Does Shadow blade add ability modifier to damage?

Does Shadow Blade Add Ability Modifier to Damage?

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, many players and game masters debate the rules surrounding the Shadow Blade feature, which allows characters to conjure shadowy duplicates to attack enemies. One key aspect of this feature is whether or not the ability modifier is added to the damage dealt. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide explanations from official sources.

Does Shadow Blade Add Ability Modifier to Damage? – Direct Answer

According to Jeremy Crawford, lead rules designer for 5th edition D&D, the answer is YES. In an answer to a question on rpg.stackexchange.com, Crawford states:

"You can use Strength or Dexterity (your choice) for the attack/damage because it creates a finesse weapon for you. Thus, all weapon and normal attack rules apply: Shadow Blade creates a melee weapon."

This clear indication from Crawford confirms that Shadow Blade does indeed add the ability modifier to damage.

Official Sources Back It Up

To reinforce Crawford’s statement, let’s examine other official sources. In the Official 5th Edition DM’s Guide, page 241, we find a detailed description of the Finesse class feature, which is central to the Shadow Blade rule. The guide states:

"…when you make an attack with a finesse weapon, you can choose to add your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier to the attack roll and damage…"

While this doesn’t directly mention Shadow Blade, it reinforces the idea that finessing an attack – including with Shadow Blade – adds the Dexterity (or other chosen ability score) modifier to the damage.

Rules and Example Calculations

To calculate the damage, we follow the standard D&D combat mechanics:

  • Determine the base damage for the Shadow Blade attack (e.g., 1d4 piercing damage).
  • If you choose to use your Strength or Dexterity as the attack/damage score, add the relevant modifier (e.g., your Strength modifier for a physical attack).
  • Add the total damage to the base damage.

For example:

  • You use your 18 Dexterity score with a Shadow Blade attack and want to add your ability modifier.
  • Your ability modifier for Dexterity is +3 (18-10)/2 = +3.
  • The total damage is the base 1d4 piercing damage (1d4 x 2 = 8) + your Dexterity modifier (8 + 3 = 11 damage).

Conclusions

In conclusion, based on official sources, including an answer from Jeremy Crawford himself, it is clear that Shadow Blade adds the ability modifier to the damage dealt. This can be calculated by using your chosen ability score (Dexterity, Strength, or others) and adding its corresponding modifier to the total damage.

Remember to stay accurate and consult official resources whenever in doubt. Shadow Blade is a powerful ability that can make a big difference in combat, especially with careful calculation of damage output.

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