D&D 5E Hex Shenanigans

[Ruin Explorer]

Simple house rule. If a PC is Concentrating on something during a rest, they do not gain any of the normal benefits from that rest because they are too busy maintaining that Concentration. They can't rest and recover because they are too focused on that one thing. And if they do try, then Concentration checks are needed during the rest for them to split their focus between Concentration and recovery.

Why would you make this rule? Can you explain?

You'd be hurting players using a very small number of specific spells (I'm not sure it's even 10, I can check if you want), and as far as I can tell, just breaking RAW/RAI to slightly nerf them. None of these spells are particularly outrageous, and your house rule would be an extremely clear violation of RAI.

But perhaps you can point to some dreadful spell that is Concentration and lasts more than 1hr?

 

[Fenris447]

So the question now just boils down to, can you cast hex on a chicken? The thought being that you do that first thing in the morning so that if you get to rest before actually fighting, you get an extra spell for the day.

I mean, to me that seems like a pretty classic bag-of-rats technique... you're supplying your own non-threatening creature to use as a target to get some effect that you want. As such I'd say any DM is in their rights to say no.

It's bag of rats, yes. In practice, I'd just have my warlock find the nearest bug or bird and do it with that creature. Easier than buying chickens all the time.


...unless we cook the chickens...in which case, the bonus is a delicious breakfast every morning! I withdraw my statement. I'm buying chickens from now on.

 

[ManBagel]

Why carry around a chicken? Just move it to one of your friends. Then when the next fight starts, move it to the new target.

So the problem with that is they have disadvantage on ability checks then. That’s why I wanted to carry a worm around since they are small, easy to feed, and reproduce through regeneration. So if I cut it in half then I have a chance to get 2 worms.

 

[Enevhar Aldarion]

Why would you make this rule? Can you explain?

You'd be hurting players using a very small number of specific spells (I'm not sure it's even 10, I can check if you want), and as far as I can tell, just breaking RAW/RAI to slightly nerf them. None of these spells are particularly outrageous, and your house rule would be an extremely clear violation of RAI.

But perhaps you can point to some dreadful spell that is Concentration and lasts more than 1hr?

What about the one this thread is about? i thought that was what you all are arguing and complaining about.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

What about the one this thread is about? i thought that was what you all are arguing and complaining about.

There's no dreadful concentration spell in this thread. People are discussing Hex which is not "all that", sadly. The discussion was initially down to people not understanding the rules and thinking you had to do weird stuff with it. Then it was down to the fact that if you can avoid having your concentration broken, and are a Warlock who is at least 5th level, you can keep it on most of the day on a single cast, or all day on a single cast at 9th level. Which isn't really a problem.

There's no spell I can find that makes it worth making house rules re: breaking concentration on rests. On the contrary, the majority of spells it impacts are kind-niche spells that it would make totally rubbish (like Find the Path).

 

[Gadget]

I think there's no question that Warlocks can use the chicken (or bag of rats) to squeeze an extra spell slot out of the day, assuming they have the luxury of a taking an extra short rest at the beginning of the day, not to mention a convenient sacrifice chicken/rat/minion.

I think the real question is whether or not this is that big of a deal. It seems like a set up that may not really be worth it in many situations, and it seems DMs could circumvent this by not providing the opportunity rather than imposing an arbitrary restriction. Some could also say it is somewhat thematic of a shady warlock type as well, more of a role-play bonus than anything, imho.

It does seem strange that people talk about house rules to limit concentration through short rests or longer than a few minutes though, as spells that require concentration and have a longer duration are clearly intended to be used in such a manner. I guess if it becomes problematic or the spell is too strong, but I guess I'm not seeing it. IME, such things sound good on paper, but usually such things as taking damage, environmental conditions that require concentration checks, or more often, the desire to concentrate on a different spell usually disrupts the practice.

 

[Oofta]

I think there's no question that Warlocks can use the chicken (or bag of rats) to squeeze and extra spell slot out of the day, assuming they have the luxury of a taking an extra short rest at the beginning of the day, not to mention a convenient sacrifice chicken/rat/minion.

I think the real question is whether or not this is that big of a deal. It seems like a set up that may not really be worth it in many situations, and it seems DMs could circumvent this by not providing the opportunity rather than imposing an arbitrary restriction. Some could also say it is somewhat thematic of a shady warlock type as well, more of a role-play bonus than anything, imho.

It does seem strange that people talk about house rules to limit concentration through short rests or longer than a few minutes though, as spells that require concentration and have a longer duration are clearly intended to be used in such a manner. I guess if it becomes problematic or the spell is too strong, but I guess I'm not seeing it. IME, such things sound good on paper, but usually such things as taking damage, environmental conditions that require concentration checks, or more often, the desire to concentrate on a different spell usually disrupts the practice.

To clarify - again - there are some circumstances I may ask for a concentration check outside of combat. Not every time, not always, once in a blue moon.

I think the last time it happened the group was on a small ship in a violent storm at see and people were in danger of being washed overboard. So, yes, if it makes me a horrible DM to think that it might be difficult to concentrate while half-drowning and struggling to stay alive then so be it.

As far as the chicken? I'm sorry, but it falls into the bag of rats category and I don't allow that at my table.

 

[Gadget]

I think the last time it happened the group was on a small ship in a violent storm at see and people were in danger of being washed overboard. So, yes, if it makes me a horrible DM to think that it might be difficult to concentrate while half-drowning and struggling to stay alive then so be it.

Excellent example and I would say this type of situation is well within the scope of the defined concentration rules, and exactly the kind of thing I was referring to in my post above with 'environmental conditions.' In fact looking at the basic rules:

"The DM might also decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell."

So, I think we are in agreement here with such a ruling not being at all out of line with the RAW and RAI. I may have misinterpreted you (or perhaps another poster) above as saying you would require concentration checks under normal, mundane circumstances for durations approaching or exceeding an hour.

 

[Eltab]

Find a T-Rhex (perhaps from Tomb of Annihilation) and let IT reduce your enemies to 0 HP.

Another Hex shenannigan: curse the boss enemy's STR and have your optimized-to-grapple friend offer to settle this with a wrestling match.

 

[Oofta]

Excellent example and I would say this type of situation is well within the scope of the defined concentration rules, and exactly the kind of thing I was referring to in my post above with 'environmental conditions.' In fact looking at the basic rules:

"The DM might also decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell."

So, I think we are in agreement here with such a ruling not being at all out of line with the RAW and RAI. I may have misinterpreted you (or perhaps another poster) above as saying you would require concentration checks under normal, mundane circumstances for durations approaching or exceeding an hour.

I may well not have been clear. Too much multi-tasking while staring out the window wishing I could just go outside an play.