Can You Smite Twice?
Smiting is a powerful ability granted to paladins and clerics in Dungeons & Dragons. They can channel the power of their gods or patrons to deal damage and bring ruin to their enemies. With so many different types of smites, players may wonder if they can combine multiple smites in a single attack. This article will delve into the intricacies of smiting and provide a detailed answer to the question: Can you smite twice?
Divine Smite and Smite Spells: Different Kinds of Smites
Before we dive into whether it’s possible to smite twice, it’s essential to understand the different kinds of smites available. Divine Smite is a special feature granted to paladins, which deals extra damage to undead and fiends. It’s not a spell, but rather a feature that can be activated on a hit. Smite Spells, on the other hand, are specific spells that paladins and clerics can cast to deal damage.
Limitations on Smite Spells
Smite spells have specific rules governing their use. According to the official 5th edition Dungeon Master’s Guide, smite spells "require a bonus action to cast and concentration to maintain until the start of your next turn." This means that a paladin can only cast one smite spell at a time and must maintain concentration on it until their next turn.
Beware of Stacking Problems
As mentioned earlier, Smite spells don’t stack. Trying to cast multiple smite spells will not combine their effects, as each spell requires a separate concentration to maintain. Paladins, for example, can’t cast Eldritch Smite and Divine Smite at the same time. Trying to do so would result in concentration errors and unintended consequences.
Combining Smiting with Other Abilities
When it comes to combining smiting with other abilities, things get a bit more complex. Paladins and clerics can use their martial classes to make attacks before or after casting a smite spell. For instance, a paladin with the Extra Attack feature could potentially cast a smite spell in one bonus action and then use their additional attack in their primary action. However, this is outside the scope of the smite spell’s rules and only applicable when using the bonus action for casting the smite.
Divine Smite: The Free Action
Divine Smite is a special feature that works differently from smite spells. This feature allows paladins to add radiant damage to their attacks when dealing damage to undead and fiends. It does not require a bonus action or concentration, making it more straightforward to use in combination with other abilities. A paladin could, theoretically, use Divine Smite while raging or using other abilities that restrict spellcasting.
Table Summary
Here’s a summary of what we’ve discussed:
| Smite Spells | Divine Smite | |
|---|---|---|
| Casting Action | Bonus Action | Free Action |
| Concentration | Maintained until next turn | None required |
| Stacking | Spells don’t stack | Can’t combine with smite spells |
| Interaction with Other Abilities | Outside of scope of rules | Can be combined with other abilities |
Conclusion
To answer the question: Can you smite twice? The answer is no. While there are different types of smites available, smite spells and Divine Smite follow distinct rules that prevent stacking. However, paladins and clerics can combine their martial classes and bonus actions to create complex combinations and make their attacks more devastating.
It’s essential to understand the specific rules and limitations surrounding smite spells and Divine Smite to ensure that players make the most of their abilities without encountering unintended consequences.