Don't add together temporary hitpoints - lessons from the cleric

[Aethio]

A number of people have questionned whether temporary hitpoints generated by multiple uses of the same ability count as the same source, and thus would be cumulative. This dilemma usually comes up in the context of Infernal Pact Warlocks or Bostering Strike Paladins. Stacking temporary hp in these contexts is mostly fair, so this confusion is understandable. Clerics on the other hand are downright silly if temporary hp stack.

The trouble comes from sacred flame, starting at mid to high levels and doesn't require a particularly demanding build. Take an 18 wisdom and 14 charisma at first level, and then place extra stat points in these abilities with levelling. At level 20, this cleric can unequip their implement and then target an ally with sacred flame [as it targets one creature]. In response to a hit, that ally takes 1d6+6 damage (23 wisdom), then gains 10 (1/2 level) + 4 (19 charisma) = 14 temporary hp. After the first shot this will always net at least 2 bonus temporary hp, with an average of 5.5 gained per attack. Assuming a six second round, this exploit can net a total of 3300 temporary hp per hour for the clerics allies, without ever placing anyone in danger. Ouch.

A similar trick is possible with two high wisdom, low charisma paladins, but that seems a much more demanding build with less general utility than a Wis/Cha cleric.

 

[Mort_Q]

just so everyone is clear

Temporary hitpoints:

• You gain/receive X temporary hitpoints.
  • If you currently have more than X temporary hitpoints, nothing happens.
  • Else, you now have X temporary hitpoints.

 

[Boco]

Temporary hitpoints:

• You gain/receive X temporary hitpoints.
  • If you currently have more than X temporary hitpoints, nothing happens.
  • Else, you now have X temporary hitpoints.

You forgot "If a single application of a power would cause you to gain/receive multiple temporary hitpoints, add them together before continuing." Reference the Warlock's Infernal Pact boon (which stacks, but only on one attack) and it's related feat (which gives even more). Since each inividual X is so tiny in this case you'd end up with a tiny amount if they didn't add first, as the example shows them doing.

 

[Mort_Q]

You forgot "If a single application of a power would cause you to gain/receive multiple temporary hitpoints, add them together before continuing." Reference the Warlock's Infernal Pact boon (which stacks, but only on one attack) and it's related feat (which gives even more). Since each inividual X is so tiny in this case you'd end up with a tiny amount if they didn't add first, as the example shows them doing.

I took that to be part of You gain/receive X temporary hitpoints as it is only a very specific case.

 

[Jack99]

A number of people have questionned whether temporary hitpoints generated by multiple uses of the same ability count as the same source, and thus would be cumulative. This dilemma usually comes up in the context of Infernal Pact Warlocks or Bostering Strike Paladins. Stacking temporary hp in these contexts is mostly fair, so this confusion is understandable. Clerics on the other hand are downright silly if temporary hp stack.

The trouble comes from sacred flame, starting at mid to high levels and doesn't require a particularly demanding build. Take an 18 wisdom and 14 charisma at first level, and then place extra stat points in these abilities with levelling. At level 20, this cleric can unequip their implement and then target an ally with sacred flame [as it targets one creature]. In response to a hit, that ally takes 1d6+6 damage (23 wisdom), then gains 10 (1/2 level) + 4 (19 charisma) = 14 temporary hp. After the first shot this will always net at least 2 bonus temporary hp, with an average of 5.5 gained per attack. Assuming a six second round, this exploit can net a total of 3300 temporary hp per hour for the clerics allies, without ever placing anyone in danger. Ouch.

A similar trick is possible with two high wisdom, low charisma paladins, but that seems a much more demanding build with less general utility than a Wis/Cha cleric.

Except that according to the rules, targets of powers must be a threat.

 

[rbingham2000]

Except that according to the rules, targets of powers must be a threat.

Yep. Page 40 of the DMG under Legitimate Targets specifically dealt with the old "Bag of Rats" exploit.

Quite thankfully, I might add.

 

[ReeboKesh]

Ok guys I'm confused. If a Warlock with Infernal Pact 'tags' 5 creatures with Warlocks Curse does he get 1 Temporary hit point from each as they die?

Note if he has that Feat, I can't recall the name, the one that gives him more temporary hit points from Warlock Curse, does he get more temporary hit points from the 5 creatures he Cursed and killed?

Thanks
Reebo

 

[Kordeth]

Ok guys I'm confused. If a Warlock with Infernal Pact 'tags' 5 creatures with Warlocks Curse does he get 1 Temporary hit point from each as they die?

No. Temporary hit points do not stack.

Note if he has that Feat, I can't recall the name, the one that gives him more temporary hit points from Warlock Curse, does he get more temporary hit points from the 5 creatures he Cursed and killed?

No. Temporary hit points do not stack.

 

[GorTeX]

in addition to the other notes posted (temp hp do not stack..ever), they go away after any rest, a short rest is a rest. Anything that expires after an encounter or short rest lasts for a maximum of 5 minutes.

 

[ReeboKesh]

So basically if they kill a Cursed creature and get say 4 temporary hitpoints, any more creatures they kill will not add to this and they go away when they rest?
Thanks
Reebo