Do Spiritual Weapons Get Attacks of Opportunity?
Introduction
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, spiritual weapons are a powerful tool for characters to deal damage to their enemies. But, when it comes to attacks of opportunity, things can get a bit tricky. In this article, we’ll explore whether spiritual weapons get attacks of opportunity and what the rules have to say about it.
Direct Answer
No, Spiritual Weapons Do Not Get Attacks of Opportunity
According to the rules, spiritual weapons are a type of spell attack, and as such, they do not get attacks of opportunity. This is stated in the Player’s Handbook (p. 234) and also in the D&D 5th Edition Monster Manual (p. 319).
Why Spiritual Weapons Don’t Get Attacks of Opportunity
Here are some key points that explain why spiritual weapons don’t get attacks of opportunity:
- Spiritual weapons are a type of spell attack: As a spell attack, spiritual weapons don’t trigger attacks of opportunity. Only melee attacks can trigger attacks of opportunity (see Combat chapter in the Player’s Handbook, p. 191).
- No opportunity attacks for spellcasters: Spellcasters, including those who cast spiritual weapons, are exempt from making opportunity attacks (see Combat chapter in the Player’s Handbook, p. 194).
- Spiritual weapons don’t require an attack roll: Unlike melee attacks, spiritual weapons don’t require an attack roll, which means they don’t trigger attacks of opportunity.
Examples and Illustrations
Here are some examples and illustrations to further clarify the rules:
- Example 1: A fighter is in melee combat with an enemy, and an ally casts spiritual weapon at the enemy. The fighter does not get an attack of opportunity in this situation.
- Example 2: A rogue is sneaking up on an enemy, and the enemy is within 5 feet of the rogue. The rogue does not get an attack of opportunity in this situation, as spiritual weapons are not considered melee attacks.
Table: Spiritual Weapons and Attacks of Opportunity
| Melee Attack | Spiritual Weapon | |
|---|---|---|
| Triggers Attacks of Opportunity | ||
| Requires Attack Roll | ||
| Exempts from Making Opportunity Attacks |
Conclusion
In conclusion, spiritual weapons do not get attacks of opportunity in Dungeons & Dragons. As a type of spell attack, they are exempt from triggering attacks of opportunity and do not require an attack roll. This rule helps to clarify the rules of combat and ensures that players know what to expect when casting spiritual weapons.