D&D 5E (2014) Speed buffs and Fly

[FreeTheSlaves]

Here's a simple question.

Barbarian fast movement (BFM) increases speed by 10' while not heavily encumbered. Wizard casts Fly on Barbarian, giving him a 60' fly speed. Does BFM boost it to 70'?

 

[Leatherhead]

I'm going to say yes.

 

[Coroc]

No, because it is run / climb / swim speed based on the barbarians physical prowess, whereas the fly movement is just a skill temporary given by a spell. I mean it is not that the barbarian has to flap with his arms during the spell.

 

[Shiroiken]

RAW - it probably does, as the speed bonus and fly speed are not specified as being exclusive.

RAI - It probably shouldn't. Speed is generally referring to your walking speed, with other granted speeds are listed specifically (think of the different ways to determine AC as another example of this).

RAF - whatever floats your boat. A flying barbarian is hilarious to begin with, so...

 

[Coroc]

RAW - it probably does, as the speed bonus and fly speed are not specified as being exclusive.

RAI - It probably shouldn't. Speed is generally referring to your walking speed, with other granted speeds are listed specifically (think of the different ways to determine AC as another example of this).

RAF - whatever floats your boat. A flying barbarian is hilarious to begin with, so...

... make it mandatory that the barbarian has to flap around with his arms pretending he has wings if he wants the speed boost.

 

[Ovinomancer]

No. Speed is a specific thing for normal movement. Other forms of movement, like swimming, climbing, flying, are called out separately and are different from your speed. A boost to Speed only affects that, not ither speeds.

 

[DND_Reborn]

Since the Fly spell specifically states you have a Flying Speed of 60, no, the barbarian would not benefit from his class feature. Other class features or feats (like Monks or Mobility) which improve speed would also not improve the Fly speed of the Fly spell.

It is like Barkskin, which gives an AC 16 if worse than 16. Barkskin is not AC 16 + DEX mod, just 16.

Still, the idea of a frustrated, arm-flapping barbarian is hilarious!

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

Good points all round. Thanks guys. I've ruled they stack, but the Fly spell is quite specific about the speed it grants.

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

What if a second caster cast Haste on someone under the Fly spell?

Would their fly speed double to 120'??

 

[DND_Reborn]

What if a second caster cast Haste on someone under the Fly spell?

Would their fly speed double to 120'??

Yes. Haste doubles your speed, in all forms.