Yes, you add the mod to the damage roll because the spell creates a weapon, per Jeremy Crawford, at least. So yes, it is just a weapon that deals 2d8 psychic damage as opposed to normal damage. You can choose to add your Strength or Dexterity modifiers to the attack and damage rolls because it is finesse.
Does Shadow Blade add modifier?
The shadow blade spell creates a weapon, and the spell doesn’t tell you to ignore the general rule on making weapon attacks (PH, 195). You therefore add the appropriate ability modifier.
Does Shadow Blade count as a magic weapon?
Shadow Blade does physic damage. Thats it. It doesnt do magic damage because the spell doesnt say it does.
Does animate dead work with grim harvest?
No. In the case of Animate Dead, the spell that you cast “imbues your target with a foul mimicry of life,” and then that target may go on to kill something.
What happens when you drop a Shadow Blade spell?
That damage increases when you cast it with a higher-level slot, up to 5d8 for a 7th level or higher spell slot. If you drop it or throw it for an attack, it vanishes at the end of your turn. And you can call it back with a bonus action, so long as you’re still concentrating on the spell.
What happens when you kill something in Grim Harvest?
Grim Harvest …you gain the ability to reap life energy from creatures you kill with your spells. (PHB p.118 , emphases mine) In the case of Animate Dead, the spell that you cast “imbues your target with a foul mimicry of life,” and then that target may go on to kill something.
What are the attack rules for Shadow Blade?
Thus all weapon and normal attack rules apply: Shadow blade creates a melee weapon. When you attack with it, you make a melee weapon attack. Melee weapon attacks use your Strength modifier, unless a rule tells you otherwise. See “Attack Rolls” (PH, 194).
Do you have to cast Shadow Blade every turn?
You have to cast it as an action, it’s a bonus action to move the hand, and it’s a separate bonus action to get advantage using it. Shadow blade is simpler and doesn’t use your bonus action every turn. Pair it with green flame blade or booming blade to add some fire or thunder damage to shadow blade’s psychic damage on top of your Sneak Attack.
