I have a question regarding the Hex spell. I find it an odd one as it is a concentration spell, so technically doing anything else like attacking or casting another spell should stop the Hex spell from working. However, the wording of the spell states: "You place a curse on a creature that you can see within range. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack. Also, choose one ability when you cast the spell. The target has disadvantage on ability checks made with the chosen ability."
So, how can it be a concentration spell that allows me to physically attack the target, when doing so should stop the spell from functioning?
You can attack just fine while concentrating on a spell.
Concentration
Some spells require you to maintain concentration in order to keep their magic active. If you lose concentration, such a spell ends.
If a spell must be maintained with concentration, that fact appears in its Duration entry, and the spell specifies how long you can concentrate on it. You can end concentration at any time (no action required).
Normal activity, such as moving and attacking, doesn't interfere with concentration. The following factors can break concentration:
Casting another spell that requires concentration. You lose concentration on a spell if you cast another spell that requires concentration. You can't concentrate on two spells at once.
Taking damage. Whenever you take damage while you are concentrating on a spell, you must make a Constitution saving throw to maintain your concentration. The DC equals 10 or half the damage you take, whichever number is higher. If you take damage from multiple sources, such as an arrow and a dragon's breath, you make a separate saving throw for each source of damage.
Being incapacitated or killed. You lose concentration on a spell if you are incapacitated or if you die.
The DM might also decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell.
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
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Only the insane have strength enough to prosper, only those that prosper can truly judge what is sane...
Yeah, your DMs were definitely doing it wrong. Concentration is free, you can only concentrate on one thing at a time and somethings like taking damage can cause you to lose concentration.
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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.
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
DMs, plural, weren't letting you use concentration and other spells? This is really basic stuff that is part of the core rules. I suggest you read up on your spells because if they messed that up they are probably going to be doing a lot of other stuff wrong.
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
DMs, plural, weren't letting you use concentration and other spells? This is really basic stuff that is part of the core rules. I suggest you read up on your spells because if they messed that up they are probably going to be doing a lot of other stuff wrong.
First DM wouldn't let me go fishing by using Fly then Eldritch Blast to attack the fish. In discussions with current DM, who was taught by 1st DM...
...And current DM has ruled NO other spells while using Hex/any Concentration spell. So while I'm using Hex, I become a pure physical fighter, just with Hex's bonus damage & stat disadvantage. Pleaded my case, but no luck...
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
DMs, plural, weren't letting you use concentration and other spells? This is really basic stuff that is part of the core rules. I suggest you read up on your spells because if they messed that up they are probably going to be doing a lot of other stuff wrong.
First DM wouldn't let me go fishing by using Fly then Eldritch Blast to attack the fish. In discussions with current DM, who was taught by 1st DM...
...And current DM has ruled NO other spells while using Hex/any Concentration spell. So while I'm using Hex, I become a pure physical fighter, just with Hex's bonus damage & stat disadvantage. Pleaded my case, but no luck...
Had to chuckle at fishing with Eldritch Blast. Lol
Hopefully the DM will change their mind and follow the rules, but in the end they have final say. And as long as they are consistent with applying it with all spellcasters and not singling you out that’s their prerogative. But I think that sucks. Don’t know if you have other spells that are concentration but maybe they would let you swap out spells if they won’t budge.
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
DMs, plural, weren't letting you use concentration and other spells? This is really basic stuff that is part of the core rules. I suggest you read up on your spells because if they messed that up they are probably going to be doing a lot of other stuff wrong.
First DM wouldn't let me go fishing by using Fly then Eldritch Blast to attack the fish. In discussions with current DM, who was taught by 1st DM...
...And current DM has ruled NO other spells while using Hex/any Concentration spell. So while I'm using Hex, I become a pure physical fighter, just with Hex's bonus damage & stat disadvantage. Pleaded my case, but no luck...
If you've shown them the rules on Concentration from the PHB and they're still not budging, it may be time to consider leaving the game because that rule nerfs spellcasters to the point of making most builds unplayable.
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
DMs, plural, weren't letting you use concentration and other spells? This is really basic stuff that is part of the core rules. I suggest you read up on your spells because if they messed that up they are probably going to be doing a lot of other stuff wrong.
First DM wouldn't let me go fishing by using Fly then Eldritch Blast to attack the fish. In discussions with current DM, who was taught by 1st DM...
...And current DM has ruled NO other spells while using Hex/any Concentration spell. So while I'm using Hex, I become a pure physical fighter, just with Hex's bonus damage & stat disadvantage. Pleaded my case, but no luck...
My first Warlock is somewhat insane, so he tried fishing using Eldritch Blast from the docks (no Fly allowed), blew up the fish, covering himself in bits of fish, pealed 1 piece off his shoulder, used Fire Bolt to roast it (burning his finger a bit :P), then rather enjoyed it... :P
It'll be a bit hard to find a new Group. The 1st DM is a good friend who DMed all of us when we were starting and taught a few of us to DM, plus the current DM is my Sister's Fiance, with my Sister, Brother's roommate, pretty much most of my social contacts involved in the Group. Plus since I work nights Monday to Friday, recover Saturday then try doing things Saturday arvo/Sunday, my playing day options are limited...
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Only the insane have strength enough to prosper, only those that prosper can truly judge what is sane...
Then I suggest telling the DM that if they are going to houserule concentration that way that you would like to change your character and then make a non-spellcaster.
My warlock isn't a Hex user, so I won't comment on the rule. However, the topic brings up a very impactful point: we're human, and we make mistakes, even with Rules As Written (RAW). Even DMs (my usual role) make errors, self very much included. Almost every time, unless it's extremely situation specific, a player points something out where I've erred, and I'll apologize and change the ruling, if I can.
So, in this case, as others have pointed out, high level spell casters would get nerfed hard by the concentration ruling. I would, outside of session, email the GM the rule as written, and then, very kindly but strongly, say what his or her interpretation has in terms of real game impacts. You don't need to be PC-specific, you can make it broadly about the game, including potential adversaries. Magic is powerful stuff, and at high levels, the ruling can partly neuter the Big Bad and reduce their utility as an opponent.
I sometimes email or Facebook message my DM with ideas. He's a busy dude so I don't expect regular response, but I know he's open to new ideas and interpretations that stay within RAW.
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
DMs, plural, weren't letting you use concentration and other spells? This is really basic stuff that is part of the core rules. I suggest you read up on your spells because if they messed that up they are probably going to be doing a lot of other stuff wrong.
First DM wouldn't let me go fishing by using Fly then Eldritch Blast to attack the fish. In discussions with current DM, who was taught by 1st DM...
...And current DM has ruled NO other spells while using Hex/any Concentration spell. So while I'm using Hex, I become a pure physical fighter, just with Hex's bonus damage & stat disadvantage. Pleaded my case, but no luck...
That ruling breaks pretty much every spellcaster in the game. Druids can't hang on to Call Lightning, nobody can hang on to Hold Person, etc. unless they just sit their doing nothing else. Put simply, ruling that casting any kind of spell breaks concentration will also break the game's balance in a BIG way. Have you asked WHY they felt the need to go against the rules and cripple spellcasters like that? Because seriously, that houserule alone would make me leave the group.
My first Warlock is somewhat insane, so he tried fishing using Eldritch Blast from the docks (no Fly allowed), blew up the fish, covering himself in bits of fish, pealed 1 piece off his shoulder, used Fire Bolt to roast it (burning his finger a bit :P), then rather enjoyed it... :P
It'll be a bit hard to find a new Group. The 1st DM is a good friend who DMed all of us when we were starting and taught a few of us to DM, plus the current DM is my Sister's Fiance, with my Sister, Brother's roommate, pretty much most of my social contacts involved in the Group. Plus since I work nights Monday to Friday, recover Saturday then try doing things Saturday arvo/Sunday, my playing day options are limited...
This is probably the single worst house rule I've ever even heard of. It honestly shows that your DM doesn't have a good understanding of the game or how it is balanced (unless they have overhauled the whole system to make it balanced) . If you've shown him the rules as written, shown that rangers have the exact same mechanic with hunters mark, shown him any number of concentration spells that make 0 sense if that's all you can do, and then asked him how this rule makes any sense and he still doesn't see your point then he is just unreasonable. I would just ask to reroll a new character or go out in a blaze of glory, preferably one that illustrates how dumb his home brew rule is.
Hey guys,
I have a question regarding the Hex spell. I find it an odd one as it is a concentration spell, so technically doing anything else like attacking or casting another spell should stop the Hex spell from working. However, the wording of the spell states: "You place a curse on a creature that you can see within range. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack. Also, choose one ability when you cast the spell. The target has disadvantage on ability checks made with the chosen ability."
So, how can it be a concentration spell that allows me to physically attack the target, when doing so should stop the spell from functioning?
You can attack just fine while concentrating on a spell.
Oh no way, thanks for the info. Is that in the PHB or DM guide? Need to have that ready in case anyone questions me on it, LOL.
Oops, thought I put the source haha
Basic Rules - https://www.dndbeyond.com/compendium/rules/basic-rules/spellcasting#Duration
PHB - https://www.dndbeyond.com/compendium/rules/phb/spellcasting#Duration
Thanks, much appreciated!
Since that part is resolved a small tip: if you find yourself losing concentration due to taking damage too much take the Warcaster feat.
This is brilliant, thanks. My DMs weren't allowing me to Concentrate AND do other spells/Cantrips, despite my Warlock being a ranged fighter. Might have to share this conversation...
Only the insane have strength enough to prosper, only those that prosper can truly judge what is sane...
Yeah, your DMs were definitely doing it wrong. Concentration is free, you can only concentrate on one thing at a time and somethings like taking damage can cause you to lose concentration.
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
DMs, plural, weren't letting you use concentration and other spells? This is really basic stuff that is part of the core rules. I suggest you read up on your spells because if they messed that up they are probably going to be doing a lot of other stuff wrong.
First DM wouldn't let me go fishing by using Fly then Eldritch Blast to attack the fish. In discussions with current DM, who was taught by 1st DM...
...And current DM has ruled NO other spells while using Hex/any Concentration spell. So while I'm using Hex, I become a pure physical fighter, just with Hex's bonus damage & stat disadvantage. Pleaded my case, but no luck...
Only the insane have strength enough to prosper, only those that prosper can truly judge what is sane...
Had to chuckle at fishing with Eldritch Blast. Lol
Hopefully the DM will change their mind and follow the rules, but in the end they have final say. And as long as they are consistent with applying it with all spellcasters and not singling you out that’s their prerogative. But I think that sucks. Don’t know if you have other spells that are concentration but maybe they would let you swap out spells if they won’t budge.
Good luck
EZD6 by DM Scotty
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/397599/EZD6-Core-Rulebook?
If you've shown them the rules on Concentration from the PHB and they're still not budging, it may be time to consider leaving the game because that rule nerfs spellcasters to the point of making most builds unplayable.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Sounds like you need to find a different group.
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My first Warlock is somewhat insane, so he tried fishing using Eldritch Blast from the docks (no Fly allowed), blew up the fish, covering himself in bits of fish, pealed 1 piece off his shoulder, used Fire Bolt to roast it (burning his finger a bit :P), then rather enjoyed it... :P
It'll be a bit hard to find a new Group. The 1st DM is a good friend who DMed all of us when we were starting and taught a few of us to DM, plus the current DM is my Sister's Fiance, with my Sister, Brother's roommate, pretty much most of my social contacts involved in the Group. Plus since I work nights Monday to Friday, recover Saturday then try doing things Saturday arvo/Sunday, my playing day options are limited...
Only the insane have strength enough to prosper, only those that prosper can truly judge what is sane...
Then I suggest telling the DM that if they are going to houserule concentration that way that you would like to change your character and then make a non-spellcaster.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
My warlock isn't a Hex user, so I won't comment on the rule. However, the topic brings up a very impactful point: we're human, and we make mistakes, even with Rules As Written (RAW). Even DMs (my usual role) make errors, self very much included. Almost every time, unless it's extremely situation specific, a player points something out where I've erred, and I'll apologize and change the ruling, if I can.
So, in this case, as others have pointed out, high level spell casters would get nerfed hard by the concentration ruling. I would, outside of session, email the GM the rule as written, and then, very kindly but strongly, say what his or her interpretation has in terms of real game impacts. You don't need to be PC-specific, you can make it broadly about the game, including potential adversaries. Magic is powerful stuff, and at high levels, the ruling can partly neuter the Big Bad and reduce their utility as an opponent.
I sometimes email or Facebook message my DM with ideas. He's a busy dude so I don't expect regular response, but I know he's open to new ideas and interpretations that stay within RAW.
May the gentle moonlinght guide you to greater wisdom
That ruling breaks pretty much every spellcaster in the game. Druids can't hang on to Call Lightning, nobody can hang on to Hold Person, etc. unless they just sit their doing nothing else. Put simply, ruling that casting any kind of spell breaks concentration will also break the game's balance in a BIG way. Have you asked WHY they felt the need to go against the rules and cripple spellcasters like that? Because seriously, that houserule alone would make me leave the group.
This is probably the single worst house rule I've ever even heard of. It honestly shows that your DM doesn't have a good understanding of the game or how it is balanced (unless they have overhauled the whole system to make it balanced) .
If you've shown him the rules as written, shown that rangers have the exact same mechanic with hunters mark, shown him any number of concentration spells that make 0 sense if that's all you can do, and then asked him how this rule makes any sense and he still doesn't see your point then he is just unreasonable. I would just ask to reroll a new character or go out in a blaze of glory, preferably one that illustrates how dumb his home brew rule is.
I agree 100% with this comment. Couldn't have said it better.
Alot of people are motioning the Warcaster Feat.
But if you are using the rules from Tasha there is also Eldritch Mind Invocation
Eldritch Mind
You have advantage on Constitution saving throws that you make to maintain your concentration on a spell.
It is a bit easier to get, and then you could use the feat Resilient (Con) to get proficiency in con saves.
"Never" loose concentration again :D