Can I cast a spell as a reaction when a creature enters the reach of my quarterstaff if I have the Polearm Master and War Caster feats? [duplicate]

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  • Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?

    2 answers



  • Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?

    5 answers



The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:




While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.




The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:




When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.




Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).



Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?










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marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.










  • 1




    Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
    – Daniel Zastoupil
    Nov 20 at 22:48















up vote
10
down vote

favorite
1













This question already has an answer here:



  • Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?

    2 answers



  • Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?

    5 answers



The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:




While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.




The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:




When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.




Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).



Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?










share|improve this question









New contributor




F.Capoccia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.










  • 1




    Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
    – Daniel Zastoupil
    Nov 20 at 22:48













up vote
10
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
10
down vote

favorite
1






1






This question already has an answer here:



  • Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?

    2 answers



  • Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?

    5 answers



The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:




While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.




The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:




When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.




Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).



Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?










share|improve this question









New contributor




F.Capoccia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












This question already has an answer here:



  • Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?

    2 answers



  • Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?

    5 answers



The Polearm Master feat (PHB, p. 168) says:




While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter the reach you have with that weapon.




The War Caster feat (PHB, p. 170) says:




When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.




Assume that I'm a wizard, with both Polearm Master and War Caster, and I'm holding a staff of power (it's a magic quarterstaff).



Can I cast a spell (with a casting time of 1 action) as a reaction when a creature enters my quarterstaff's reach, targeting only that creature?





This question already has an answer here:



  • Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?

    2 answers



  • Can Warlock with the Polearm Master and War Caster Feats cast Eldritch Blast as an Opportunity Attack while wearing a shield, RAW?

    5 answers







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edited Nov 21 at 1:28









V2Blast

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asked Nov 20 at 21:15









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Check out our Code of Conduct.






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marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.






marked as duplicate by SeraphsWrath, YogoZuno, Sdjz, Jason_c_o, V2Blast Nov 21 at 1:29


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.









  • 1




    Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
    – Daniel Zastoupil
    Nov 20 at 22:48













  • 1




    Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
    – Daniel Zastoupil
    Nov 20 at 22:48








1




1




Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48





Related: Can you combine Polearm Master with War Caster to cast Booming Blade as enemies approach?
– Daniel Zastoupil
Nov 20 at 22:48











2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
17
down vote



accepted










This works fine by RAW



There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:



  1. Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")

  2. Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)

  3. Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)

  4. Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.

So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.



However, by RAI...



The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:




Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm.




At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.






share|improve this answer


















  • 1




    I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
    – MarkTO
    Nov 20 at 22:15










  • That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
    – Miniman
    Nov 20 at 22:26

















up vote
11
down vote













Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No



Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:




Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
polearm is then made with that polearm




This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.






share|improve this answer





























    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes








    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    17
    down vote



    accepted










    This works fine by RAW



    There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:



    1. Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")

    2. Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)

    3. Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)

    4. Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.

    So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.



    However, by RAI...



    The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:




    Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



    A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
    polearm is then made with that polearm.




    At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.






    share|improve this answer


















    • 1




      I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
      – MarkTO
      Nov 20 at 22:15










    • That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
      – Miniman
      Nov 20 at 22:26














    up vote
    17
    down vote



    accepted










    This works fine by RAW



    There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:



    1. Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")

    2. Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)

    3. Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)

    4. Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.

    So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.



    However, by RAI...



    The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:




    Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



    A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
    polearm is then made with that polearm.




    At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.






    share|improve this answer


















    • 1




      I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
      – MarkTO
      Nov 20 at 22:15










    • That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
      – Miniman
      Nov 20 at 22:26












    up vote
    17
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    17
    down vote



    accepted






    This works fine by RAW



    There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:



    1. Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")

    2. Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)

    3. Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)

    4. Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.

    So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.



    However, by RAI...



    The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:




    Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



    A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
    polearm is then made with that polearm.




    At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.






    share|improve this answer














    This works fine by RAW



    There's no reason this wouldn't work, and generally meets the intent of both feats. Running through the checklist though:



    1. Are you wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear? Yes. (the staff of power is wielded as a "magic quarterstaff")

    2. Has a creature entered your range with that weapon, provoking an opportunity attack? Yes. (note, it doesn't say you need to use that weapon in the attack)

    3. Do you have an opportunity attack with which to substitute a reaction to cast a spell instead? Yes. (per #2)

    4. Does the spell you're casting cost 1 action, and target only that creature? If so, then Yes.

    So long as all the criteria above are met, then it works as expected.



    However, by RAI...



    The answer provided by rpeinhardt cites authoritative clarification that this isn't intended to be the case:




    Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



    A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
    polearm is then made with that polearm.




    At this point, it's up to the DM with how to rule here.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Nov 20 at 21:54









    Rubiksmoose

    44.2k6221337




    44.2k6221337










    answered Nov 20 at 21:23









    Mwr247

    1,387716




    1,387716







    • 1




      I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
      – MarkTO
      Nov 20 at 22:15










    • That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
      – Miniman
      Nov 20 at 22:26












    • 1




      I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
      – MarkTO
      Nov 20 at 22:15










    • That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
      – Miniman
      Nov 20 at 22:26







    1




    1




    I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
    – MarkTO
    Nov 20 at 22:15




    I'd argue that yes, the intent was that the OA would be made with the polearm, however, the specificity rules for WarCaster would overrule that, regardless of who makes the comment. OA is always 'intended' to be made with a melee weapon. I think that Crawford's response is out of line (Yes, he can be out of line, he's not a god)
    – MarkTO
    Nov 20 at 22:15












    That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
    – Miniman
    Nov 20 at 22:26




    That tweet is about reach. It's immaterial here because the querent is using a quarterstaff, not a reach weapon.
    – Miniman
    Nov 20 at 22:26












    up vote
    11
    down vote













    Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No



    Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:




    Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



    A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
    polearm is then made with that polearm




    This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.






    share|improve this answer


























      up vote
      11
      down vote













      Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No



      Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:




      Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



      A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
      polearm is then made with that polearm




      This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        11
        down vote










        up vote
        11
        down vote









        Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No



        Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:




        Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



        A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
        polearm is then made with that polearm




        This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.






        share|improve this answer














        Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No



        Per the lead rules designer, Jeremy Crawford:




        Q: [I]f I have the war caster feat and a reach weapon can I use a spell instead of the weapon if they move to 15 ft?



        A: The intent is that any OA triggered because you're wielding a
        polearm is then made with that polearm




        This is Rules as Intended. However, Rules as Written, the literal interpretation allows you to do as you say.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Nov 21 at 3:01









        Rubiksmoose

        44.2k6221337




        44.2k6221337










        answered Nov 20 at 21:22









        Rykara

        1,112212




        1,112212












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