Deflect Missiles states "when you are hit by a ranged weapon attack".
The actions list on monster entries state those "ranged weapon attacks" right after the name of the action, for ease of reference. For example:
To borrow an example from burad2 above, Stone Giant (also in Monster Manual, pg 156) has "Rock.Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (4d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage."
Compare and contrast with Efreeti (also in Monster Manual, pg 145): "Hurl Flame.Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (5d6) fire damage."
And, of course, spells also mention their type of attack, if any. In your examples, Magic Missile has no attack roll. Fire Bolt includes "Make a ranged spell attack". Neither, thus, are "ranged weapon attacks".
I hope that makes it clearer.
To further reference the concept of deflecting boulders thrown by giants (and/or catapults or others), fully acknowledging the right of a DM to dictate any way they choose, I'll say that, contrary to third edition (or 3.5), where the feat "Deflect Arrows" explicitly forbid usage against such weapons, the mechanics of the feature in 5th edition work seamlessly with such attacks.
More specifically, the 3rd edition trait deflected one ranged attack fully and automatically - it would feel weird to block multiple dice of damage that could drop a castle wall by putting one's hand in front of it (Epic levels aside...). In 5th edition, the mechanic removes damage from the attack, making it automatically adjust to the situation at hand. An arrow that deals 1d8 damage can very well be fully deflected (and caught, and returned). A giant's 4d10 + Str boulder can only has its impact reduced so much by the monk's agile placement of hand and body.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
You can certainly "catch" the boulder...That doesn't mean it stops moving.
"You successfully catch the boulder, you and the boulder slam into the wall! You are now mush!"
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
You can certainly "catch" the boulder...That doesn't mean it stops moving.
"You successfully catch the boulder, you and the boulder slam into the wall! You are now mush!"
Sorry for the bad choice of words. by catchable I meant something that you can grab with your hands.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
You can certainly "catch" the boulder...That doesn't mean it stops moving.
"You successfully catch the boulder, you and the boulder slam into the wall! You are now mush!"
Sorry for the bad choice of words. by catchable I meant something that you can grab with your hands.
I knew what you meant. I was just making a dumb joke :P I couldn't help myself.
I would make the argument that with deflect missile weapons that are huge such as the boulder due to the defection key word. One could still deflect the boulder off of its trajectory, not by much but maybe just enough to reduce damage by a little. If it is possible to mini max a monk to run up to 150 mph then they should be able to deflect boulders. I would agree that a monk would not be able to catch the boulder or throw it back, though it would be fun to watch.
Deflect Missiles states "when you are hit by a ranged weapon attack".
The actions list on monster entries state those "ranged weapon attacks" right after the name of the action, for ease of reference. For example:
To borrow an example from burad2 above, Stone Giant (Monster Manual, pg 156, or here) has "Rock.Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (4d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage."
...
To further reference the concept of deflecting boulders thrown by giants (and/or catapults or others), fully acknowledging the right of a DM to dictate any way they choose, I'll say that, contrary to third edition (or 3.5), where the feat "Deflect Arrows" explicitly forbid usage against such weapons, the mechanics of the feature in 5th edition work seamlessly with such attacks.
More specifically, the 3rd edition trait deflected one ranged attack fully and automatically - it would feel weird to block multiple dice of damage that could drop a castle wall by putting one's hand in front of it (Epic levels aside...). In 5th edition, the mechanic removes damage from the attack, making it automatically adjust to the situation at hand. An arrow that deals 1d8 damage can very well be fully deflected (and caught, and returned). A giant's 4d10 + Str boulder can only has its impact reduced so much by the monk's agile placement of hand and body.
Great explanation! I really try to avoid applying house rules whenever possible (to avoid unintential side effects and nerfing my players) and this is a great example of where I don't need one, just careful application of the existing rules.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
You can certainly "catch" the boulder...That doesn't mean it stops moving.
"You successfully catch the boulder, you and the boulder slam into the wall! You are now mush!"
Ok sorry been gone so long, but as a martial artist myself and reading this rule and thread including the boulder item I have something I would like to add to the thoughts. A few years ago while I was training my oldest daughter I dropped her off at the high school. As I was pulling away and she was walking in the cross walk I witnessed the horror of another car driving through the cross walk (to busy yelling at their teenager who was wearing headphones and not caring) not even notice her and go straight at her. In high heels and a long skirt, she planted one hand on the car hood, kicked her feet out and used it's motion and her agility to change her direction from going under the car to being beside it. My horror changed to pride as I realized what she had done. (no the parent didn't stop they looked in horror themselves and then drove away as fast as they could as I was getting out of my car) So I offer the argument that while no, a monk couldn't deflect a boulder away that they could with their skill and a good enough roll, deflect themselves away from the boulder using a similar technique.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
You can certainly "catch" the boulder...That doesn't mean it stops moving.
"You successfully catch the boulder, you and the boulder slam into the wall! You are now mush!"
Ok sorry been gone so long, but as a martial artist myself and reading this rule and thread including the boulder item I have something I would like to add to the thoughts. A few years ago while I was training my oldest daughter I dropped her off at the high school. As I was pulling away and she was walking in the cross walk I witnessed the horror of another car driving through the cross walk (to busy yelling at their teenager who was wearing headphones and not caring) not even notice her and go straight at her. In high heels and a long skirt, she planted one hand on the car hood, kicked her feet out and used it's motion and her agility to change her direction from going under the car to being beside it. My horror changed to pride as I realized what she had done. (no the parent didn't stop they looked in horror themselves and then drove away as fast as they could as I was getting out of my car) So I offer the argument that while no, a monk couldn't deflect a boulder away that they could with their skill and a good enough roll, deflect themselves away from the boulder using a similar technique.
Really happy for your daughter! I would have used some Flurry of Blows on the guy in the car but back to the rules. You know what, you basically made me change my mind. Rule as written there is no size limitation on the missile. So yes, you cannot catch the giant boulder but you definitely reduce the damage.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
You can certainly "catch" the boulder...That doesn't mean it stops moving.
"You successfully catch the boulder, you and the boulder slam into the wall! You are now mush!"
Ok sorry been gone so long, but as a martial artist myself and reading this rule and thread including the boulder item I have something I would like to add to the thoughts. A few years ago while I was training my oldest daughter I dropped her off at the high school. As I was pulling away and she was walking in the cross walk I witnessed the horror of another car driving through the cross walk (to busy yelling at their teenager who was wearing headphones and not caring) not even notice her and go straight at her. In high heels and a long skirt, she planted one hand on the car hood, kicked her feet out and used it's motion and her agility to change her direction from going under the car to being beside it. My horror changed to pride as I realized what she had done. (no the parent didn't stop they looked in horror themselves and then drove away as fast as they could as I was getting out of my car) So I offer the argument that while no, a monk couldn't deflect a boulder away that they could with their skill and a good enough roll, deflect themselves away from the boulder using a similar technique.
Really happy for your daughter! I would have used some Flurry of Blows on the guy in the car but back to the rules. You know what, you basically made me change my mind. Rule as written there is no size limitation on the missile. So yes, you cannot catch the giant boulder but you definitely reduce the damage.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
You can certainly "catch" the boulder...That doesn't mean it stops moving.
"You successfully catch the boulder, you and the boulder slam into the wall! You are now mush!"
Ok sorry been gone so long, but as a martial artist myself and reading this rule and thread including the boulder item I have something I would like to add to the thoughts. A few years ago while I was training my oldest daughter I dropped her off at the high school. As I was pulling away and she was walking in the cross walk I witnessed the horror of another car driving through the cross walk (to busy yelling at their teenager who was wearing headphones and not caring) not even notice her and go straight at her. In high heels and a long skirt, she planted one hand on the car hood, kicked her feet out and used it's motion and her agility to change her direction from going under the car to being beside it. My horror changed to pride as I realized what she had done. (no the parent didn't stop they looked in horror themselves and then drove away as fast as they could as I was getting out of my car) So I offer the argument that while no, a monk couldn't deflect a boulder away that they could with their skill and a good enough roll, deflect themselves away from the boulder using a similar technique.
Really happy for your daughter! I would have used some Flurry of Blows on the guy in the car but back to the rules. You know what, you basically made me change my mind. Rule as written there is no size limitation on the missile. So yes, you cannot catch the giant boulder but you definitely reduce the damage.
I like the idea of the reduced damage as well. Due to the fact that reading your comment reminded me that yes she did have a sore wrist and arm for a few days from the move. But as she has pointed out to me repeatedly, she did not damage or break her heels. When you are 16 years old I guess there are priorities. So curious what would be your thoughts on the reduction of damage? She more then halfed the damage, but the car wasn't directed at doing damage to her like a boulder would be, and she had the benefit of the fact the hood of the car was below her waist level, (she is 5'10"). So maybe 1/2 damage for the parry (hand on car), then half that for a successful DEX save to use it's momentum to move you? Want to keep it fun without bogging down with math.
The 5th edition rule already presents a measured response.
If a ranged weapon attack is coming your way, you spend your reaction, then roll 1d10, add your Dexterity modifier and your Monk level, and deduce that sum from the damage the incoming ranged weapon would do. It works fine against both arrows and giant boulders, with relative chance of complete success - a low level monk can likely stop goblin arrows but would have serious issues with giant boulders. A high level monk is bound to fare better.
As a bonus, if you reduce that damage to 0 and the projectile is small enough to catch in one hand, you can spend one Ki to return it to the sender. This works well on goblin arrows. Not so much on giant boulders, regardless of the monk's level.
To me, it seems particularly elegant in design - the results in any situation seem to reflect what I would imagine would happen.
Also, by a quick calculation, I conclude your daughter is at least a level 7 monk.
The 5th edition rule already presents a measured response.
If a ranged weapon attack is coming your way, you spend your reaction, then roll 1d10, add your Dexterity modifier and your Monk level, and deduce that sum from the damage the incoming ranged weapon would do. It works fine against both arrows and giant boulders, with relative chance of complete success - a low level monk can likely stop goblin arrows but would have serious issues with giant boulders. A high level monk is bound to fare better.
As a bonus, if you reduce that damage to 0 and the projectile is small enough to catch in one hand, you can spend one Ki to return it to the sender. This works well on goblin arrows. Not so much on giant boulders, regardless of the monk's level.
To me, it seems particularly elegant in design - the results in any situation seem to reflect what I would imagine would happen.
Also, by a quick calculation, I conclude your daughter is at least a level 7 monk.
Oh cool. I must have glanced over that option...(not surprising since all my PCs with different DMs have not been able to return to the table and are all sitting at level 1 or 2....
The conclusion that my daughter is a level 7 monk was met with cheers and laughter for the calculation. You honestly made our night.
Now I know this topic is a bit old, but I have an interesting question, if for some reason one player, say a barbarian or a fighter throws a javelin of lightning at a monk... can the monk fully deflect that missile? I mean it only does as much physical damage as a normal javelin but then inflicts an additional 4D6 lightning damage. I guess it would be up to DM discretion overall if you just needed to bear the physical damage to deflect the missile and still took the lightning damage or if the act of stopping the middle stopped the electricity itself from hitting you... just wanted a second opinion on the matter really.
The Javelin of Lightning is an interesting weapon, but I see no conflict with the rules of Deflect Missiles.
If the monk is between the thrower and the target, there's no attack roll - it's a line effect that requires a Dexterity saving throw (so, Evasion is useful). No Deflect Missiles, though.
If the monk is the target, the Javelin transforms back into a physical item before it hits. When it does hit (assuming it does), since a ranged weapon attack was involved, it's susceptible to Deflect Missiles. Mind, it does a lot of damage with that pesky additional 4d6 Lightning, so it may still be difficult to avoid all of its damage and catch it. Certainly it's a much more dangerous weapon to try to deflect than a standard javelin.
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Might be a silly question but can a monk use this to deflect/catch magic attacks (i.e. magic missile, fire bolt, etc.)?
No only physical missiles. After all, you have to catch something...
Right. lol i figured so but just wanted to make sure!!
And some DMs will not let you use it to deflect boulders thrown by giants.
Deflect Missiles states "when you are hit by a ranged weapon attack".
The actions list on monster entries state those "ranged weapon attacks" right after the name of the action, for ease of reference. For example:
To borrow an example from burad2 above, Stone Giant (also in Monster Manual, pg 156) has "Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (4d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage."
Compare and contrast with Efreeti (also in Monster Manual, pg 145): "Hurl Flame. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (5d6) fire damage."
And, of course, spells also mention their type of attack, if any. In your examples, Magic Missile has no attack roll. Fire Bolt includes "Make a ranged spell attack". Neither, thus, are "ranged weapon attacks".
I hope that makes it clearer.
To further reference the concept of deflecting boulders thrown by giants (and/or catapults or others), fully acknowledging the right of a DM to dictate any way they choose, I'll say that, contrary to third edition (or 3.5), where the feat "Deflect Arrows" explicitly forbid usage against such weapons, the mechanics of the feature in 5th edition work seamlessly with such attacks.
More specifically, the 3rd edition trait deflected one ranged attack fully and automatically - it would feel weird to block multiple dice of damage that could drop a castle wall by putting one's hand in front of it (Epic levels aside...). In 5th edition, the mechanic removes damage from the attack, making it automatically adjust to the situation at hand. An arrow that deals 1d8 damage can very well be fully deflected (and caught, and returned). A giant's 4d10 + Str boulder can only has its impact reduced so much by the monk's agile placement of hand and body.
An easy "rule" of mine, is wheter or not the missile is "catchable". if it is, deflect missiles apply. if it is not, like giant boulders...it better to dogde.
I would make the argument that with deflect missile weapons that are huge such as the boulder due to the defection key word. One could still deflect the boulder off of its trajectory, not by much but maybe just enough to reduce damage by a little. If it is possible to mini max a monk to run up to 150 mph then they should be able to deflect boulders. I would agree that a monk would not be able to catch the boulder or throw it back, though it would be fun to watch.
"First in, Last out."
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Thank you!
And that reminded me to go back and apply the very convenient tags on that post...
The 5th edition rule already presents a measured response.
If a ranged weapon attack is coming your way, you spend your reaction, then roll 1d10, add your Dexterity modifier and your Monk level, and deduce that sum from the damage the incoming ranged weapon would do. It works fine against both arrows and giant boulders, with relative chance of complete success - a low level monk can likely stop goblin arrows but would have serious issues with giant boulders. A high level monk is bound to fare better.
As a bonus, if you reduce that damage to 0 and the projectile is small enough to catch in one hand, you can spend one Ki to return it to the sender. This works well on goblin arrows. Not so much on giant boulders, regardless of the monk's level.
To me, it seems particularly elegant in design - the results in any situation seem to reflect what I would imagine would happen.
Also, by a quick calculation, I conclude your daughter is at least a level 7 monk.
Oh cool. I must have glanced over that option...(not surprising since all my PCs with different DMs have not been able to return to the table and are all sitting at level 1 or 2....
The conclusion that my daughter is a level 7 monk was met with cheers and laughter for the calculation. You honestly made our night.
Now I know this topic is a bit old, but I have an interesting question, if for some reason one player, say a barbarian or a fighter throws a javelin of lightning at a monk... can the monk fully deflect that missile? I mean it only does as much physical damage as a normal javelin but then inflicts an additional 4D6 lightning damage. I guess it would be up to DM discretion overall if you just needed to bear the physical damage to deflect the missile and still took the lightning damage or if the act of stopping the middle stopped the electricity itself from hitting you... just wanted a second opinion on the matter really.
The Javelin of Lightning is an interesting weapon, but I see no conflict with the rules of Deflect Missiles.
If the monk is between the thrower and the target, there's no attack roll - it's a line effect that requires a Dexterity saving throw (so, Evasion is useful). No Deflect Missiles, though.
If the monk is the target, the Javelin transforms back into a physical item before it hits. When it does hit (assuming it does), since a ranged weapon attack was involved, it's susceptible to Deflect Missiles. Mind, it does a lot of damage with that pesky additional 4d6 Lightning, so it may still be difficult to avoid all of its damage and catch it. Certainly it's a much more dangerous weapon to try to deflect than a standard javelin.