If I cast Witch Bolt and something targets me, can I use my reaction to cast Shield? Via the spells description it says that I have to use an Action to hold the spell active. Based on that my Bonus Action and Reaction should be free game, right?
"A beam of crackling, blue energy lances out toward a creature within range, forming a sustained arc of lightning between you and the target. Make a ranged spell attack against that creature. On a hit, the target takes 1d12 lightning damage, and on each of your turns for the duration, you can use your action to deal 1d12 lightning damage to the target automatically. The spell ends if you use your action to do anything else. The spell also ends if the target is ever outside the spell’s range or if it has total cover from you.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the initial damage increases by 1d12 for each slot level above 1st."
I have read all the stuff about how the spell sucks because of its bad range, difficulty to maintain, and how it limits what you can do, but the spell seems to actually mesh with my current team. We have 2 Front Line Tank PC's right now that tend to hold our targets pretty well contained while the spell casters throw spells from the back line. I'm an Eldritch Knight. Due to most of our encounters being in tight spaces I've opted for a bow and spells as my main damage source. One of our Casters has Fairy Fire which gives Advantage on attack rolls against the target. If she casts that and I land WB then I would be dishing out consistent damage to a specific target until it dies via electrocution. Saves me the arrows and needing to try and land every hit. But if they get pissed with getting zapped they may decide to throw something my way. If I have the ability to use Shield to buff my defense to negate a hit then it makes it easier for me to keep the channel up, but only if I can use Shield in tandem with WB. I also get that if I miss with the spell I'm screwed because its a wasted spell slot that didn't hit, but that is how it is for a good portion of the spells anyway. Honestly, 3 of our casters know magic missile and I'm getting tired of hearing it. Its like the Warlock and Eldritch Blast meme but caster and MM.
In addition to what Devin said, you can also still use your bonus action to cast spells since using your action to do damage is not the [action]cast a spell[/spell] action. So if you are a sorcerer with quicken spell, you can get a few extra points of damage in (though there are better spells for doing steady damage at higher levels).
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If I cast Witch Bolt and something targets me, can I use my reaction to cast Shield? Via the spells description it says that I have to use an Action to hold the spell active. Based on that my Bonus Action and Reaction should be free game, right?
"A beam of crackling, blue energy lances out toward a creature within range, forming a sustained arc of lightning between you and the target. Make a ranged spell attack against that creature. On a hit, the target takes 1d12 lightning damage, and on each of your turns for the duration, you can use your action to deal 1d12 lightning damage to the target automatically. The spell ends if you use your action to do anything else. The spell also ends if the target is ever outside the spell’s range or if it has total cover from you.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the initial damage increases by 1d12 for each slot level above 1st."
I have read all the stuff about how the spell sucks because of its bad range, difficulty to maintain, and how it limits what you can do, but the spell seems to actually mesh with my current team. We have 2 Front Line Tank PC's right now that tend to hold our targets pretty well contained while the spell casters throw spells from the back line. I'm an Eldritch Knight. Due to most of our encounters being in tight spaces I've opted for a bow and spells as my main damage source. One of our Casters has Fairy Fire which gives Advantage on attack rolls against the target. If she casts that and I land WB then I would be dishing out consistent damage to a specific target until it dies via electrocution. Saves me the arrows and needing to try and land every hit. But if they get pissed with getting zapped they may decide to throw something my way. If I have the ability to use Shield to buff my defense to negate a hit then it makes it easier for me to keep the channel up, but only if I can use Shield in tandem with WB. I also get that if I miss with the spell I'm screwed because its a wasted spell slot that didn't hit, but that is how it is for a good portion of the spells anyway. Honestly, 3 of our casters know magic missile and I'm getting tired of hearing it. Its like the Warlock and Eldritch Blast meme but caster and MM.
There is no problem using your reaction to cast shield while witch bolt is active.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
In addition to what Devin said, you can also still use your bonus action to cast spells since using your action to do damage is not the [action]cast a spell[/spell] action. So if you are a sorcerer with quicken spell, you can get a few extra points of damage in (though there are better spells for doing steady damage at higher levels).