What Type of Action is Divine Smite?
Divine Smite is a Paladin class ability that deals radiant damage to a target, in addition to the weapon’s damage. But what type of action does it require? Is it an action, bonus action, or reaction? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and provide a clear answer to this question.
Direct Answer
According to the official 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, Divine Smite does not require an action of any sort. It can be used on a confirmed hit or crit, and it does not consume any of the Paladin’s actions.
Key Points
- Divine Smite is a Paladin class ability that deals radiant damage to a target.
- It does not require an action of any sort, including an action, bonus action, or reaction.
- It can be used on a confirmed hit or crit.
- It does not consume any of the Paladin’s actions.
Mechanical Analysis
To understand how Divine Smite works, let’s break down the mechanics. The ability states that when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target. This means that the ability is triggered by the hit, not by an action taken by the Paladin.
In terms of timing, the ability can be used on a confirmed hit or crit, which means that the Paladin can choose to use it immediately after the attack roll is made. This is in contrast to abilities that require a bonus action or reaction, which have specific timing restrictions.
Comparison to Other Abilities
To further illustrate the mechanics of Divine Smite, let’s compare it to other abilities that require different types of actions. For example, a Paladin’s Aura of Protection is a bonus action ability that grants a bonus to the Paladin’s allies. In contrast, Divine Smite is not an action at all, and can be used on a confirmed hit or crit.
Here’s a table summarizing the differences:
| Ability | Type of Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Smite | None | Confirmed hit or crit |
| Aura of Protection | Bonus Action | Start of turn |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Divine Smite is a Paladin class ability that does not require an action of any sort. It can be used on a confirmed hit or crit, and does not consume any of the Paladin’s actions. By understanding the mechanics of this ability, Paladins can make the most of their combat capabilities and deal significant damage to their enemies.