Can You Use Green Flame Blade and Smite?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, players often face the question: can I use Green Flame Blade and smite at the same time? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems, but in this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Green Flame Blade, smite, and how they interact.
What is Green Flame Blade?
Green Flame Blade is a cantrip found in the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything that allows the caster to make a melee attack with a bonus action. The spell deals damage to the target and causes it to take an additional 1d8 fire damage. Additionally, if the target is a fiend or undead, the damage is doubled.
What is Smite?
Smite is a divine intervention ability granted to paladins and warlocks. It allows them to deal extra damage to a target as a bonus action. The amount of extra damage depends on the caster’s level and whether the target is a fiend or undead.
Can You Use Green Flame Blade and Smite Together?
Now that we have a brief overview of both abilities, let’s answer the main question. Can you use Green Flame Blade and smite together? The answer is yes, but there are some conditions.
- Smite as a bonus action: Smite can only be used as a bonus action, while Green Flame Blade can be used as a bonus action or part of a larger action (e.g., an attack action). If you cast Green Flame Blade as part of an attack action, you cannot use smite as a bonus action in the same turn.
- Green Flame Blade’s bonus action: Green Flame Blade’s bonus action includes the attack roll and the fire damage calculation. Since smite also uses the bonus action slot, it can be used in combination with Green Flame Blade as long as the target meets the smite’s condition (fiend or undead).
Additional Considerations
Here are some additional points to keep in mind:
- Targetting the same creature: Green Flame Blade allows you to target the same creature with your attack, but you cannot use smite on the same target if the target is not a fiend or undead.
- Fiend or undead targets: If the target is a fiend or undead, Green Flame Blade’s damage is doubled. Additionally, if the target is a fiend or undead, you can use smite to deal extra damage.
- Combat versatility: Combining Green Flame Blade with smite allows for greater combat versatility, as you can deal extra damage to fiends or undead with smite while also using Green Flame Blade’s fire damage.
Table: Combining Green Flame Blade and Smite
| Situation | Can you use Green Flame Blade and smite together? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smite as a bonus action, Green Flame Blade as a bonus action | Yes | Both can be used in the same turn. |
| Green Flame Blade as part of an attack action, no smite available | No | Smite cannot be used in the same turn if Green Flame Blade is used as part of an attack action. |
| Target is not a fiend or undead | Yes | Smite cannot be used, but Green Flame Blade can still be used. |
| Target is a fiend or undead | Yes | Both can be used, and Green Flame Blade’s damage is doubled. |
In conclusion, you can use Green Flame Blade and smite together, but there are some conditions and considerations to keep in mind. With the right combinations, you can deal devastating damage to your enemies, especially if they are fiends or undead. Remember to stay flexible and adapt to different situations to get the most out of your abilities.