D&D 5E Stormcaller and Shocking Grasp; drawing and sheathing weapon

[Herobizkit]

I will soon be playing a 5th level Mountain Dwarf Stormcaller Cleric, and I just recently learned how awesome Shocking Grasp is...

In fact, it's now "better" damage-wise (2d8/half on save) than my standard Warhammer attack (1d8+3).

I see they made Shocking Grasp as an auto-hit to avoid any possible stacking issues with melee attacks through a weapon/fist; to activate any of my Channel Divinity powers, I must first hit with a melee attack.

I haven't found the rules as to what action constitutes draw/sheathe a weapon... so what I'd like to know is:

a) can I use Shocking Grasp while wielding a weapon, and
b) if not, what action must I use to draw/sheathe a weapon?

 

[Viking Bastard]

Drawing/switching/sheathing a weapon is a free action.

 

[jodyjohnson]

Is there a new packet out?

The June packet has Shocking Grasp as Save for None like the packet before it.

 

[Herobizkit]

@jodyjohnson: Excellent point. I missed that in the reading of the June packet. Still, a 2d8 attack (and disadvantage versus metal heavy armor) versus a 1d8+3 attack seems better in all respects.

I might not be totally aware of "the math"... but I believe I have an +5 Attack and a DC 15 spell save. Given that Shocking Grasp attacks Dex, does this mean that it's generally better in almost all cases (except rogues/fast creatures) than attacking with my hammer?

 

[Majoru Oakheart]

I might not be totally aware of "the math"... but I believe I have an +5 Attack and a DC 15 spell save. Given that Shocking Grasp attacks Dex, does this mean that it's generally better in almost all cases (except rogues/fast creatures) than attacking with my hammer?

It's about the same most of the time. the average damage on 2d8 is 7. The average damage on 1d8+3 is 6.5. Many enemies have 12 AC and +1 to Dex saves. You'll hit about 70% of the time with your melee attack and the enemy will fail their save about 65% of the time.

It basically amounts to almost precisely the same damage.

 

[jodyjohnson]

The basic question is: Can I cast spells while wielding a weapon and using a shield?
Answer: ask your DM/group, because in Next that's his call. I'd say yes.

Opponents in metal armor is really a corner case.

And weapon plus Divine Favor or Bless will almost always be better across levels rather than at specific levels where Cantrips might beat weapons.

 

[RangerWickett]

Avg of 2d8 is 9, not 7.

 

[Herobizkit]

Gotta admit, shock-punching people until I want to use my Channel abilities, then hauling out my hammer and summoning godly might for a powerful thunder attack has a delicious flava.