Considering that the Special Features tables are meant for adding something special to a magic item, by definition a magic item (or weapon) counts as magic for overcoming resistances.
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Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
A question that has come up in our group a couple of times; What makes a weapon count as 'Magic' in regards to damage resistances?
The first time was a Moon a touched blade vs a Rakshasa. The second one is a blade made with the Special Features tables in the DMG.
The first we counted as magic vs resistance and the second is still being debated.
Thoughts?
If the special feature, has already been added than the item should technically be a magic weapon. If the special feature is being used as mentioned as in the DMG guide than it is a magic weapon before the special feature gets added as well (just like naruhoodie mentioned). If the special feature hasn't been added yet, and its just being added to a regular longsword (and the DM is using the special feature in that manner, which is an adjustment from what is in the DMG) than that item wouldn't be magical.
how about beastmaster's 7th level ability that says the beasts attack counts as magical for overcoming resistance. Is that actually magical or only counts as it for a specific purpose? If the latter then spells like magic weapon/ elemental weapon would work on your beast post lvl 7
how about beastmaster's 7th level ability that says the beasts attack counts as magical for overcoming resistance. Is that actually magical or only counts as it for a specific purpose? If the latter then spells like magic weapon/ elemental weapon would work on your beast post lvl 7
The beastmaster's 7th ability is comparable to the monk's level six upgrade (when they hit level six count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage). What it basically does is make it so that when you run into enemies who can halve damage if not attacked by magical weapons you no longer have to worry about that, that is all both abilities do.
Per RAW (and I'd argue RAI as well) Magic weapon/elemental weapon couldn't be used on your companion. Because the companion does not qualify as a weapon in any sense of the word.
how about beastmaster's 7th level ability that says the beasts attack counts as magical for overcoming resistance. Is that actually magical or only counts as it for a specific purpose? If the latter then spells like magic weapon/ elemental weapon would work on your beast post lvl 7
No, it is not magical, but counts as magical for that specific purpose.
So yes, you can cast spells on your companion's natural weapons according to Sage advice:
Are natural weapons considered weapons?
Things designated as weapons by the rules, including natural weapons, are indeed weapons. In contrast, unarmed strikes are not weapons. They are something you do with an unarmed part of your body.
you could have a special home-brew common magic item that would be a weapon that counts as a magic weapon to overcome resistances
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Hollow unbreakable arrows are the most OP common magic item, and my current method of coming up with insane combat shenanigans.
if you make a steel pipe with one end closed and a nozzle on the other, you can enlarge it, fill with any liquid, and then drop concentration, creating a high pressure squirt gun. (or a pipe bomb, depending if it holds)
you could have a special home-brew common magic item that would be a weapon that counts as a magic weapon to overcome resistances
I'm not sure if you are pointing out that a common magic weapon is a magic weapon for resistances (which is true), or trying to suggest making a common magic weapon with the effect that it count as a magic weapon for resistances (which is redundant).
The moon-touched sword for example is a common magic weapon that deals normal damage to creatures with resistance to non-magic weapons.
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A question that has come up in our group a couple of times; What makes a weapon count as 'Magic' in regards to damage resistances?
The first time was a Moon-touched blade vs a Rakshasa. The second one is a blade made with the Special Features tables in the DMG.
The first we counted as magic vs resistance and the second is still being debated.
Thoughts?
Considering that the Special Features tables are meant for adding something special to a magic item, by definition a magic item (or weapon) counts as magic for overcoming resistances.
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
If it is a magic item and a weapon, it is a magic weapon. Hope that helps.
If it is a non-magic weapon with special properties for magic items, ask the DM about that homebrew item.
If the special feature, has already been added than the item should technically be a magic weapon. If the special feature is being used as mentioned as in the DMG guide than it is a magic weapon before the special feature gets added as well (just like naruhoodie mentioned).
If the special feature hasn't been added yet, and its just being added to a regular longsword (and the DM is using the special feature in that manner, which is an adjustment from what is in the DMG) than that item wouldn't be magical.
how about beastmaster's 7th level ability that says the beasts attack counts as magical for overcoming resistance. Is that actually magical or only counts as it for a specific purpose? If the latter then spells like magic weapon/ elemental weapon would work on your beast post lvl 7
The beastmaster's 7th ability is comparable to the monk's level six upgrade (when they hit level six count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage). What it basically does is make it so that when you run into enemies who can halve damage if not attacked by magical weapons you no longer have to worry about that, that is all both abilities do.
Per RAW (and I'd argue RAI as well) Magic weapon/elemental weapon couldn't be used on your companion. Because the companion does not qualify as a weapon in any sense of the word.
No, it is not magical, but counts as magical for that specific purpose.
So yes, you can cast spells on your companion's natural weapons according to Sage advice:
Thank you!
you could have a special home-brew common magic item that would be a weapon that counts as a magic weapon to overcome resistances
Hollow unbreakable arrows are the most OP common magic item, and my current method of coming up with insane combat shenanigans.
if you make a steel pipe with one end closed and a nozzle on the other, you can enlarge it, fill with any liquid, and then drop concentration, creating a high pressure squirt gun. (or a pipe bomb, depending if it holds)
I'm not sure if you are pointing out that a common magic weapon is a magic weapon for resistances (which is true), or trying to suggest making a common magic weapon with the effect that it count as a magic weapon for resistances (which is redundant).
The moon-touched sword for example is a common magic weapon that deals normal damage to creatures with resistance to non-magic weapons.