I've got a paladin in my game who took Great Weapon Master the Great Weapon fighting style and wanted to know whether the damage bonus applies to smites. Apparently, there are conflicting rulings about it online.
I tend to think that a strict reading of the feature implies that it applies to weapon damage only, not to enhancements like smites; but on the other hand, I like to rule in players' favor when possible; but on the third hand, I don't want to accidentally break my game and regret it. So I'm wondering if anyone has seen this combo in action, where the damage bonus is allowed to apply to smites, and can comment on how unbalancing it actually is. Thanks.
NOTE: My question is not about how the rule works as written. My question is about what would happen if I make the more permissive ruling and allow the two options to stack.
NOTE 2: I'm an idiot. This question is about the Great Weapon Fighting Style, not the Great Weapon Master feat. I should have double-checked the character sheet before posting here. My apologies.
I tend to think that a strict reading of the feature implies that it applies to weapon damage only, not to enhancements like smites; but on the other hand, I like to rule in players' favor when possible; but on the third hand, I don't want to accidentally break my game and regret it. So I'm wondering if anyone has seen this combo in action, where the damage bonus is allowed to apply to smites, and can comment on how unbalancing it actually is. Thanks.
NOTE: My question is not about how the rule works as written. My question is about what would happen if I make the more permissive ruling and allow the two options to stack.
NOTE 2: I'm an idiot. This question is about the Great Weapon Fighting Style, not the Great Weapon Master feat. I should have double-checked the character sheet before posting here. My apologies.
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