Raging magic item use?

[Dingleberry]

A raging barbarian spellcaster can't cast spells. I assume that means he can't read a scroll. But can he activate a wand or staff?

 

[Caliban]

A raging barbarian spellcaster can't cast spells. I assume that means he can't read a scroll. But can he activate a wand or staff?

Not according to the latest Sage Advice column in Dragon. They haven't updated the FAQ with the latest Sage Advice yet, so I don't know if it will make it into there.

But it does make sense that since you can't use any skill requiring concentration, you can't concentrate enough to activate a magic item.

 

[hong]

My rule of thumb would be that if it's something that requires a Concentration check when interrupted, it can't be done. Wands and staffs are spell trigger items that don't require Concentration checks, so they're OK.

 

[Dingleberry]

If anyone's curious, the answer is indeed in the latest FAQ:

If a barbarian character is normally capable of using a
wand (perhaps because he has a level of cleric or some
other ability that allows the use of such items), can he still
do so while he is raging?

A character using the barbarian's rage ability cannot activate
a wand. If a class has a rage ability that does not allow
spellcasting (as with barbarian rage), a character of that class
also cannot use a magic item activated by spell trigger, spell
completion, or command word while using the rage ability. It is
possible, of course, that a class could have a rage ability that
does allow spellcasting. If so, members of that class could also
activate magic items by spell trigger, spell completion, or
command word while raging.

Personally, I think the command word limitation goes too far, but there it is.

 

[Trine]

I agree with the spell trigger and spell completion ruling, but command word? Ugh. I really don't agree with that one part. It just takes it that step too far.

 

[LokiDR]

From a balance perspective, you shouldn't be able to get around the limitations of rage by using items, no matter how they are activated. Rage, ring of invis, boots of speed, attack, invis, repeat. Doesn't fit rage very well.

 

[Saeviomagy]

How on earth is it a balance issue? Magical items are already balanced out (supposedly) by cost - all this does is restrict a barbarian to use activated items while raging.
Why, if it's a balance issue as you claim, do you say that it 'doesn't fit rage very well'? Why are you suddenly talking flavour when your argument was about balance? If we're talking flavour, do you honestly think that rage renders someone unable to speak? That a raging barbarian should be unable to activate his flaming sword?

 

[Darklone]

Actually, yes. I wouldn't let a barbarian who entered rage activate his flaming sword.

Rage for me is a state of the mind where you don't have time to concentrate on anything else except hitting the enemy fast and hard. No time for command words and pulling out equipment and all that stuff.

 

[LokiDR]

How on earth is it a balance issue? Magical items are already balanced out (supposedly) by cost - all this does is restrict a barbarian to use activated items while raging.
Why, if it's a balance issue as you claim, do you say that it 'doesn't fit rage very well'? Why are you suddenly talking flavour when your argument was about balance? If we're talking flavour, do you honestly think that rage renders someone unable to speak? That a raging barbarian should be unable to activate his flaming sword?

Excuse me?

Rage has nothing to do with item costs. You can not cast spells while enraged, so you should not get around this restriction by using items at any cost. That is a balance arguement.

It also doesn't fit the concept very well. A barbarian isn't thinking about calcules, or the pretty shirt the NPC is wearing, they are focused on taking it down. Speak-yes. Speak coherently, maybe. Remember exact magical phrases-no. This is a flavor arguement.

Ok, I presented two arguements. Pair beats nothing. I win

 

[hong]

Rage has nothing to do with item costs. You can not cast spells while enraged, so you should not get around this restriction by using items at any cost. That is a balance arguement.

If so, it's a weak one. At high levels, everyone has magic items out the wazoo, and these items form an integral part of their capabilities. Saying that if the barb uses his signature ability, he suddenly can't use half or more of his magic, is pretty extreme.

It also doesn't fit the concept very well. A barbarian isn't thinking about calcules, or the pretty shirt the NPC is wearing, they are focused on taking it down.

A raging barb can think coherently enough not to kill his friends. They should be able to think coherently enough to say "flame on!" or whatever.