Can A Water Elemental Attack You While You Are Whelmed?
Understanding the Whelm Action
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, the water elemental is a formidable monster that can deal massive damage to its enemies. One of its most devastating abilities is the Whelm action, which can knock creatures out of the water and deal significant damage. But what happens if you're already in the water, and the water elemental uses its Whelm action on you? Can it still attack you while you're whelmed?
The Whelm Action Mechanics
The Whelm action is a special ability that allows the water elemental to attack creatures in its space. According to the Monster Manual, the Whelm action says:
Whelm (Recharge 4–6). Each creature in the elemental's space must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a failure, a target takes 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
This means that when the water elemental uses its Whelm action, all creatures in its space must make a Strength saving throw. If they fail, they take bludgeoning damage.
Can a Water Elemental Attack You While You're Whelmed?
Now, let's get to the question at hand: can a water elemental attack you while you're whelmed? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.
According to the rules, when a creature is whelmed, it is considered to be in the water elemental's space. However, being whelmed does not necessarily mean that you are immune to the water elemental's attacks.
In fact, the water elemental's Whelm action specifically states that each creature in its space must make a Strength saving throw. This means that even if you're whelmed, you can still be affected by the water elemental's Whelm action.
But What About the Water Elemental's Reach?
One might argue that since you're whelmed, you're already in the water elemental's space, and therefore, you can't be attacked by it. However, this ignores the fact that the water elemental has a reach of 15 feet, which means it can attack creatures that are not in its space.
In other words, even if you're whelmed, the water elemental can still attack you if you're within its reach. This is because the water elemental's Whelm action is not limited to creatures that are in its space; it can affect any creature that is within its reach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a water elemental can indeed attack you while you're whelmed. While being whelmed does put you in the water elemental's space, it does not necessarily make you immune to its attacks. The water elemental's Whelm action can still affect you, even if you're whelmed, as long as you're within its reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a water elemental attack me while I'm whelmed?
A: Yes, a water elemental can attack you while you're whelmed. While being whelmed puts you in the water elemental's space, it does not make you immune to its attacks.
Q: What happens if I fail the Strength saving throw when the water elemental uses its Whelm action?
A: If you fail the Strength saving throw, you take 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Q: Can I use my reaction to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action?
A: Yes, you can use your reaction to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental can still attack you if you're within its reach.
Q: Can I use my action to attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action?
A: Yes, you can use your action to attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental's Whelm action can still affect you, even if you're attacking it.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use your reaction to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action
If you see the water elemental using its Whelm action, use your reaction to move away from it. This can help you avoid taking damage.
Tip 2: Attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action
If you're feeling brave, you can use your action to attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action. Just be aware that the water elemental's Whelm action can still affect you.
Tip 3: Use your surroundings to your advantage
If you're in a location with obstacles or hazards, use them to your advantage. For example, you can use a nearby pillar or rock to block the water elemental's Whelm action.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a water elemental attack me while I'm whelmed?
A: Yes, a water elemental can attack you while you're whelmed. While being whelmed puts you in the water elemental's space, it does not make you immune to its attacks.
Q: What happens if I fail the Strength saving throw when the water elemental uses its Whelm action?
A: If you fail the Strength saving throw, you take 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Q: Can I use my reaction to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action?
A: Yes, you can use your reaction to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental can still attack you if you're within its reach.
Q: Can I use my action to attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action?
A: Yes, you can use your action to attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental's Whelm action can still affect you, even if you're attacking it.
Q: What is the range of the water elemental's Whelm action?
A: The water elemental's Whelm action has a range of 15 feet. This means that it can affect creatures that are within 15 feet of it, even if they're not in its space.
Q: Can I use my speed to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action?
A: Yes, you can use your speed to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental can still attack you if you're within its reach.
Q: Can I use my ability to swim to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action?
A: Yes, if you have the ability to swim, you can use it to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental can still attack you if you're within its reach.
Q: Can I use my reaction to try and resist the water elemental's Whelm action?
A: Yes, you can use your reaction to try and resist the water elemental's Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental's Whelm action has a DC of 15, which is a relatively high DC.
Q: Can I use my action to try and attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action?
A: Yes, you can use your action to try and attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental's Whelm action can still affect you, even if you're attacking it.
Q: Can I use my ability to manipulate the water to try and affect the water elemental's Whelm action?
A: Yes, if you have the ability to manipulate the water, you can use it to try and affect the water elemental's Whelm action. However, be aware that the water elemental's Whelm action is a powerful ability that can be difficult to resist.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use your reaction to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action
If you see the water elemental using its Whelm action, use your reaction to move away from it. This can help you avoid taking damage.
Tip 2: Attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action
If you're feeling brave, you can use your action to attack the water elemental while it's using its Whelm action. Just be aware that the water elemental's Whelm action can still affect you.
Tip 3: Use your surroundings to your advantage
If you're in a location with obstacles or hazards, use them to your advantage. For example, you can use a nearby pillar or rock to block the water elemental's Whelm action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the water elemental's Whelm action is a powerful ability that can be difficult to resist. However, with the right strategies and abilities, you can try and resist its effects. Remember to use your reaction to move away from the water elemental's Whelm action, and to attack it while it's using its Whelm action. Good luck!
Additional Resources
- Monster Manual: The official sourcebook for the water elemental and its Whelm action.
- D&D 5e Player's Handbook: The official sourcebook for player characters and their abilities.
- D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide: The official sourcebook for the game master and their abilities.
Related Articles
- Water Elemental: A Comprehensive Guide
- Whelm Action: A Detailed Explanation
- D&D 5e: Tips and Tricks for Fighting Water Elementals
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the official rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. However, the game master has the final say in all matters, and their decisions may vary from the official rules.