For this question, let's assume Wild Shape and your natural weapons qualify for Divine Smite under the 2014 rules (*), at least for the sake of comparing both sets of rules
Now, using the 2024 rules:
Divine Smite is clearly a spell (there was some debate before), and it can be used with Melee weapons and Unarmed Strike.
Would you allow then to use Divine Smite when Wild Shaped if you're an 18th-level Druid/Paladin? At that level, you can cast spells thanks to the Beast Spells feature.
Note: yes, level 18 is a lot of time invested just for this interaction :D
I would say yes, and you can alternatively pick up Wrathful Smite via the Shadow Touched feat, it's less damage but avoids the need to multiclass as Paladin/Druid would require 13 Strength, Wisdom and Charisma. Given you'd also want some dexterity and constitution for survivability for when not in wildshape. INT is your only dump, so wrathful smite is a much less costly option.
I think for sure that natural weapons are either weapons or unarmed strikes, so they'd be valid for divine smite. And if you can cast in beast shape, then sure.
I would say yes, and you can alternatively pick up Wrathful Smite via the Shadow Touched feat, it's less damage but avoids the need to multiclass as Paladin/Druid would require 13 Strength, Wisdom and Charisma. Given you'd also want some dexterity and constitution for survivability for when not in wildshape. INT is your only dump, so wrathful smite is a much less costly option.
For this question, let's assume Wild Shape and your natural weapons qualify for Divine Smite under the 2014 rules (*), at least for the sake of comparing both sets of rules
Now, using the 2024 rules:
Would you allow then to use Divine Smite when Wild Shaped if you're an 18th-level Druid/Paladin? At that level, you can cast spells thanks to the Beast Spells feature.
Note: yes, level 18 is a lot of time invested just for this interaction :D
(*) related posts:
I would say yes, and you can alternatively pick up Wrathful Smite via the Shadow Touched feat, it's less damage but avoids the need to multiclass as Paladin/Druid would require 13 Strength, Wisdom and Charisma. Given you'd also want some dexterity and constitution for survivability for when not in wildshape. INT is your only dump, so wrathful smite is a much less costly option.
I think for sure that natural weapons are either weapons or unarmed strikes, so they'd be valid for divine smite. And if you can cast in beast shape, then sure.
Nice tip, @R3sistance!
Thank you both!