@JeremyECrawford Can I cancel a "Natural 20 Critical Hit" using Cutting Words?
— Leonardo Nocchi (@LeonardoNocchi) December 3, 2015
Cutting Words can't nullify a critical hit—no bonus or penalty can (PH, 194). [Overrides a deleted 12/3 tweet] #DnD https://t.co/AkbKQ2a5Xe
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) February 4, 2016
@JeremyECrawford @LeonardoNocchi But if you reduce the attack to less than your AC, you still can avoid it, right?
— Leonardo Raele (@LeonardoRaele) February 4, 2016
When you make an attack roll and get a 20 on the d20, you hit regardless of any bonuses or penalties (PH, 194). #DnD https://t.co/e8wCnC0xbw
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) February 4, 2016
@LeonardoNocchiPH, 194 says “modifiers or the target’s AC”. Cutting Words says “subtract from the roll”. It is not a penalty to the roll. Subtracting from a roll is a modifier—specifically a penalty.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) February 5, 2016
@LeonardoNocchiHow about Champion’s Improved Critical? Can you “Cut Words” and cancel a critical? No.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) February 17, 2016