D&D 5E Automatic Damage from Features??

[DND_Reborn]

I noticed in the new Vecna stat block one of his features automatically deals damage. There is no attack roll and no saving throw for half damage or anything to avoid the effects of the feature.

Off-hand, I was trying to think if there are any other attacks or spells or features which automatically deal damage? I can't think of any, but I am sure others might know of something.

So, anything you can think of??

 

[J.Quondam]

The bodak has Aura of Annihilation that deals necro damage, no save, to any non-undead/non-fiend that ends a turn within 30ft of it.

 

[Kezghan]

Storm Giant Quintessent:

Wind Javelin. The giant coalesces wind into a javelin-like form and hurls it at a creature it can see within 600 feet of it. The javelin is considered a magic weapon and deals 19 (3d6 + 9) piercing damage to the target, striking unerringly. The javelin disappears after it hits.

 

[Dausuul]

I noticed in the new Vecna stat block one of his features automatically deals damage. There is no attack roll and no saving throw for half damage or anything to avoid the effects of the feature.

Off-hand, I was trying to think if there are any other attacks or spells or features which automatically deal damage? I can't think of any, but I am sure others might know of something.

So, anything you can think of??

Magic missile.

There's also a barbarian subclass with a damaging aura that's automatic. Those are just off the top of my head; I'm sure I could find many more.

 

[DND_Reborn]

The bodak has Aura of Annihilation that deals necro damage, no save, to any non-undead/non-fiend that ends a turn within 30ft of it.

Storm Giant Quintessent:

Wind Javelin. The giant coalesces wind into a javelin-like form and hurls it at a creature it can see within 600 feet of it. The javelin is considered a magic weapon and deals 19 (3d6 + 9) piercing damage to the target, striking unerringly. The javelin disappears after it hits.

Ok, thanks. I'm glad to see there are other examples.

Of course, in the case of the bodak the creature can move away to avoid the damage.

Magic missile.

Sorry, I should have commented on that in the OP (yeah, it is the most obvious), but that isn't a feature so much, which was more of what I was looking for. I realize that it is a very minor distinction, however.

 

[J.Quondam]

Also, the fire shield spell deals auto damage against those who touch hit it in melee.
Similarly, the "Heated Body" feature (eg, azer) causes auto damage to those touching or hitting it.

 

[DND_Reborn]

So, what are peoples' thoughts on auto-damage?

For myself, I don't care for it. IMO everything should have a chance to not-effect a PC or the PC should be able to mitigate it (such as the half damage saves).

The creatures mentioned upthread are ones I've never used or encounter, personally, otherwise I would have broached this subject earlier.

As for spells like magic missile, I am not fond of that aspect of it, but at least it is (typically) a limited resource instead of unlimited.

 

[Zubatcarteira]

The Marut:

Unerring Slam.
Melee Weapon Attack: automatic hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 60 force damage, and the target is pushed up to 5 feet away from the marut if it is Huge or smaller.

 

[J.Quondam]

So, what are peoples' thoughts on auto-damage?

For myself, I don't care for it. IMO everything should have a chance to not-effect a PC or the PC should be able to mitigate it (such as the half damage saves).

The creatures mentioned upthread are ones I've never used or encounter, personally, otherwise I would have broached this subject earlier.

As for spells like magic missile, I am not fond of that aspect of it, but at least it is (typically) a limited resource instead of unlimited.

I don't have a problem with it, as long as the damage is tied to a choice the PC can make (eg, whether to melee attack, or where to position oneself). They're little surprises for parties that like to charge into every battle with little planning; and can force PCs to consider tactics they might not otherwise use if the threat of auto-damage wasn't there.

 

[Dausuul]

So, what are peoples' thoughts on auto-damage?

For myself, I don't care for it. IMO everything should have a chance to not-effect a PC or the PC should be able to mitigate it (such as the half damage saves).

If the means to mitigate it is "be lucky on a d20 roll," I don't feel like it's any different from just taking XdY damage. All that's happened is that another die roll got inserted into the calculation, making it take longer and slow down combat. The player doesn't actually have any more control over anything.

In fact, a pet peeve of mine is effects (especially area effects) that involve a saving throw to avoid some piddly bit of damage. Like 1d6 or something. I would much rather have automatic damage, so you can just mark it down and move on with the interesting stuff.