Paladin Oath of Ancients, Aura of Warding question

[Otterscrubber]

In our last adventure we ran into an enemy paladin who took the Oath of Ancients and had Aura of Warding, which states they and allies in 10 feet have resistance to damage from spells. Our DM was ruling this also included spell-like abilities such as my warlocks Hurl into Hell and the paladin's smite and improved smite damage as well. But technically these are not spells and was wondering which way others look at this and if they also rule this affects abilities that are "not normal" as my DM put it. Anyone else run into this?

 

[Gladius Legis]

Your DM is ruling it wrong. The protection is strictly limited to spells, and the game defines what a spell is and isn't quite clearly.

 

[KahlessNestor]

Your DM is ruling it wrong. The protection is strictly limited to spells, and the game defines what a spell is and isn't quite clearly.

Except smites use spell slots, so that one could be fair.

 

[Gladius Legis]

Except smites use spell slots, so that one could be fair.

Still not a spell.

 

[Oofta]

As much as I wish it granted resistance to all magical damage for my paladin, it does not. Class features and smites are not spells even if they are magical.

Your DM is wrong ... except the the DM is always right and just gave the NPC an "Improved Aura of Warding".

 

[Gwarok]

I'm his DM. I shall accept my shame for this poor ruling like a man and proceed as one duly reprimanded

 

[Otterscrubber]

As much as I wish it granted resistance to all magical damage for my paladin, it does not. Class features and smites are not spells even if they are magical.

Your DM is wrong ... except the the DM is always right and just gave the NPC an "Improved Aura of Warding".

Ya, I decided to roll with it, not start a rules war over it, he's the DM and rule 0 is a thing. I figured it would be more satisfying to shame him on the boards anyways

 

[Shiroiken]

I think the simplest way to look at it is: could the effect be counterspelled? If so, I'd give them half damage, if not, then it's just not a spell.

 

[Oofta]

Ya, I decided to roll with it, not start a rules war over it, he's the DM and rule 0 is a thing. I figured it would be more satisfying to shame him on the boards anyways

Ah, revenge. A dish best served on the cold, heartless, internet.

 

[cooperjer]

I was just listening to Mike Shea interview Jeremy Crawford about monster use and design. He indicated that monsters have a range of HP and damage, so it is intended a DM can adjust damage and HP as needed. This is similar to what Oofta said. It's an improved paladin feature. However, I would hope it only shows up rarely, otherwise the players may want it.