This is the short sword assassins from the MM use:
"Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one."
The crossbow they use has similar poison qualities.
My question is, do you use it such that every successful hit with the weapon requires the DC check and subsequent poison, or does the assassin have to use an action to poison the blade after a successful attack?
As written, the weapons are just permanently poisoned. If you feel like you need an in-game explanation: Maybe it's very viscous. Maybe they're re-poisoning as they fight. They are experts at poisoning people, after all.
The Assassin's Action Shortsword or Light Crossbow apply the effect on each Hit as described.
Stat Block
A stat block contains the game statistics of a monster. Each stat block includes the following information presented after the monster’s name.
Actions. The monster can take these actions in addition to those detailed in this glossary. See also chapter 1 (“Actions”).
Bonus Actions. If the monster has Bonus Action options, they are listed in this section.
Reactions. If the monster can take special Reactions, those are listed in this section.
Attack Notation. The entry for a monster’s attack starts by identifying whether the attack is a melee or a ranged attack and then provides the attack roll’s bonus, its reach or range, and what happens on a hit. An attack is against one target unless its entry says otherwise.
Saving Throw Effect Notation. If an effect forces a saving throw, the effect’s entry starts by identifying the kind of saving throw required and then provides the save’s DC, a description of which creatures must make the save, and what happens on a failed or a successful save.
If the attack or the stat block doesn’t say the assassin needs to reapply the poison, it’s not necessary, so the poison remains after hitting.
Here's the issue.... those are now Legendary Tier weapons. Take a look at the Dagger of Venom, the wielder has to use an action to coat the blade, and it only lasts for one minute or until it successfully hits a creature. Then it cannot be used again in this way until the next dawn. And it's a rare weapon.
My party just knocked off a couple of these assassins, so looting and using them will be a game changer.
If the attack or the stat block doesn’t say the assassin needs to reapply the poison, it’s not necessary, so the poison remains after hitting.
Here's the issue.... those are now Legendary Tier weapons. Take a look at the Dagger of Venom, the wielder has to use an action to coat the blade, and it only lasts for one minute or until it successfully hits a creature. Then it cannot be used again in this way until the next dawn. And it's a rare weapon.
My party just knocked off a couple of these assassins, so looting and using them will be a game changer.
The assassin's action (Shortsword in this case) is tied to the creature's ability. Characters who pick up those swords will not gain the same benefit.
If it's interesting for you @DeathwyshDrang, while not official ruling, the Dev also tackle the question in the past:
@HeathDawson One of my players picked up a Kuo-Toa scepter. Should I allow the 4d6 lightning damage or just the basic 1d6 blunt or something in between? @JeremyECrawford Sometimes a monster's stat block lets a monster deliver a special effect through an object, such as lightning damage through a scepter. Unless a rule says otherwise, the special effect is a function of the monster's use of that item, not a function of the item itself.
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This is the short sword assassins from the MM use:
"Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one."
The crossbow they use has similar poison qualities.
My question is, do you use it such that every successful hit with the weapon requires the DC check and subsequent poison, or does the assassin have to use an action to poison the blade after a successful attack?
If the attack or the stat block doesn’t say the assassin needs to reapply the poison, it’s not necessary, so the poison remains after hitting.
As written, the weapons are just permanently poisoned. If you feel like you need an in-game explanation: Maybe it's very viscous. Maybe they're re-poisoning as they fight. They are experts at poisoning people, after all.
The Assassin's Action Shortsword or Light Crossbow apply the effect on each Hit as described.
Here's the issue.... those are now Legendary Tier weapons. Take a look at the Dagger of Venom, the wielder has to use an action to coat the blade, and it only lasts for one minute or until it successfully hits a creature. Then it cannot be used again in this way until the next dawn. And it's a rare weapon.
My party just knocked off a couple of these assassins, so looting and using them will be a game changer.
The assassin's action (Shortsword in this case) is tied to the creature's ability. Characters who pick up those swords will not gain the same benefit.
If it's interesting for you @DeathwyshDrang, while not official ruling, the Dev also tackle the question in the past: