Random question given how if Barbarians rage they can't cast or concentrate of spells, I'm wondering if this applies to race abilities? I know that if an ability states "cast can X using your Y modifier" that would be a no as RAW for ragging, although what about abilities such as the Firbolgs' Hidden Step trait which allows them to turn magically invisible until the start of their next turn. Given how they're not casting a spell and there doesn't seem to be any implication of concentration needed would race abilities/traits that produce a magical effect be able to activate during rage? Any thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.
If a racial feature does not mention casting a spell it works with rage. The only rage limitations are the inability to cast spells, the inability to concentrate on spells, and the lack of wearing heavy armor.
RAW anything else should work, even features that require concentration (though i think its common practice for many dms to not allow concentration on anything at all while raging)
This means that there are several racial features that are magical in nature that are allowed while raging, such as the shadar-kai teleport or the Firbolg's hidden step feature (but not the Firbolg Magic feature)
The best example to clarify this is to compare the Eladrin from the Dungeon Master's Guide with the Eladrin in Mordenkainen's Tome Of Foes. The DMG Eladrin's version of the Fey Step ability says "You can cast the misty step spell once using this trait. You regain the ability to do so when you finish a short or long rest." while the ToF Eladrin's version says "As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a short or long rest." Therefore, a DMG Eladrin couldn't Fey Step during a Rage, but a ToF Eladrin could.
The best example to clarify this is to compare the Eladrin from the Dungeon Master's Guide with the Eladrin in Mordenkainen's Tome Of Foes. The DMG Eladrin's version of the Fey Step ability says "You can cast the misty step spell once using this trait. You regain the ability to do so when you finish a short or long rest." while the ToF Eladrin's version says "As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a short or long rest." Therefore, a DMG Eladrin couldn't Fey Step during a Rage, but a ToF Eladrin could.
This is the best description you can get. The wording of the racial abilities is important. Some say cast, some do not.
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Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
And even then, DM's discretion. I've had dms that are reeeaalll wacky with what they will and won't allow per version of the game, but will homebrew wild stuff instead, but will also make vanilla things worse to "balance" them, it just super varies. No matter what's in the official rules, someone will change it for better or for worse. Like Druids that wildshape into an Ape being able to weild weapons. one dm says yeah definitely, one says no, one says yes but with disadvantage. DMs hold all the power, really. Hope you get a fair one.
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Hey All
Random question given how if Barbarians rage they can't cast or concentrate of spells, I'm wondering if this applies to race abilities? I know that if an ability states "cast can X using your Y modifier" that would be a no as RAW for ragging, although what about abilities such as the Firbolgs' Hidden Step trait which allows them to turn magically invisible until the start of their next turn. Given how they're not casting a spell and there doesn't seem to be any implication of concentration needed would race abilities/traits that produce a magical effect be able to activate during rage? Any thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to.
You are correct as far as I can tell. No casting simply a racial trait like breath weapon for a Dragonborn.
Thank a bunch, I was worried that racial traits had some rules I missed.
Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to.
If a racial feature does not mention casting a spell it works with rage. The only rage limitations are the inability to cast spells, the inability to concentrate on spells, and the lack of wearing heavy armor.
RAW anything else should work, even features that require concentration (though i think its common practice for many dms to not allow concentration on anything at all while raging)
This means that there are several racial features that are magical in nature that are allowed while raging, such as the shadar-kai teleport or the Firbolg's hidden step feature (but not the Firbolg Magic feature)
The best example to clarify this is to compare the Eladrin from the Dungeon Master's Guide with the Eladrin in Mordenkainen's Tome Of Foes. The DMG Eladrin's version of the Fey Step ability says "You can cast the misty step spell once using this trait. You regain the ability to do so when you finish a short or long rest." while the ToF Eladrin's version says "As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a short or long rest." Therefore, a DMG Eladrin couldn't Fey Step during a Rage, but a ToF Eladrin could.
This is the best description you can get. The wording of the racial abilities is important. Some say cast, some do not.
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Tasha
And even then, DM's discretion. I've had dms that are reeeaalll wacky with what they will and won't allow per version of the game, but will homebrew wild stuff instead, but will also make vanilla things worse to "balance" them, it just super varies. No matter what's in the official rules, someone will change it for better or for worse. Like Druids that wildshape into an Ape being able to weild weapons. one dm says yeah definitely, one says no, one says yes but with disadvantage. DMs hold all the power, really. Hope you get a fair one.