So our ranger and DM were discussing what a weapon attack is, the DM ruled it would only trigger on melee weapons. Is this the actual case? as ensnaring strike does just say weapon attack, not a specific weapon.
The spell says "The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack". That meens either a melee weapon attack or a ranged weapon attack, but not a melee spell attack or a ranged spell attack.
So our ranger and DM were discussing what a weapon attack is, the DM ruled it would only trigger on melee weapons. Is this the actual case? as ensnaring strike does just say weapon attack, not a specific weapon.
A weapon attack is an attack made with a weaponor unarmed strike. All melee weapon attacks are weapon attacks, all ranged weapon attacks are weapon attacks, and you can make a weapon attack without using a ranged weapon or a melee weapon - one example of which is using an unarmed strike.
And yes, booming blade and green flame blade cantrips would qualify as the both call for you to make a melee attack with the weapon to activate the cantrip.
So our ranger and DM were discussing what a weapon attack is, the DM ruled it would only trigger on melee weapons. Is this the actual case? as ensnaring strike does just say weapon attack, not a specific weapon.
If it was meant to apply only to melee weapon attacks, it would've said "The next time you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack", instead of "The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack". Compare it with Hail Of Thorns, which says(emphasis mine) "The next time you hit a creature with a ranged weapon attack before the spell ends". Any spell or ability that tells you to make an attack will tell you what kind of attack you're making. Any spell or ability that triggers on an attack will include any limitations on what kind of attack, like the examples above. If there are no limitations specified, then any attack qualifies. A good example of this is the Hex spell, which works with any attack(allowing a Bladelock to use it with their Pact Weapon or with Eldritch Blast, yay!). Attacking with a Shadow Blade works with Ensnaring Strike, because the spell creates a simple melee weapon for you to attack with. Flame Blade however does NOT work(again, emphasis mine), "You can use your action to make a melee spell attack with the fiery blade."
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So our ranger and DM were discussing what a weapon attack is, the DM ruled it would only trigger on melee weapons. Is this the actual case? as ensnaring strike does just say weapon attack, not a specific weapon.
The spell says "The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack". That meens either a melee weapon attack or a ranged weapon attack, but not a melee spell attack or a ranged spell attack.
Thank you, I will let them both know :P
Note, using the spell Shadow Blade probably qualifies as a weapon attack, as does things like Booming Blade.
But in general, spells do not qualify.
Thats good to know
A weapon attack is an attack made with a weapon or unarmed strike. All melee weapon attacks are weapon attacks, all ranged weapon attacks are weapon attacks, and you can make a weapon attack without using a ranged weapon or a melee weapon - one example of which is using an unarmed strike.
And yes, booming blade and green flame blade cantrips would qualify as the both call for you to make a melee attack with the weapon to activate the cantrip.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
If it was meant to apply only to melee weapon attacks, it would've said "The next time you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack", instead of "The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack". Compare it with Hail Of Thorns, which says(emphasis mine) "The next time you hit a creature with a ranged weapon attack before the spell ends". Any spell or ability that tells you to make an attack will tell you what kind of attack you're making. Any spell or ability that triggers on an attack will include any limitations on what kind of attack, like the examples above. If there are no limitations specified, then any attack qualifies. A good example of this is the Hex spell, which works with any attack(allowing a Bladelock to use it with their Pact Weapon or with Eldritch Blast, yay!). Attacking with a Shadow Blade works with Ensnaring Strike, because the spell creates a simple melee weapon for you to attack with. Flame Blade however does NOT work(again, emphasis mine), "You can use your action to make a melee spell attack with the fiery blade."