It says it works on wood clubs or quarterstaffs, the Improvised Weapon rules tell us that an object that resembles a weapon should be 'treated as' that weapon, and in fact makeshift clubs are specifically listed as one of the best examples of this. The spell has a great many limitations, but is adequate at what it does (make Druids less MAD, by not requiring them to invest in Strength or Dexterity). It isn't particularly forgiving if you need to sheathe your weapon to do something else with your hands, like use a spell focus, or climb. It doesn't scale as well as other attack cantrips (no damage bump at 5, 11, and 17). It doesn't combo particularly well with Wild Shape. Shillelagh doesn't let you enchant an item for others to use. Are there other attack cantrips where you must make a Concentration check every round (likely multiple times per round) or risk having your action economy messed up? No. you wouldn't be able to cast the spell with bird guano, despite the fact that they're both shit from a flying creature. Just like how Fireball requires bat guano as a component. I realize many would see that as just splitting hairs (and I would probably break from RAW at my own table if this came up), but that's just how spells work. That can be circumvented by having a Druidic Focus, yet the spell also requires the target object be an actual club or quarterstaff as well. Shillelagh requires an actual club or quarterstaff. An Improvised Weapon can be (at DM's discretion, so this is already an 'if the DM allows it, fine' scenario) wielded as if it were a standard weapon, but it does not actually become that standard weapon. That said, Shillelagh does not work with Improvised Weapons by RAW. That's honestly where most people get tripped up, so good on you! You absolutely have the right idea about how Improvised Weapons are meant to be handled. In general, I want to say that you're mostly right. I see this as the Druid's Magical equivalent.ĭoes anyone see any issues with this interpretation or problems that may arise because of it? Although of course this would all be up for DM interpretation.Īlthough this is a very D&D problem, it does somewhat have an equivalent in history, where knights would hold their swords by the blade and use the cross-guard as a makeshift hammer to better penetrate armour, or at least transfer more concussive force to it. Nor would using a heavy or two handed weapon lose either of those properties (the weapons bulk is still the same even if not using the heavy end for striking). I think if this were to be allowed it is important to note that the weapon is not being used as intended so does not necessarily benefit from certain bonuses it usually would (Great weapon master, Reach, greater than d8 damage etc.) beyond the normal capabilities of a shillelagh. Wooden training weapons / toy weapons (perhaps useful if you are attacked during downtime) The hafts of certain weapons (all forms of axes, hammers & polearms)

The hafts of certain tools (axes, spades, sledgehammers, rakes & brooms) Standard Improvised clubs & staves (chair legs, tree branches, snooker cues, etc.) There are some caveats to how I would allow these weapons to be used but as an example, I see this being useable for: With this in mind, I have come to the conclusion that as far as RAI is concerned, there would be no barrier to using the shillelagh spell (usually restricted to use on clubs and quarterstaffs) on other wooden weapons and objects, specifically if held so that the striking side of the weapon is the wooden haft instead of any metal head the weapon possesses. At the DM's option, a character proficient with a weapon can use a similar object as if it were that weapon and use his or her proficiency bonus. For example, a table leg is akin to a club. Often, an improvised weapon is similar to an actual weapon and can be treated as such. The weapons section of the phb contains this note on improvised weapons: I'm currently planning to play a Barbarian Druid who utilises both a greataxe and shillelagh, but don't particularly fancy carrying too many long bulky weapons on my person.

Shillelagh 5e