Can you smite with an unarmed strike?

Can You Smite with an Unarmed Strike?

The question of whether a paladin can smite with an unarmed strike is a common one, and one that has sparked much debate among fans of the popular tabletop role-playing game. In this article, we will delve into the rules surrounding smiting and unarmed strikes, and provide a clear answer to this question.

Divine Smite and Unarmed Strikes

Before we dive into the specifics of smiting and unarmed strikes, it’s important to understand the basic rules surrounding Divine Smite. Divine Smite is a spell-like ability that allows a paladin to deal additional damage to an enemy, and is a key part of their kit.

The problem with unarmed strikes is that they are not considered "melee attacks" in the classical sense. Melee attacks are typically defined as attacks made with a weapon, such as a sword or a staff. Unarmed strikes, on the other hand, are attacks made without the use of a weapon, such as punching or kicking.

The Rules Surrounding Unarmed Strikes

According to the official Dungeons & Dragons rules, unarmed strikes are considered " unarmed attacks" rather than melee attacks. This means that they do not qualify as "melee attacks" for the purposes of abilities such as Divine Smite.

Can You Smite with an Unarmed Strike?

So, can you smite with an unarmed strike? Unfortunately, the answer is no. According to the official rules, Divine Smite can only be used on a "melee attack", and unarmed strikes do not qualify as melee attacks.

But What About Natural Weapons?

However, there is an exception to this rule. According to the official rules, natural weapons, such as the teeth or claws of a monster, are considered "melee attacks". This means that if a paladin has a natural weapon, such as a pair of razor-sharp claws, they can use Divine Smite on it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question of whether you can smite with an unarmed strike is no. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, such as the use of natural weapons. By understanding the rules surrounding unarmed strikes and Divine Smite, you can make informed decisions about your character’s abilities and create a more immersive and enjoyable game experience.

Common Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions and answers related to smiting and unarmed strikes:

Q: Can I use Divine Smite on an unarmed strike?
A: No, Divine Smite can only be used on a "melee attack", and unarmed strikes do not qualify as melee attacks.

Q: What about natural weapons? Can I use Divine Smite on them?
A: Yes, natural weapons, such as the teeth or claws of a monster, are considered "melee attacks" and can be used with Divine Smite.

Q: Can I use Divine Smite on a weapon that I’ve modified to be used unarmed?
A: No, according to the official rules, a modified weapon is still considered a "melee attack", and Divine Smite can only be used on a melee attack.

Q: Can I use Divine Smite on an ally’s unarmed strike?
A: No, Divine Smite can only be used on a melee attack, and an ally’s unarmed strike is not a melee attack.

Table: Smiting and Unarmed Strikes

By understanding the rules surrounding smiting and unarmed strikes, you can make informed decisions about your character’s abilities and create a more immersive and enjoyable game experience.