D&D 5E Should Power Word spells be a bonus action?

[the Jester]

The argument always was that it was ninth level because of the speed rather than the power.

Wait, when was this? Can you cite something to demonstrate this? Because I never thought that was the case. Power words are high-level spells because they are no-save devastating effects.

Also, casting a power word has always taken the spellcaster's action throughout D&D history. I don't know if they exist in 4e- I can't recall seeing them- but if they do and only take a minor action to cast, you might have a case.

But personally, I think the power words are plenty strong without becoming bonus actions. Lower-powered versions, maybe.

 

[Lancelot]

I wouldn't change it myself, but I don't see a huge problem in changing it to a bonus action... with some restrictions. Maybe it's incredibly quick to cast, but the effort from speaking one of the "Words of Creation" is so great that the caster cannot use another spell in the same round. This is already consistent with the 5e rules. You can only cast one spell of 1st-9th level per turn, even if it's only a bonus action. So, you're limited to cantrips or physical attacks on your regular action.

 

[Plane Sailing]

"the argument"? Like, there was only ever one, and it was standard? Funny, 'cause I've never heard that argument.

You clearly didn't move in the right circles then.

 

[Umbran]

You clearly didn't move in the right circles then.

My middle name is "Widdershins". I'm a very counter-culture kind of guy.

 

[the Jester]

You clearly didn't move in the right circles then.

Still waiting for that cite.

 

[Mercule]

I could go either way, on this. I do kinda like the "it's just one word" argument, but it's also a pretty easy sell for me to envision the need to be really focused while uttering that one word -- you wouldn't want to accidentally nuke the cute half-elf damsel-in-distress instead of the half-elf necromancer.

Put another way, focus is the difference between that super-cool ninja move where you catch the sword between your palms and being called "lefty".

 

[bganon]

Six seconds isn't that long, and I always imagined Power Words were not the sort of thing you just blurt out hastily. If you're going to successfully speak the otherwise ineffable language of arcane power so forcefully that it kills somebody, you're probably going to want to take a moment to calm yourself, fix your posture, draw in your breath properly, etc.

 

[Warmaster Horus]

What is the in-play problem with them requiring an action? Perhaps the 'extra' time (in a 6-second turn) is mobilizing the arcane power to be projected by the word. It's not just saying "KILL!", I'm sure wizards say the word "KILL!" pretty often without triggering a 9th Level spell. There's a little something more to it...

 

[jrowland]

I'll probably play it as is, but if I were to change it along the lines of the OP's inquiry, I would make it an action to cast and a bonus action to "release", with concentration for "holding". Allows for that quick cast feel when needed, is limited by concentration and by bonus action economy (only 1), but if you just wanted to cast and release (nyuk nyuk) you could and it would seem just like RAW.

 

[SkidAce]

Still waiting for that cite.

I experienced [MENTION=114]Plane Sailing[/MENTION] 's perspective also, but it is probably anecdotal evidence at best.

We have been planing on making the "word" spells bonus actions, and keeping the only spell per turn standard.