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Does damage from Talon, the +1 Longsword from LMoP, count as magical damage?
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One of my players has Talon, a +1 Longsword that deals slashing damage.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
dnd-5e magic-items weapons damage-resistance lost-mine-of-phandelver
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
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 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
One of my players has Talon, a +1 Longsword that deals slashing damage.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
dnd-5e magic-items weapons damage-resistance lost-mine-of-phandelver
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
788417
3
I don't see how this is a duplicate of the linked question. I believe this question is "Is a +1 longsword magical?" while the linked question is about what magic items do
– lucasvw
11 hours ago
2
Whereas I don't see how they aren't duplicates. "Does damage from a +1 weapon count as magical damage (for the purposes of bypassing a creature's 'resistance to damage from non-magical weapons' as implied by the body text)?" and "Do magic weapons bypass a monsters' resistance to non-magic weapons?" are, in my mind, exactly the same. If the OP is in fact asking if a +1 longsword is magical then that needs to be clarified.
– Purple Monkey
11 hours ago
@NautArch it is Talon, the +1 Longsword that is written into the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign.
– BradenA8
10 hours ago
I updated your question to reflect what you're asking - but you can roll back if you want it to be the more general one you had before.
– NautArch
10 hours ago
@Cubic please post that as an answer to this question, rather than answering in comments
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
One of my players has Talon, a +1 Longsword that deals slashing damage.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
dnd-5e magic-items weapons damage-resistance lost-mine-of-phandelver
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
788417
One of my players has Talon, a +1 Longsword that deals slashing damage.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
dnd-5e magic-items weapons damage-resistance lost-mine-of-phandelver
dnd-5e magic-items weapons damage-resistance lost-mine-of-phandelver
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
788417
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
788417
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 12 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
17.3k246109
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
788417
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
788417
asked 11 hours ago
BradenA8
788417
788417
3
I don't see how this is a duplicate of the linked question. I believe this question is "Is a +1 longsword magical?" while the linked question is about what magic items do
– lucasvw
11 hours ago
2
Whereas I don't see how they aren't duplicates. "Does damage from a +1 weapon count as magical damage (for the purposes of bypassing a creature's 'resistance to damage from non-magical weapons' as implied by the body text)?" and "Do magic weapons bypass a monsters' resistance to non-magic weapons?" are, in my mind, exactly the same. If the OP is in fact asking if a +1 longsword is magical then that needs to be clarified.
– Purple Monkey
11 hours ago
@NautArch it is Talon, the +1 Longsword that is written into the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign.
– BradenA8
10 hours ago
I updated your question to reflect what you're asking - but you can roll back if you want it to be the more general one you had before.
– NautArch
10 hours ago
@Cubic please post that as an answer to this question, rather than answering in comments
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
3
I don't see how this is a duplicate of the linked question. I believe this question is "Is a +1 longsword magical?" while the linked question is about what magic items do
– lucasvw
11 hours ago
2
Whereas I don't see how they aren't duplicates. "Does damage from a +1 weapon count as magical damage (for the purposes of bypassing a creature's 'resistance to damage from non-magical weapons' as implied by the body text)?" and "Do magic weapons bypass a monsters' resistance to non-magic weapons?" are, in my mind, exactly the same. If the OP is in fact asking if a +1 longsword is magical then that needs to be clarified.
– Purple Monkey
11 hours ago
@NautArch it is Talon, the +1 Longsword that is written into the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign.
– BradenA8
10 hours ago
I updated your question to reflect what you're asking - but you can roll back if you want it to be the more general one you had before.
– NautArch
10 hours ago
@Cubic please post that as an answer to this question, rather than answering in comments
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
3
3
I don't see how this is a duplicate of the linked question. I believe this question is "Is a +1 longsword magical?" while the linked question is about what magic items do
– lucasvw
11 hours ago
I don't see how this is a duplicate of the linked question. I believe this question is "Is a +1 longsword magical?" while the linked question is about what magic items do
– lucasvw
11 hours ago
2
2
Whereas I don't see how they aren't duplicates. "Does damage from a +1 weapon count as magical damage (for the purposes of bypassing a creature's 'resistance to damage from non-magical weapons' as implied by the body text)?" and "Do magic weapons bypass a monsters' resistance to non-magic weapons?" are, in my mind, exactly the same. If the OP is in fact asking if a +1 longsword is magical then that needs to be clarified.
– Purple Monkey
11 hours ago
Whereas I don't see how they aren't duplicates. "Does damage from a +1 weapon count as magical damage (for the purposes of bypassing a creature's 'resistance to damage from non-magical weapons' as implied by the body text)?" and "Do magic weapons bypass a monsters' resistance to non-magic weapons?" are, in my mind, exactly the same. If the OP is in fact asking if a +1 longsword is magical then that needs to be clarified.
– Purple Monkey
11 hours ago
@NautArch it is Talon, the +1 Longsword that is written into the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign.
– BradenA8
10 hours ago
@NautArch it is Talon, the +1 Longsword that is written into the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign.
– BradenA8
10 hours ago
I updated your question to reflect what you're asking - but you can roll back if you want it to be the more general one you had before.
– NautArch
10 hours ago
I updated your question to reflect what you're asking - but you can roll back if you want it to be the more general one you had before.
– NautArch
10 hours ago
@Cubic please post that as an answer to this question, rather than answering in comments
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
@Cubic please post that as an answer to this question, rather than answering in comments
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
3 Answers
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active
oldest
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up vote
19
down vote
In this case: Yes, it's magical
The chest also holds a
+1 longsword in a silver-chased scabbard. The sword is inscribed with the name "Talon" ... (LMoP 24)
All of the properties of the item are given by the description "+1 longsword". This is not a generic description of a bonus, but the designation of a specific item detailed both at the end of the adventure (p.52) and in the DMG (p.213). As such, it is a magic item and bypasses resistance to non-magical attacks (MM errata on MM p.8).
Generally: Ask your DM
If you only know the effects or bonuses of an item, it is best to ask your DM (preferably by casting identify).
In 5e bonuses are not given lightly and weapons that have +X are usually magical items. However your DM is free to invent any item. Possibly the sword is of such craftsmanship that it performs better in combat. In that case it might not be considered a magical item and to overcome resistance to non-magical attacks.
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
@Slagmoth True, addressed.
– Szega
10 hours ago
Your last two sentences are about items from previous editions. They don't fit this edition, though you are correct that a DM could create them. @Slagmoth Ok, fair enough.
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
3
@KorvinStarmast No, they are not "about" previous editions. I have only pointed out a possibility. I have added further clarification that this would be unusual in 5e.
– Szega
9 hours ago
3
It’s probably worth noting that saying “+1 longsword†should always refer to the specific (magical) item of that name—DMs who want to create a non-magical longsword with +1 to attack and damage rolls should not use that term, but rather just include that in the item’s description (and, due to the ubiquity of magical +1 bonuses in D&D, it’s probably worth spelling out that it is not magical in that case anyway).
– KRyan
8 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Yes, sort of, but damage works a little differently in this edition of D&D
Magical describes the weapon, and the attack; not the damage
The magical sword makes a magical attack, it doesn't do magical damage. This is a subtle point, but it is worth remembering. (The related case of silvered weapons follows this same rule / logic).
... a magical attack is an attack delivered by a spell, a magic item, or
another magical source (Basic Rules, DM, p. 4; under Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities).
You describe Talon as a longsword, +1. In the DMG, you will find such weapons under Magic Items, in the category of Weapon, +11.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
You cited the standard rules block incorrectly.
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks (Magmin; MM)
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks not made with silvered weapons (Werewolf; MM)
Unlike some video games and some other RPGs, D&D 5th edition does not specify magical as a type of damage, although Force as a damage type is described as pure magic that does damage.
Damage Types (Basic Rules, p. 75)
Damage types have no rules of their own, but other rules, such as damage rresistance, rely on the types. The damage types follow, with examples to help a DM assign a damage type to a new effect.
The rules cite the following kinds of damage. (edited for brevity)
Acid. Bludgeoning. Cold. Fire. Force. Lightning. Necrotic. Piercing. Poison. Psychic. Radiant. Slashing. Thunder.
Note that 'magical' isn't one of the listed damage types. Long swords do slashing damage. (Weapons table, PHB).
Weapons typically do Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage. Monster stat blocks often show resistance or immunity to Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage from non-magical, or non-silvered, weapons. (Werewolf, magmin, as above). Some will also show resistance or immunity to other damage types. A red dragon, for example, is immune to fire damage. (MM; SRD p. 286 also) Fire is a damage type.
How does this work during play?
Ask yourself: is the creature resistant to, or immune from, non-magical attacks?
If yes, then a non-magical weapon does half damage (resistance) or no damage (immunity), but a magical weapon overcomes that resistance or immunity and therefore still does full Bludgeoning (mace), Slashing(sword), or Piercing(spear) damage to the target; it's attack is magical.
What damage does Talon do?
Talon is a magical sword (+1); it makes magical attacks and thus bypasses any resistance or immunity, doing full slashing damage.
Put another way, the sword isn't doing "magical damage" but is rather doing the standard kind of damage because it is making a magical attack.
1 Under "Magic Items" In the SRD, we find. (DMG ref later)
Weapon, +1, +2, or +3 Weapon (any), uncommon (+1), rare (+2), or
very rare (+3)
You have a bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic
weapon. The bonus is determined by the weapon’s rarity.
"Magical Attacks" as a game feature.
A good example of this is the Monk's 6th level ability Ki-Empowered Strikes
Starting at 6th level, your unarmed strikes count as magical for the
purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks
and damage.
The attack is magical, not the damage.
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
1
It doesn't substantially affect this answer since the feature in question does specify "nonmagical attacks", but it is entirely valid for damage itself to be magical or not or else the line in the rules on damage resistance that mentions "resistance to all nonmagical damage" doesn't make sense.
– Kamil Drakari
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
Yes, it's magical
In this case the answer is yes, as Talon is a magical item which confers a bonus of +1 to attack and damage it counts as a magical item for the purposes of negating damage resistance.
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
Can you support this with a quote from LMoP?
– NautArch
9 hours ago
1
Of course, I'll edit my answer once I get home.
– Josh
9 hours ago
1
This is the best answer. Straight to the point and gives the correct answer without obscuring it.
– GreySage
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
19
down vote
In this case: Yes, it's magical
The chest also holds a
+1 longsword in a silver-chased scabbard. The sword is inscribed with the name "Talon" ... (LMoP 24)
All of the properties of the item are given by the description "+1 longsword". This is not a generic description of a bonus, but the designation of a specific item detailed both at the end of the adventure (p.52) and in the DMG (p.213). As such, it is a magic item and bypasses resistance to non-magical attacks (MM errata on MM p.8).
Generally: Ask your DM
If you only know the effects or bonuses of an item, it is best to ask your DM (preferably by casting identify).
In 5e bonuses are not given lightly and weapons that have +X are usually magical items. However your DM is free to invent any item. Possibly the sword is of such craftsmanship that it performs better in combat. In that case it might not be considered a magical item and to overcome resistance to non-magical attacks.
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
@Slagmoth True, addressed.
– Szega
10 hours ago
Your last two sentences are about items from previous editions. They don't fit this edition, though you are correct that a DM could create them. @Slagmoth Ok, fair enough.
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
3
@KorvinStarmast No, they are not "about" previous editions. I have only pointed out a possibility. I have added further clarification that this would be unusual in 5e.
– Szega
9 hours ago
3
It’s probably worth noting that saying “+1 longsword†should always refer to the specific (magical) item of that name—DMs who want to create a non-magical longsword with +1 to attack and damage rolls should not use that term, but rather just include that in the item’s description (and, due to the ubiquity of magical +1 bonuses in D&D, it’s probably worth spelling out that it is not magical in that case anyway).
– KRyan
8 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
In this case: Yes, it's magical
The chest also holds a
+1 longsword in a silver-chased scabbard. The sword is inscribed with the name "Talon" ... (LMoP 24)
All of the properties of the item are given by the description "+1 longsword". This is not a generic description of a bonus, but the designation of a specific item detailed both at the end of the adventure (p.52) and in the DMG (p.213). As such, it is a magic item and bypasses resistance to non-magical attacks (MM errata on MM p.8).
Generally: Ask your DM
If you only know the effects or bonuses of an item, it is best to ask your DM (preferably by casting identify).
In 5e bonuses are not given lightly and weapons that have +X are usually magical items. However your DM is free to invent any item. Possibly the sword is of such craftsmanship that it performs better in combat. In that case it might not be considered a magical item and to overcome resistance to non-magical attacks.
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
@Slagmoth True, addressed.
– Szega
10 hours ago
Your last two sentences are about items from previous editions. They don't fit this edition, though you are correct that a DM could create them. @Slagmoth Ok, fair enough.
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
3
@KorvinStarmast No, they are not "about" previous editions. I have only pointed out a possibility. I have added further clarification that this would be unusual in 5e.
– Szega
9 hours ago
3
It’s probably worth noting that saying “+1 longsword†should always refer to the specific (magical) item of that name—DMs who want to create a non-magical longsword with +1 to attack and damage rolls should not use that term, but rather just include that in the item’s description (and, due to the ubiquity of magical +1 bonuses in D&D, it’s probably worth spelling out that it is not magical in that case anyway).
– KRyan
8 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
up vote
19
down vote
In this case: Yes, it's magical
The chest also holds a
+1 longsword in a silver-chased scabbard. The sword is inscribed with the name "Talon" ... (LMoP 24)
All of the properties of the item are given by the description "+1 longsword". This is not a generic description of a bonus, but the designation of a specific item detailed both at the end of the adventure (p.52) and in the DMG (p.213). As such, it is a magic item and bypasses resistance to non-magical attacks (MM errata on MM p.8).
Generally: Ask your DM
If you only know the effects or bonuses of an item, it is best to ask your DM (preferably by casting identify).
In 5e bonuses are not given lightly and weapons that have +X are usually magical items. However your DM is free to invent any item. Possibly the sword is of such craftsmanship that it performs better in combat. In that case it might not be considered a magical item and to overcome resistance to non-magical attacks.
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
In this case: Yes, it's magical
The chest also holds a
+1 longsword in a silver-chased scabbard. The sword is inscribed with the name "Talon" ... (LMoP 24)
All of the properties of the item are given by the description "+1 longsword". This is not a generic description of a bonus, but the designation of a specific item detailed both at the end of the adventure (p.52) and in the DMG (p.213). As such, it is a magic item and bypasses resistance to non-magical attacks (MM errata on MM p.8).
Generally: Ask your DM
If you only know the effects or bonuses of an item, it is best to ask your DM (preferably by casting identify).
In 5e bonuses are not given lightly and weapons that have +X are usually magical items. However your DM is free to invent any item. Possibly the sword is of such craftsmanship that it performs better in combat. In that case it might not be considered a magical item and to overcome resistance to non-magical attacks.
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 14 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
answered 11 hours ago
Szega
35.7k4147182
35.7k4147182
@Slagmoth True, addressed.
– Szega
10 hours ago
Your last two sentences are about items from previous editions. They don't fit this edition, though you are correct that a DM could create them. @Slagmoth Ok, fair enough.
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
3
@KorvinStarmast No, they are not "about" previous editions. I have only pointed out a possibility. I have added further clarification that this would be unusual in 5e.
– Szega
9 hours ago
3
It’s probably worth noting that saying “+1 longsword†should always refer to the specific (magical) item of that name—DMs who want to create a non-magical longsword with +1 to attack and damage rolls should not use that term, but rather just include that in the item’s description (and, due to the ubiquity of magical +1 bonuses in D&D, it’s probably worth spelling out that it is not magical in that case anyway).
– KRyan
8 hours ago
add a comment |Â
@Slagmoth True, addressed.
– Szega
10 hours ago
Your last two sentences are about items from previous editions. They don't fit this edition, though you are correct that a DM could create them. @Slagmoth Ok, fair enough.
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
3
@KorvinStarmast No, they are not "about" previous editions. I have only pointed out a possibility. I have added further clarification that this would be unusual in 5e.
– Szega
9 hours ago
3
It’s probably worth noting that saying “+1 longsword†should always refer to the specific (magical) item of that name—DMs who want to create a non-magical longsword with +1 to attack and damage rolls should not use that term, but rather just include that in the item’s description (and, due to the ubiquity of magical +1 bonuses in D&D, it’s probably worth spelling out that it is not magical in that case anyway).
– KRyan
8 hours ago
@Slagmoth True, addressed.
– Szega
10 hours ago
@Slagmoth True, addressed.
– Szega
10 hours ago
Your last two sentences are about items from previous editions. They don't fit this edition, though you are correct that a DM could create them. @Slagmoth Ok, fair enough.
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
Your last two sentences are about items from previous editions. They don't fit this edition, though you are correct that a DM could create them. @Slagmoth Ok, fair enough.
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago
3
3
@KorvinStarmast No, they are not "about" previous editions. I have only pointed out a possibility. I have added further clarification that this would be unusual in 5e.
– Szega
9 hours ago
@KorvinStarmast No, they are not "about" previous editions. I have only pointed out a possibility. I have added further clarification that this would be unusual in 5e.
– Szega
9 hours ago
3
3
It’s probably worth noting that saying “+1 longsword†should always refer to the specific (magical) item of that name—DMs who want to create a non-magical longsword with +1 to attack and damage rolls should not use that term, but rather just include that in the item’s description (and, due to the ubiquity of magical +1 bonuses in D&D, it’s probably worth spelling out that it is not magical in that case anyway).
– KRyan
8 hours ago
It’s probably worth noting that saying “+1 longsword†should always refer to the specific (magical) item of that name—DMs who want to create a non-magical longsword with +1 to attack and damage rolls should not use that term, but rather just include that in the item’s description (and, due to the ubiquity of magical +1 bonuses in D&D, it’s probably worth spelling out that it is not magical in that case anyway).
– KRyan
8 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Yes, sort of, but damage works a little differently in this edition of D&D
Magical describes the weapon, and the attack; not the damage
The magical sword makes a magical attack, it doesn't do magical damage. This is a subtle point, but it is worth remembering. (The related case of silvered weapons follows this same rule / logic).
... a magical attack is an attack delivered by a spell, a magic item, or
another magical source (Basic Rules, DM, p. 4; under Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities).
You describe Talon as a longsword, +1. In the DMG, you will find such weapons under Magic Items, in the category of Weapon, +11.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
You cited the standard rules block incorrectly.
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks (Magmin; MM)
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks not made with silvered weapons (Werewolf; MM)
Unlike some video games and some other RPGs, D&D 5th edition does not specify magical as a type of damage, although Force as a damage type is described as pure magic that does damage.
Damage Types (Basic Rules, p. 75)
Damage types have no rules of their own, but other rules, such as damage rresistance, rely on the types. The damage types follow, with examples to help a DM assign a damage type to a new effect.
The rules cite the following kinds of damage. (edited for brevity)
Acid. Bludgeoning. Cold. Fire. Force. Lightning. Necrotic. Piercing. Poison. Psychic. Radiant. Slashing. Thunder.
Note that 'magical' isn't one of the listed damage types. Long swords do slashing damage. (Weapons table, PHB).
Weapons typically do Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage. Monster stat blocks often show resistance or immunity to Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage from non-magical, or non-silvered, weapons. (Werewolf, magmin, as above). Some will also show resistance or immunity to other damage types. A red dragon, for example, is immune to fire damage. (MM; SRD p. 286 also) Fire is a damage type.
How does this work during play?
Ask yourself: is the creature resistant to, or immune from, non-magical attacks?
If yes, then a non-magical weapon does half damage (resistance) or no damage (immunity), but a magical weapon overcomes that resistance or immunity and therefore still does full Bludgeoning (mace), Slashing(sword), or Piercing(spear) damage to the target; it's attack is magical.
What damage does Talon do?
Talon is a magical sword (+1); it makes magical attacks and thus bypasses any resistance or immunity, doing full slashing damage.
Put another way, the sword isn't doing "magical damage" but is rather doing the standard kind of damage because it is making a magical attack.
1 Under "Magic Items" In the SRD, we find. (DMG ref later)
Weapon, +1, +2, or +3 Weapon (any), uncommon (+1), rare (+2), or
very rare (+3)
You have a bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic
weapon. The bonus is determined by the weapon’s rarity.
"Magical Attacks" as a game feature.
A good example of this is the Monk's 6th level ability Ki-Empowered Strikes
Starting at 6th level, your unarmed strikes count as magical for the
purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks
and damage.
The attack is magical, not the damage.
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
1
It doesn't substantially affect this answer since the feature in question does specify "nonmagical attacks", but it is entirely valid for damage itself to be magical or not or else the line in the rules on damage resistance that mentions "resistance to all nonmagical damage" doesn't make sense.
– Kamil Drakari
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Yes, sort of, but damage works a little differently in this edition of D&D
Magical describes the weapon, and the attack; not the damage
The magical sword makes a magical attack, it doesn't do magical damage. This is a subtle point, but it is worth remembering. (The related case of silvered weapons follows this same rule / logic).
... a magical attack is an attack delivered by a spell, a magic item, or
another magical source (Basic Rules, DM, p. 4; under Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities).
You describe Talon as a longsword, +1. In the DMG, you will find such weapons under Magic Items, in the category of Weapon, +11.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
You cited the standard rules block incorrectly.
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks (Magmin; MM)
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks not made with silvered weapons (Werewolf; MM)
Unlike some video games and some other RPGs, D&D 5th edition does not specify magical as a type of damage, although Force as a damage type is described as pure magic that does damage.
Damage Types (Basic Rules, p. 75)
Damage types have no rules of their own, but other rules, such as damage rresistance, rely on the types. The damage types follow, with examples to help a DM assign a damage type to a new effect.
The rules cite the following kinds of damage. (edited for brevity)
Acid. Bludgeoning. Cold. Fire. Force. Lightning. Necrotic. Piercing. Poison. Psychic. Radiant. Slashing. Thunder.
Note that 'magical' isn't one of the listed damage types. Long swords do slashing damage. (Weapons table, PHB).
Weapons typically do Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage. Monster stat blocks often show resistance or immunity to Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage from non-magical, or non-silvered, weapons. (Werewolf, magmin, as above). Some will also show resistance or immunity to other damage types. A red dragon, for example, is immune to fire damage. (MM; SRD p. 286 also) Fire is a damage type.
How does this work during play?
Ask yourself: is the creature resistant to, or immune from, non-magical attacks?
If yes, then a non-magical weapon does half damage (resistance) or no damage (immunity), but a magical weapon overcomes that resistance or immunity and therefore still does full Bludgeoning (mace), Slashing(sword), or Piercing(spear) damage to the target; it's attack is magical.
What damage does Talon do?
Talon is a magical sword (+1); it makes magical attacks and thus bypasses any resistance or immunity, doing full slashing damage.
Put another way, the sword isn't doing "magical damage" but is rather doing the standard kind of damage because it is making a magical attack.
1 Under "Magic Items" In the SRD, we find. (DMG ref later)
Weapon, +1, +2, or +3 Weapon (any), uncommon (+1), rare (+2), or
very rare (+3)
You have a bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic
weapon. The bonus is determined by the weapon’s rarity.
"Magical Attacks" as a game feature.
A good example of this is the Monk's 6th level ability Ki-Empowered Strikes
Starting at 6th level, your unarmed strikes count as magical for the
purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks
and damage.
The attack is magical, not the damage.
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
1
It doesn't substantially affect this answer since the feature in question does specify "nonmagical attacks", but it is entirely valid for damage itself to be magical or not or else the line in the rules on damage resistance that mentions "resistance to all nonmagical damage" doesn't make sense.
– Kamil Drakari
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
Yes, sort of, but damage works a little differently in this edition of D&D
Magical describes the weapon, and the attack; not the damage
The magical sword makes a magical attack, it doesn't do magical damage. This is a subtle point, but it is worth remembering. (The related case of silvered weapons follows this same rule / logic).
... a magical attack is an attack delivered by a spell, a magic item, or
another magical source (Basic Rules, DM, p. 4; under Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities).
You describe Talon as a longsword, +1. In the DMG, you will find such weapons under Magic Items, in the category of Weapon, +11.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
You cited the standard rules block incorrectly.
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks (Magmin; MM)
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks not made with silvered weapons (Werewolf; MM)
Unlike some video games and some other RPGs, D&D 5th edition does not specify magical as a type of damage, although Force as a damage type is described as pure magic that does damage.
Damage Types (Basic Rules, p. 75)
Damage types have no rules of their own, but other rules, such as damage rresistance, rely on the types. The damage types follow, with examples to help a DM assign a damage type to a new effect.
The rules cite the following kinds of damage. (edited for brevity)
Acid. Bludgeoning. Cold. Fire. Force. Lightning. Necrotic. Piercing. Poison. Psychic. Radiant. Slashing. Thunder.
Note that 'magical' isn't one of the listed damage types. Long swords do slashing damage. (Weapons table, PHB).
Weapons typically do Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage. Monster stat blocks often show resistance or immunity to Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage from non-magical, or non-silvered, weapons. (Werewolf, magmin, as above). Some will also show resistance or immunity to other damage types. A red dragon, for example, is immune to fire damage. (MM; SRD p. 286 also) Fire is a damage type.
How does this work during play?
Ask yourself: is the creature resistant to, or immune from, non-magical attacks?
If yes, then a non-magical weapon does half damage (resistance) or no damage (immunity), but a magical weapon overcomes that resistance or immunity and therefore still does full Bludgeoning (mace), Slashing(sword), or Piercing(spear) damage to the target; it's attack is magical.
What damage does Talon do?
Talon is a magical sword (+1); it makes magical attacks and thus bypasses any resistance or immunity, doing full slashing damage.
Put another way, the sword isn't doing "magical damage" but is rather doing the standard kind of damage because it is making a magical attack.
1 Under "Magic Items" In the SRD, we find. (DMG ref later)
Weapon, +1, +2, or +3 Weapon (any), uncommon (+1), rare (+2), or
very rare (+3)
You have a bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic
weapon. The bonus is determined by the weapon’s rarity.
"Magical Attacks" as a game feature.
A good example of this is the Monk's 6th level ability Ki-Empowered Strikes
Starting at 6th level, your unarmed strikes count as magical for the
purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks
and damage.
The attack is magical, not the damage.
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
Yes, sort of, but damage works a little differently in this edition of D&D
Magical describes the weapon, and the attack; not the damage
The magical sword makes a magical attack, it doesn't do magical damage. This is a subtle point, but it is worth remembering. (The related case of silvered weapons follows this same rule / logic).
... a magical attack is an attack delivered by a spell, a magic item, or
another magical source (Basic Rules, DM, p. 4; under Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities).
You describe Talon as a longsword, +1. In the DMG, you will find such weapons under Magic Items, in the category of Weapon, +11.
In regards to a creature that has "resistance to damage from non-magical weapons", does Talon deal magical or non-magical damage?
You cited the standard rules block incorrectly.
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks (Magmin; MM)
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks not made with silvered weapons (Werewolf; MM)
Unlike some video games and some other RPGs, D&D 5th edition does not specify magical as a type of damage, although Force as a damage type is described as pure magic that does damage.
Damage Types (Basic Rules, p. 75)
Damage types have no rules of their own, but other rules, such as damage rresistance, rely on the types. The damage types follow, with examples to help a DM assign a damage type to a new effect.
The rules cite the following kinds of damage. (edited for brevity)
Acid. Bludgeoning. Cold. Fire. Force. Lightning. Necrotic. Piercing. Poison. Psychic. Radiant. Slashing. Thunder.
Note that 'magical' isn't one of the listed damage types. Long swords do slashing damage. (Weapons table, PHB).
Weapons typically do Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage. Monster stat blocks often show resistance or immunity to Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage from non-magical, or non-silvered, weapons. (Werewolf, magmin, as above). Some will also show resistance or immunity to other damage types. A red dragon, for example, is immune to fire damage. (MM; SRD p. 286 also) Fire is a damage type.
How does this work during play?
Ask yourself: is the creature resistant to, or immune from, non-magical attacks?
If yes, then a non-magical weapon does half damage (resistance) or no damage (immunity), but a magical weapon overcomes that resistance or immunity and therefore still does full Bludgeoning (mace), Slashing(sword), or Piercing(spear) damage to the target; it's attack is magical.
What damage does Talon do?
Talon is a magical sword (+1); it makes magical attacks and thus bypasses any resistance or immunity, doing full slashing damage.
Put another way, the sword isn't doing "magical damage" but is rather doing the standard kind of damage because it is making a magical attack.
1 Under "Magic Items" In the SRD, we find. (DMG ref later)
Weapon, +1, +2, or +3 Weapon (any), uncommon (+1), rare (+2), or
very rare (+3)
You have a bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic
weapon. The bonus is determined by the weapon’s rarity.
"Magical Attacks" as a game feature.
A good example of this is the Monk's 6th level ability Ki-Empowered Strikes
Starting at 6th level, your unarmed strikes count as magical for the
purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks
and damage.
The attack is magical, not the damage.
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
edited 8 hours ago
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
answered 9 hours ago
KorvinStarmast
69.3k16216382
69.3k16216382
1
It doesn't substantially affect this answer since the feature in question does specify "nonmagical attacks", but it is entirely valid for damage itself to be magical or not or else the line in the rules on damage resistance that mentions "resistance to all nonmagical damage" doesn't make sense.
– Kamil Drakari
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
It doesn't substantially affect this answer since the feature in question does specify "nonmagical attacks", but it is entirely valid for damage itself to be magical or not or else the line in the rules on damage resistance that mentions "resistance to all nonmagical damage" doesn't make sense.
– Kamil Drakari
5 hours ago
1
1
It doesn't substantially affect this answer since the feature in question does specify "nonmagical attacks", but it is entirely valid for damage itself to be magical or not or else the line in the rules on damage resistance that mentions "resistance to all nonmagical damage" doesn't make sense.
– Kamil Drakari
5 hours ago
It doesn't substantially affect this answer since the feature in question does specify "nonmagical attacks", but it is entirely valid for damage itself to be magical or not or else the line in the rules on damage resistance that mentions "resistance to all nonmagical damage" doesn't make sense.
– Kamil Drakari
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
Yes, it's magical
In this case the answer is yes, as Talon is a magical item which confers a bonus of +1 to attack and damage it counts as a magical item for the purposes of negating damage resistance.
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
Can you support this with a quote from LMoP?
– NautArch
9 hours ago
1
Of course, I'll edit my answer once I get home.
– Josh
9 hours ago
1
This is the best answer. Straight to the point and gives the correct answer without obscuring it.
– GreySage
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
Yes, it's magical
In this case the answer is yes, as Talon is a magical item which confers a bonus of +1 to attack and damage it counts as a magical item for the purposes of negating damage resistance.
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
Can you support this with a quote from LMoP?
– NautArch
9 hours ago
1
Of course, I'll edit my answer once I get home.
– Josh
9 hours ago
1
This is the best answer. Straight to the point and gives the correct answer without obscuring it.
– GreySage
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
Yes, it's magical
In this case the answer is yes, as Talon is a magical item which confers a bonus of +1 to attack and damage it counts as a magical item for the purposes of negating damage resistance.
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
Yes, it's magical
In this case the answer is yes, as Talon is a magical item which confers a bonus of +1 to attack and damage it counts as a magical item for the purposes of negating damage resistance.
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 13 mins ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
17.3k246109
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
answered 10 hours ago
Josh
1,515416
1,515416
Can you support this with a quote from LMoP?
– NautArch
9 hours ago
1
Of course, I'll edit my answer once I get home.
– Josh
9 hours ago
1
This is the best answer. Straight to the point and gives the correct answer without obscuring it.
– GreySage
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
Can you support this with a quote from LMoP?
– NautArch
9 hours ago
1
Of course, I'll edit my answer once I get home.
– Josh
9 hours ago
1
This is the best answer. Straight to the point and gives the correct answer without obscuring it.
– GreySage
7 hours ago
Can you support this with a quote from LMoP?
– NautArch
9 hours ago
Can you support this with a quote from LMoP?
– NautArch
9 hours ago
1
1
Of course, I'll edit my answer once I get home.
– Josh
9 hours ago
Of course, I'll edit my answer once I get home.
– Josh
9 hours ago
1
1
This is the best answer. Straight to the point and gives the correct answer without obscuring it.
– GreySage
7 hours ago
This is the best answer. Straight to the point and gives the correct answer without obscuring it.
– GreySage
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
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3
I don't see how this is a duplicate of the linked question. I believe this question is "Is a +1 longsword magical?" while the linked question is about what magic items do
– lucasvw
11 hours ago
2
Whereas I don't see how they aren't duplicates. "Does damage from a +1 weapon count as magical damage (for the purposes of bypassing a creature's 'resistance to damage from non-magical weapons' as implied by the body text)?" and "Do magic weapons bypass a monsters' resistance to non-magic weapons?" are, in my mind, exactly the same. If the OP is in fact asking if a +1 longsword is magical then that needs to be clarified.
– Purple Monkey
11 hours ago
@NautArch it is Talon, the +1 Longsword that is written into the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign.
– BradenA8
10 hours ago
I updated your question to reflect what you're asking - but you can roll back if you want it to be the more general one you had before.
– NautArch
10 hours ago
@Cubic please post that as an answer to this question, rather than answering in comments
– KorvinStarmast
9 hours ago