How many smite evils per round?

[root.tar]

How many smite evils can be used in one round? Is there a limit
apart from the maximum per day rule?

Is this the case for all SU abilities?

Thanks for help.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Unless otherwise noted, all SU abilities are standard actions. Thus, in general a paladin (e.g.) could Smite Evil as a standard action, attacking at the same time. She could not combine the Smite with a full attack action. This is somewhat debated, but I'm pretty sure even those who allow the Smite with a full attack do not allow additional Smites in the same round (or as attacks of opportunity).

 

[Kat']

Three questions, three answers:
- One per normal attack.
- The number of attacks you can make in a round, obviously, otherwise no.
- No.

Unless otherwise noted, all SU abilities are standard actions.

No. SP abilities are generally standard actions. SU sometimes aren't actions at all (Divine Grace, anyone?).

 

[shilsen]

Unless otherwise noted, all SU abilities are standard actions. Thus, in general a paladin (e.g.) could Smite Evil as a standard action, attacking at the same time. She could not combine the Smite with a full attack action. This is somewhat debated, but I'm pretty sure even those who allow the Smite with a full attack do not allow additional Smites in the same round (or as attacks of opportunity).

I wouldn't be too sure about that. I allow multiple smites in a round and every DM I've played with has allowed that too. Personally, I think that's the way they're supposed to work.

Evidently Kat' above does so as well.

 

[Infiniti2000]

No. SP abilities are generally standard actions. SU sometimes aren't actions at all (Divine Grace, anyone?).

Actually, yes. Try this quote from the SRD: "Using a supernatural ability is a standard action unless noted otherwise. "

By the way, shilsen, I was pretty sure. I may have been wrong, but I was still sure about it.

 

[UltimaGabe]

Pretty much everyone I've played with treats Smite Evil as a non-action (kind of like power attack, though a better example would be the Monk's Stunning Fist ability). It just goes along with a normal attack, and has to be declared before said attack, and doesn't take an extra action. However, I don't recall anyone allowing it more than once per round. (I thought I remembered reading that somewhere...)

 

[Kahuna Burger]

Hrm...

Once per day, a paladin may attempt to smite evil with one normal melee attack.

The question, I suppose, is if the full attack action is a series of "normal melee attacks" or a special attack action. Interestingly, charge is defined as a special attack action, but I've never seen anyone disallow Smite on a charge....

In my game, I'd allow smite to be used on just about anything, including ranged attacks, lay on hands as an attack on undead, charging or more than one in a round. By RAW, however, the first two seem to be right out, and charge sketchy.

But, since full attack is not listed as a special attack action, and the ability description says the paladin does it with a melee attack and not as a separate action, I'd say each attack roll in a full attack is a separate normal attack and thus can have multiple smites.

 

[Elethiomel]

The question, I suppose, is if the full attack action is a series of "normal melee attacks" or a special attack action. Interestingly, charge is defined as a special attack action, but I've never seen anyone disallow Smite on a charge....

A Charge is a special attack action that includes one normal attack.

 

[Bad Paper]

I allow a smite as part of a full attack. Taking a clue from energy drain and stunning fist, I allow only one smite per round.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

A Charge is a special attack action that includes one normal attack.

I'd rather define what a normal melee attack is (and isn't). A charge attack isn't just a normal attack on the end of a extended move, you get a bonus to hit and special advantages with a lance - I don't object to smites on charges, just the opposite, but I had never noticed the "normal" language, and it does throw a RAW wrench into things.