Official D&D 5E Rulings By Tweet: The Inaugural Three

Years ago, one of my fondest message board threads was one in which D&D co-creator Gary Gygax would explains the origin and meaning of various rules of D&D. Flash-forward to today and social media such as Twitter enables the creators of D&D to answer gamers questions like never before. When it comes to general rules questions for the current iteration of the game (5th), Jeremy Crawford is the go to for official rulings. I don't follow his twitter but I do follow a page on Facebook called Sage Advice that collects Tweets involving D&D creators.


Which brings us to the topic of today's entry and the hopeful start of a semi-regular 'column' on this blog "Official D&D 5E Rulings By Tweet". In which I will provide a link to a given official ruling while providing my own two cents. This inaugural edition will only three such.


Can a centaur become a werewolf? - Short answer for those whom don't want to read the 'tweet thread' for is yes for PCs, no for NPCs. DMs will probably enjoy describing the new werewolf?
Players are like "What do you mean the vertically standing wolf-like creature has four legs?!" Can easily predict players confusing their fellow PC as a demon if meta-gaming is curtailed.


It's all in the language... - Don't believe I've ever sat at a table with another PC with the Shield Mastery feat. As such, I've never had cause to consider when during action order a shield bash occurs. On the other hand, two-weapon fighting is quite common! Reading this ruling, it's good to know proper order matters regarding shield bash but not two-weapon fighting.


Read the chart... - While some rulings are needed as the rules are nuanced, others can be surmised as 'read the book' as the answer to this particular question as whether hand axes and spears can be used in a rogue's sneak attack. Suppose Crawford could have provided a yes or no answer but still sometimes you just have to read the book! Hmm, so can they used? *Cough* *cough* Should take Crawford's advice... Answer: No and no as neither counts as either ranged or finesse.


There you have it. My first installment of Official D&D 5E Rulings by Tweet!


Happy Gaming!


Next time.