Based on my understanding, activating a Tentacle Rod requires the "Use an Object" action. As a 3rd level warlock with Pact of the Chain and an imp familiar, can I order my imp to carry and activate a Tentacle Rod to attack enemies?
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1Thanks for asking! Welcome to the stack and please take our [tour] to learn more about how we operate. – NotArch Jan 02 '20 at 18:35
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There are some related question: "Can a familiar attune and wear or use a magic item?", "Can a familiar use a magic item to cast a concentration spell?", and "Does a spell that requires an attack roll count as an “attack” for familiars?", though I do believe yours is a different case then the ones above. – Exempt-Medic Jan 02 '20 at 18:59
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Yes.
The Tentacle Rod does not actually cause the wielder to make attacks. The tentacles attack, on the wielder's command:
While holding the rod, you can use an action to direct each tentacle to attack a creature you can see within 15 feet of you.
Note that it doesn't matter whether this is an Attack action, a Use an Object action, an item-specific action, or any other kind. Familiars can't attack using any action, or by any other means (such as opportunity attacks)*. For example, they couldn't cast green-flame blade, because it requires making a melee attack. But the Tentacle Rod is special: you're not attacking with it, just holding it and pointing at targets.
*Pact of the Chain familiars do get a narrow exception to that, but it's not relevant here.
Mark Wells
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4If you want you could quote the items actual description: "While holding the rod, you can use an action to direct each tentacle to attack a creature you can see within 15 feet of you. Each tentacle makes a melee attack roll with a +9 bonus. On a hit, the tentacle deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage. If you hit a target with all three tentacles, it must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw..." – Exempt-Medic Jan 02 '20 at 20:08
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1I see that the tentacles make the attacks, but a target only makes the saving throw if you hit it with all three tentacles, not if the rod* hits it, or if all three tentacles hit it*. I think a case could be made the other way here. – InternetHobo Jun 11 '21 at 02:41