Because “magic missile” is not an attack, and thus damage is instantaneous, players that want to attack using the “magic missile” should first state that they wish to cast it, not just target someone and cast it.The spell requires the caster to expend a spell slot in order to cast it.The “Shield” spell is limited to ONLY two classes: Sorcerers and Wizards.The main things to keep in mind are the following points: If you would like to post your own, please use the comment option to give your own opinions about this subject. Here are my thoughts, and you may not agree with me, or you may have your own thoughts on the matter, but I’ll post mine here. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile. ShieldĬasting time: 1 reaction, which you take when you are hit by an attack, or targeted by the “magic missile” spell.Īn invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Here is the exact wording from the 5e SRD. it’s instantaneous, and if the person casting the spell does not announce they plan to cast it, the wizard or sorcerer with the “Shield” spell available to them would not have time to use their reaction to cast “Shield” to counteract it. There is also the point of the magic missile spell not being an attack, also. Part of the reason that people are arguing about whether the spell is overpowered was that some people said that the caster would know the attack roll, and thus could work out if it would actually hit or not, so it wouldn’t risk a spell slot by casting something that they knew would not benefit them. The spell will expend one of your spell slots.As stated, it gives the caster +5 to their AC and protects them from “ magic missile” damage until the start of their next turn.It requires both verbal and somatic components, so if you can’t speak or have use of at least one of your hands, you can’t cast it.The spell is a reaction to being hit by an attack or targeted by “ magic missile.”.
The spell is only available for Sorcerers and Wizards.That seems like a lot, but let’s look at the details of the spell. There has been some discussion lately that the D&D 5e “Shield” spell was overpowered, giving wizards and sorcerers the ability to use it as a reaction to being attacked, adding +5 to their AC, and negating any effects from magic missile.