D&D 5E Can you use a reaction on a hit that downs you.

[ECMO3]

My 1st level tempest cleric was downed by an enemy (one shot). I wanted to use wrath of the storm in my death throws.

Is this allowed? Is the damage applied before the reaction?

 

[Steampunkette]

When the attacker "Hits you" is the wording on wrath of the storm. Yes. You could've responded before taking damage.

Because there are other reactions based on taking damage.

Corollary: If you kill the attacker after his attack lands, but before the damage is dealt, you take no damage.

 

[jgsugden]

When the attacker "Hits you" is the wording on wrath of the storm. Yes. You could've responded before taking damage.

Because there are other reactions based on taking damage.

Corollary: If you kill the attacker after his attack lands, but before the damage is dealt, you take no damage.

Do you have some support for your corollary? I've been under the impression this is not specified and up to the DM.

 

[Steampunkette]

Do you have some support for your corollary? I've been under the impression this is not specified and up to the DM.

Goblin Boss: Redirect Attack.
Sentinel Feat: Attack someone within range who attacked someone else.

In response to getting attacked (but not specifically getting hit or taking damage) the goblin boss can redirect the hit to any goblin (Even a Goblin PC) within range.

Crawford rules that Sentinel Feat attack happens after the attack on an ally is resolved. But the Redirect Attack, taken in the same way, results in the goblin boss getting hit and then swapping spaces, negating the function of the ability.

Crawford's strange choice cannot, therefore, be applied in a universal manner. The Goblin Boss's method, however, -can- be applied in a universal manner. Wherein reactions interrupt actions and resolve first.

Resulting in the aforementioned hit with no damage if you kill the attacker. 'Cause he can't resolve the attack if he dies performing it.

 

[Guest 7034872]

There also are numerous reactions that raise a PC's AC or de-buff the attacker's attack roll, potentially causing the attack to miss. I think Steampunkette has it right.

 

[Steampunkette]

Eugh... Correction.

There's 1 paragraph on page 252 of the DMG on adjudicating when reactions occur. "If it appears to interrupt, it interrupts, otherwise it happens after, as if it were readied"

That's just weird. Why would you make reactions work that way instead of just always interrupting? It makes no sense. And specifically requires the DM to go through and determine whether they think a given specific function interrupts.

 

[aco175]

It does not make sense, but I can see your logic. The power says after you have been hit. I have other examples of re-roll the attack or grant disadvantage or something. I would likely still have the cleric take the damage though.

 

[Guest 7034872]

Well, I learned something today.