So say I use this feature, and force them to make a reaction attack against a creature I can see. Exact wording: (The target must use its reaction to make a melee attack against another creature of your choice that you can see.) This means that they would just swing at the target and use their reaction even if the target is not in their melee range? Or is there hidden sub text that the target has to be in their range too because that would lessen the usability a bit I feel.
So say I use this feature, and force them to make a reaction attack against a creature I can see. Exact wording: (The target must use its reaction to make a melee attack against another creature of your choice that you can see.) This means that they would just swing at the target and use their reaction even if the target is not in their melee range? Or is there hidden sub text that the target has to be in their range too because that would lessen the usability a bit I feel.
If the target is out of range. Their swing would just miss. But they then lose out on their reaction for the round.
Used in hand-to-hand combat, a melee attack allows you to attack a foe within your reach. A melee attack typically uses a handheld weapon such as a sword, a warhammer, or an axe. A typical monster makes a melee attack when it strikes with its claws, horns, teeth, tentacles, or other body part. A few spells also involve making a melee attack.
Most creatures have a 5-foot reach and can thus attack targets within 5 feet of them when making a melee attack. Certain creatures (typically those larger than Medium) have melee attacks with a greater reach than 5 feet, as noted in their descriptions.
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.
A melee attack "allows you to attack a foe within your reach." Does it also allow you to attack a foe not within your reach, or to attack empty air? Not explicitly... but possibly. See Unseen Targets and Attackers:
Unseen Attackers and Targets
Combatants often try to escape their foes' notice by hiding, casting the invisibility spell, or lurking in darkness.
When you attack a target that you can't see, you have disadvantage on the attack roll. This is true whether you're guessing the target's location or you're targeting a creature you can hear but not see. If the target isn't in the location you targeted, you automatically miss, but the DM typically just says that the attack missed, not whether you guessed the target's location correctly.
When a creature can't see you, you have advantage on attack rolls against it. If you are hidden--both unseen and unheard--when you make an attack, you give away your location when the attack hits or misses.
So at least when trying to hit an invisible creature, you're allowed to target a (possibly) empty square, and make an attack. But that still doesn't fully explain whether you can make an attack at a target that you know isn't in the square you're attacking?
Physically, sensibly, duh of course you can just swipe your sword in an empty space, or flail it menacingly at somebody thirty feet away. In a system with a tighter gamified rule set, like 4E, I would be inclined to say that having a valid target for an attack is a prerequisite to initiating the attack, but in 5E.... ehh, why not. However, don't try to exploit it by letting the distant "target" then trigger some sort of "when a creature misses you with an attack..." abilities, you're out on a limb already.
When you hit a creature with your natural weapons while you are raging, the spirit within you can curse your target with rabid fury. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC equal to 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus) or suffer one of the following effects (your choice):
The target must use its reaction to make a melee attack against another creature of your choice that you can see.
Target takes 2d12 psychic damage.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Constitution modifier (a minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Looking at that, the only reason to choose the forced attack instead of the extra damage if there is not a viable target for the melee attack would be to force them to waste the reaction. So you could do it, but considering the limited use of the feature it would only be worthwhile under specific. situations.
Used in hand-to-hand combat, a melee attack allows you to attack a foe within your reach. A melee attack typically uses a handheld weapon such as a sword, a warhammer, or an axe. A typical monster makes a melee attack when it strikes with its claws, horns, teeth, tentacles, or other body part. A few spells also involve making a melee attack.
Most creatures have a 5-foot reach and can thus attack targets within 5 feet of them when making a melee attack. Certain creatures (typically those larger than Medium) have melee attacks with a greater reach than 5 feet, as noted in their descriptions.
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.
A melee attack "allows you to attack a foe within your reach." Does it also allow you to attack a foe not within your reach, or to attack empty air? Not explicitly... but possibly. See Unseen Targets and Attackers:
Unseen Attackers and Targets
Combatants often try to escape their foes' notice by hiding, casting the invisibility spell, or lurking in darkness.
When you attack a target that you can't see, you have disadvantage on the attack roll. This is true whether you're guessing the target's location or you're targeting a creature you can hear but not see. If the target isn't in the location you targeted, you automatically miss, but the DM typically just says that the attack missed, not whether you guessed the target's location correctly.
When a creature can't see you, you have advantage on attack rolls against it. If you are hidden--both unseen and unheard--when you make an attack, you give away your location when the attack hits or misses.
So at least when trying to hit an invisible creature, you're allowed to target a (possibly) empty square, and make an attack. But that still doesn't fully explain whether you can make an attack at a target that you know isn't in the square you're attacking?
Physically, sensibly, duh of course you can just swipe your sword in an empty space, or flail it menacingly at somebody thirty feet away. In a system with a tighter gamified rule set, like 4E, I would be inclined to say that having a valid target for an attack is a prerequisite to initiating the attack, but in 5E.... ehh, why not. However, don't try to exploit it by letting the distant "target" then trigger some sort of "when a creature misses you with an attack..." abilities, you're out on a limb already.
The last bit you said is certainly fair I would never allow something like that to happen if I DM'd in this case. It was more of just trying to understand the usability of the ability, cause more damage or cause a wasted reaction so someone in a dire situation can move past safely for example.
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So say I use this feature, and force them to make a reaction attack against a creature I can see. Exact wording: (The target must use its reaction to make a melee attack against another creature of your choice that you can see.) This means that they would just swing at the target and use their reaction even if the target is not in their melee range? Or is there hidden sub text that the target has to be in their range too because that would lessen the usability a bit I feel.
If the target is out of range. Their swing would just miss. But they then lose out on their reaction for the round.
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That's how I was feeling it would work but just wasn't sure.
A melee attack "allows you to attack a foe within your reach." Does it also allow you to attack a foe not within your reach, or to attack empty air? Not explicitly... but possibly. See Unseen Targets and Attackers:
So at least when trying to hit an invisible creature, you're allowed to target a (possibly) empty square, and make an attack. But that still doesn't fully explain whether you can make an attack at a target that you know isn't in the square you're attacking?
Physically, sensibly, duh of course you can just swipe your sword in an empty space, or flail it menacingly at somebody thirty feet away. In a system with a tighter gamified rule set, like 4E, I would be inclined to say that having a valid target for an attack is a prerequisite to initiating the attack, but in 5E.... ehh, why not. However, don't try to exploit it by letting the distant "target" then trigger some sort of "when a creature misses you with an attack..." abilities, you're out on a limb already.
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I'm going to make this way harder than it needs to be.
Looking at that, the only reason to choose the forced attack instead of the extra damage if there is not a viable target for the melee attack would be to force them to waste the reaction. So you could do it, but considering the limited use of the feature it would only be worthwhile under specific. situations.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
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Is this in reference to a new Barbarian subclass?
Path of the Wild Soul (UA)
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
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(I think you mean Path of the Beast (UA) :P )
Yup, that’s the one.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
The last bit you said is certainly fair I would never allow something like that to happen if I DM'd in this case. It was more of just trying to understand the usability of the ability, cause more damage or cause a wasted reaction so someone in a dire situation can move past safely for example.