D&D 5E What Exactly is a Weapon Attack?

Kinneus · Jan 16, 2015

I'm interested in creating a Figher 3/Monk 17 who takes the Champion Archetype. I'm wondering if his expanded crit range would apply to his unarmed attacks.

The Monster Manual seems to use "weapon attack" to apply to a wide range of attacks, including things like claw attacks, but I'm not sure if this would apply to a PC.

Fralex · Jan 16, 2015

In the equipment section, an unarmed strike is classified as a simple weapon. I'd say it works. Plus, interesting synergies are the reason people multiclass in the first place. Might as well make it fun!

Kinneus · Jan 16, 2015

Awesome! I have an idea for a character who's equal parts "drunken master" and also "just plain drunk." A dwarf from a dishonored hill clan that charges opponents with a handaxe and a reckless disregard for his own safety and sobriety.

If this little synergy didn't work, it wouldn't stop me from playing the character. But it certainly adds to the experience!

Fralex · Jan 16, 2015

OK, yeah, I guess I meant to say interesting synergies are ONE reason to multiclass. I hope your character concept turns out fun!

Kobold Stew · Jan 16, 2015

Yeah, no doubt this is fair game. Good call!

PnPgamer · Jan 16, 2015

In my experience these past months have shown that "weapon attack" brother is a "spell attack", thus creating the necessary difference with mundane hitting and spells such as fire bolt and so on. If the thing specifies "ranged spell attack" or "melee weapon attack", it isfurther down in specification.

Also if "attack roll" is referred, it means that any kind of attack, regardless of being spell or weapon.

77IM · Jan 16, 2015

In general, an attack is either a weapon attack or a spell attack.

The rules usually say which an attack is, and when they don't it should be easy to tell. I'm sure there are some ambiguous cases (weird monster special abilities, certain traps, maybe some odd magic items) but usually, if it's not a spell or spell-like thing like a beam or bolt or blast or whatever, it's a weapon attack.

I am pretty sure unarmed strike is explicitly called out as a weapon attack somewhere but I can't find the reference now...

PnPgamer · Jan 16, 2015

Unarmed strike is listed in simple weapons in PHB. Nowhere else is mentioned what unarmed strike is, to my knowledge.

Umbran · Jan 16, 2015

And, in 5e, if you have to ask the question, "What exactly is X?" the answer is probably, "What do you want it to be?"

Sacrosanct · Jan 16, 2015

Umbran said:
And, in 5e, if you have to ask the question, "What exactly is X?" the answer is probably, "What do you want it to be?"

Indeed

D&D 5E What Exactly is a Weapon Attack?

Kinneus

Explorer

Fralex

Explorer

Kinneus

Explorer

Fralex

Explorer

Kobold Stew

Last Guy in the Airlock

PnPgamer

Explorer

77IM

Explorer!!!

PnPgamer

Explorer

Umbran

Mod Squad

Sacrosanct

Legend

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