels compared to more powerful options.
5. What is Considered a Magical Item in D&D 5e?
Magical items fall into categories such as Armor, Potions, Rings, Rods, Scrolls, Staffs, Wands, Weapons, and Wondrous Items. Some items require attunement, limiting the number a character can benefit from simultaneously.
6. If a Weapon is Infused, is it Considered Magical?
Yes, any weapon that has been infused is considered magical. This is a crucial element for Artificers and other classes that can imbue items with magical properties.
7. Can Spiritual Weapon Be Attacked and Destroyed?
A spiritual weapon cannot be directly attacked or harmed by physical attacks. However, effects like dispel magic, disintegrate, or a rod of cancellation can affect it. It has an AC of 12 against touch attacks.
8. Can Spiritual Weapon Hit Twice in a Single Turn?
No, you cannot use the same turn you cast Spiritual Weapon to also attack with it. The casting time of Spiritual Weapon is a bonus action, which restricts you from attacking on that first turn. In subsequent turns, you can move and attack as a bonus action.
9. Can You Have Two Spiritual Weapons Active at Once?
Technically, you could have multiple Spiritual Weapons active, but the benefit is minimal. You would need to be a high enough level to cast the spell multiple times, and each would consume a spell slot. It would take considerable setup, and you only have one bonus action to command them.
10. Can I Attack with Spiritual Weapon as a Bonus Action While Casting Another Spell?
Yes. You can use your action to cast a spell and then use your bonus action to command the spiritual weapon to attack. This versatility is one of the spell’s greatest strengths.
11. What Counts as a Magical Attack in D&D 5e?
An attack is considered magical if it originates from a magic weapon or a spell/magic effect. If it comes from a creature’s natural abilities, it’s generally not magical unless the creature has a specific “magical attacks” feature.
12. Can You Use Spiritual Weapon to Fly or Levitate?
The spell does not explicitly allow for flying or levitating. While the weapon can float, it can only move to any reachable field, it cannot exceed its given limitations.
13. Can I Flank With My Spiritual Weapon?
No. The Spiritual Weapon does not count towards the Flanking rules. As it is not a creature nor an ally, but it is a Melee Spell Attack and it offers no special advantage. Crawford has stated that the caster of SW is the one doing the targeting.
14. Do You Need Line of Sight for Spiritual Weapon?
Line of sight to the target isn’t required, you only need line of sight to the weapon. This allows you to attack enemies in areas that are not directly visible to you.
15. Can an Enemy Grab and Use Spiritual Weapon?
No, the Spiritual Weapon is a spell effect that resembles a weapon and therefore not a weapon. It is controlled via your magic as a bonus action, meaning physical attacks do not affect it.
Conclusion
Spiritual Weapon is undeniably a magical attack that deals force damage. Its versatility, consistent damage output, and ability to bypass non-magical resistances make it a valuable asset for any cleric. Understanding its nuances and limitations will allow you to utilize it effectively in a wide range of combat scenarios.
Interested in learning more about the mechanics and educational applications of Dungeons & Dragons? Visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insightful research and resources.