Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.
Rocket your D&D 5E and Level Up: Advanced 5E games into space! Alpha Star Magazine Is Launching... Right Now!

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Tessarael" data-source="post: 9799839" data-attributes="member: 12909"><a href="https://a5e.tools/node/2622" target="_blank">Reactive Ward</a> is a 3rd level combat maneuver. So, the earliest it can be taken is character level 8 per the Fighter maneuver progression. I would suggest comparing it to protective spells up to 3rd level that can be cast as a Reaction:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://5e.tools/spells.html#absorb%20elements_xge" target="_blank">Absorb Elements</a> 1st level spell gives you resistance to the triggering damage type, halving its damage, and +d6 elemental damage of that type to your next melee attack.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://a5e.tools/spell/earth-barrier" target="_blank">Earth Barrier</a> 1st level spell gives 3/4 cover (+5 to AC, Dexterity saves, and hide ability checks) for 1 minute, with a barrier (3' diameter, 20' tall, AC 10, 20 HP) in an unoccupied space between you and a ranged attack.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://a5e.tools/spell/force-of-will" target="_blank">Force of Will</a> 2nd level spell reduces the triggering attack's damage by 2d10 + your spell casting ability modifier.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://a5e.tools/spell/shield" target="_blank">Shield</a> 1st level spell adds +5 AC for 1 round, and Magic Missiles are deflected.</li> </ul>None of these spells requires that the triggering source be a spell. There are also various other combat maneuvers that provide somewhat similar protective benefits. So, in my opinion, Reactive Ward is fine as a reaction combat maneuver that protects vs. both spells or non-spell triggers.The balance issue that I have with Reactive Ward is that you can use it to protect up to 3 targets. This can be situationally very good. If I were as DM to permit Reactive Ward to be used vs. non-spell triggers, I would be inclined to limit it to protecting a single target, or to increase the cost to 2 exertion per target protected.</blockquote>

Verification