Usually, attacks are separated into weaponattacks and spellattacks, which are then separated further into ranged or melee. So with that, I'd usually think that a feature or spell will only affect certain types of attacks if it's specified in the description, just like how Defensive Duelist only works on meleeattacks, while the Shield spellworks on all attacks.
Normally, I can see how these effects would interact with different kinds of attacks. Like in a story-telling perspective, it makes sense for me.
But how about Multiattack Defense from the Hunter Ranger feature? Does it work on all attacks including spell attacks? If so, how do you describe it? Does a Hunter Ranger just become more nimble in-game after getting hit by an attack?
Looks like it should be effective against any attack.
Narratively, it'll need to be in the context of the encounter, but I imagine that the Hunter is good at recognizing patterns. Most creatures act on instinct when stressed, so a trained hunter would probably know what to expect based on the first attack. If a Jungle Cat pounces, the hunter would know to specifically protect their neck, or to take precautions against being belly raked with their hind claws.
So, it's not so much that the Hunter becomes more nimble, but their defensive strategy becomes more specialized.
I would say that anything with an attack roll works; nine times out of ten the only ways a single creature could hit your multiple times a turn is with a weapon attack, but it's still possible to be hit by a cantrip and a spiritual weapon or the like. This says attacks, just like shield. So anything that involves the attacker rolling a 20 to attack you. I'd describe it as once the ranger gets hit once, they get a feel for how that creature attacks, and they get a bit better at dodging/parrying/avoiding attacks. Or, possibly, the pain from the attack gives them a jolt of adrenaline, enabling them to move a little quicker/block faster/etc.
Wow man very insightful! Also since Hunter doesn't normally take up bonus actions and stuff besides lvl 11, do you know if his defense stuff takes up a reaction, or is it just passive because besides multi attack defense, it all sounds very passive, and it doesn't say that it expends a reaction if that counts for anything
Wow man very insightful! Also since Hunter doesn't normally take up bonus actions and stuff besides lvl 11, do you know if his defense stuff takes up a reaction, or is it just passive because besides multi attack defense, it all sounds very passive, and it doesn't say that it expends a reaction if that counts for anything
Multiattack Defense has no action required to work.
I think the confusion comes from the name of the ability... "Multiattack" is a kind of unique feature that's basically exclusive to NPCs... not quite the same as "Extra Attack" that you see in PCs. This might lead you to assume that the ability only applies to creatures using the Multiattack feature, which almost always applies to physical attacks of some kind. However, the only qualifier for the Multiattack Defense ability to trigger is for an "attack" to hit, and anything that requires an attack roll is some form of attack... whether it's a melee attack, ranged attack, spell attack, etc.
Honestly, the term "attack" is probably one of the more confusing terms in 5e... like, the "Attack Action" is not the same as "An Attack". "Multiattack" and "Extra Attack" or two distinct features, etc., etc.
Wow man very insightful! Also since Hunter doesn't normally take up bonus actions and stuff besides lvl 11, do you know if his defense stuff takes up a reaction, or is it just passive because besides multi attack defense, it all sounds very passive, and it doesn't say that it expends a reaction if that counts for anything
You're correct, none of the level 7 Defensive Tactics require use of your reaction, they're all passive benefits, just very situational. With the level 15 Superior Hunter's Defense, only Evasion is passive, the other two options do require using your reaction.
Usually, attacks are separated into weapon attacks and spell attacks, which are then separated further into ranged or melee. So with that, I'd usually think that a feature or spell will only affect certain types of attacks if it's specified in the description, just like how Defensive Duelist only works on melee attacks, while the Shield spell works on all attacks.
Normally, I can see how these effects would interact with different kinds of attacks. Like in a story-telling perspective, it makes sense for me.
But how about Multiattack Defense from the Hunter Ranger feature? Does it work on all attacks including spell attacks? If so, how do you describe it? Does a Hunter Ranger just become more nimble in-game after getting hit by an attack?
Looks like it should be effective against any attack.
Narratively, it'll need to be in the context of the encounter, but I imagine that the Hunter is good at recognizing patterns. Most creatures act on instinct when stressed, so a trained hunter would probably know what to expect based on the first attack. If a Jungle Cat pounces, the hunter would know to specifically protect their neck, or to take precautions against being belly raked with their hind claws.
So, it's not so much that the Hunter becomes more nimble, but their defensive strategy becomes more specialized.
I would say that anything with an attack roll works; nine times out of ten the only ways a single creature could hit your multiple times a turn is with a weapon attack, but it's still possible to be hit by a cantrip and a spiritual weapon or the like. This says attacks, just like shield. So anything that involves the attacker rolling a 20 to attack you. I'd describe it as once the ranger gets hit once, they get a feel for how that creature attacks, and they get a bit better at dodging/parrying/avoiding attacks. Or, possibly, the pain from the attack gives them a jolt of adrenaline, enabling them to move a little quicker/block faster/etc.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Rare situation, but applies. I think there are a few multiattack that can include a cantrip the monster knows.
Eldritch Blast would be a big one.
Also true, and something I did think about.
Wow man very insightful! Also since Hunter doesn't normally take up bonus actions and stuff besides lvl 11, do you know if his defense stuff takes up a reaction, or is it just passive because besides multi attack defense, it all sounds very passive, and it doesn't say that it expends a reaction if that counts for anything
Multiattack Defense has no action required to work.
I think the confusion comes from the name of the ability... "Multiattack" is a kind of unique feature that's basically exclusive to NPCs... not quite the same as "Extra Attack" that you see in PCs. This might lead you to assume that the ability only applies to creatures using the Multiattack feature, which almost always applies to physical attacks of some kind. However, the only qualifier for the Multiattack Defense ability to trigger is for an "attack" to hit, and anything that requires an attack roll is some form of attack... whether it's a melee attack, ranged attack, spell attack, etc.
Honestly, the term "attack" is probably one of the more confusing terms in 5e... like, the "Attack Action" is not the same as "An Attack". "Multiattack" and "Extra Attack" or two distinct features, etc., etc.
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You're correct, none of the level 7 Defensive Tactics require use of your reaction, they're all passive benefits, just very situational. With the level 15 Superior Hunter's Defense, only Evasion is passive, the other two options do require using your reaction.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep