The player can only use the shield spell when he is hit by an attack. He/she then decides whether to use shield as a reaction or not (sage advice apparently indicates that they get to see the die roll even though the spell doesn’t specify this).
Can you cast shield after you know the roll?
No. You get to wait to see if the attack would hit you. So the clear intent here is the use it after the attack roll so you know whether or not you’ve been hit.
Can a shield spell protect you from a magic missile?
The spell description calls out a specific feature of shield, which is that it prevents any damage from magic missile. No other specific exceptions are made. That one spell is the single specific spell attack that does not need to make an attack roll to hit you that is nullified by shield. The “why” seems to be “tradition.”
When to use a shield spell in RuneScape?
Shield is a reaction that you can use when you are targeted by an attack or the magic missile spell. An attack is defined as something requiring an attack roll when it targets you. It does not do any damage reduction or prevention of any type, rather it simply increases your AC, potentially causing attacks to miss (and nullifies magic missile).
How does the shield spell work in D & D?
The spell is a reaction to being hit by an attack or targeted by “ magic missile .” It requires both verbal and somatic components, so if you can’t speak or have use of at least one of your hands, you can’t cast it. As stated, it gives the caster +5 to their AC and protects them from “ magic missile ” damage until the start of their next turn.
Is the shield spell available to sorcerers and Wizards?
The spell is only available for Sorcerers and Wizards. ** (see note below) The spell is a reaction to being hit by an attack or targeted by “ magic missile .” It requires both verbal and somatic components, so if you can’t speak or have use of at least one of your hands, you can’t cast it.
