Had a situation come up last night where a druid (lvl 1) was healing a wolf that was being aggressive to him. He wanted to heal the wolf who had taken some damage and have advantage on animal handling. Everything is cool, however the DM asked to roll to hit for healing word, because the wolf didn't know what the druid was doing. Went through reading the spell description and as many of you know it doesn't have any attack or spell DC etc. I think we decided eventually that you can't miss a healing word and it just kind of surrounds the person or is like a magic missile.
I am curious as to what other DMs might have done and ruled.
The wolf is fine and is now friend with the druid. of course.
No need to roll to hit. As long as the caster can see the target of his/her spell then that is fine. Healing word is as simple as the name suggests. There are no bolts of light to avoid or anything visual to get out of the way of, it’s just a spell that heals.
I would have probably said the Wolf might not respond to it, but I dont think the healing word would need a roll to hit. Normally all that should be required is for the target to be able to hear, and the spellcaster to be able to shout out the healing word.
Your DM may have been thinking of various spell effects that require you to perform healing on a "willing creature."
Just bring it up with them the next time you guys meet, like the others said all that's needed is you have a spell slot, can talk, and that the target can hear you (they don't need to understand).
The spell does what it says on the tin: "A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier." The target need not be willing or have any idea what is going on. It works on unconscious people, after all.
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Hey all,
Had a situation come up last night where a druid (lvl 1) was healing a wolf that was being aggressive to him. He wanted to heal the wolf who had taken some damage and have advantage on animal handling. Everything is cool, however the DM asked to roll to hit for healing word, because the wolf didn't know what the druid was doing. Went through reading the spell description and as many of you know it doesn't have any attack or spell DC etc. I think we decided eventually that you can't miss a healing word and it just kind of surrounds the person or is like a magic missile.
I am curious as to what other DMs might have done and ruled.
The wolf is fine and is now friend with the druid. of course.
No need to roll to hit. As long as the caster can see the target of his/her spell then that is fine. Healing word is as simple as the name suggests. There are no bolts of light to avoid or anything visual to get out of the way of, it’s just a spell that heals.
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I would have probably said the Wolf might not respond to it, but I dont think the healing word would need a roll to hit. Normally all that should be required is for the target to be able to hear, and the spellcaster to be able to shout out the healing word.
Your DM may have been thinking of various spell effects that require you to perform healing on a "willing creature."
Just bring it up with them the next time you guys meet, like the others said all that's needed is you have a spell slot, can talk, and that the target can hear you (they don't need to understand).
The spell does what it says on the tin: "A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier." The target need not be willing or have any idea what is going on. It works on unconscious people, after all.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.