[RPG] Can the spell Catnap affect elves

dnd-5eelfracial-traitssleepspells

Elves cannot be magically put to sleep, according to their Fey Ancestry trait.

The catnap spell (Xanathar's Guide to Everything, p. 151) can make up to three willing creatures fall unconscious (and get the benefit of a short rest after the 10-minute duration).

Can elves be affected by the catnap spell?

Best Answer

RAW - Yes, catnap can affect elves

Catnap is a bit deceptively named because, despite the name and the fact that one of its effects mimics a short rest, Catnap does not actually technically put creatures to sleep. And this is not the only example of a spell/ability confusingly named.1

The important thing to realize about this is that the names of spells/abilities have no mechanical meaning. Only the spell effect description describes how the spell works.

You make a calming gesture, and up to three willing creatures [...] fall unconscious for the spell’s duration.

Nowhere in the spell does it say anything about putting creatures to sleep, it only imposes the unconscious condition on them.2

And, since elves are not immune to the unconscious condition, they are affected by the spell like anybody else is.

Rules as Intended

Jeremy Crawford has confirmed this interpretation is as intended:

Q: My group is discussing the Catnap spell; are elves unable to be affected by it, even willingly?

A: Elves aren't immune to the unconscious condition.

Q: But they can't be put to sleep by magic. Is the effect of the catnap spell not magic or not sleep?

A: Nowhere does the catnap spell say it puts you to sleep.


1 - A few examples: Sacred flame does not do fire damage. Chill touch does not do cold damage and is also not a touch spell. Daylight does not actually create sunlight. Detect good and evil does not actually detect alignment.

2 - Compare this to sleep which says:

This spell sends creatures into a magical slumber.