Perrin
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by Perrin on Mar 1, 2007 9:00:35 GMT -5
I was hoping for a rules clarification regarding touch-based spells. Suppose an evil shaman decides to cast cause fear on Otto, but misses. Then, Otto runs off to kill some bugbears. Can the shaman then try to cause fear on Al? In other words, can a spellcaster change the target of a touch spell without losing the spell?
I think the spellcaster should be able to move and change targets, since a touch spell seems more like energy stored in the caster's hand.
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Post by venger on Mar 1, 2007 9:29:52 GMT -5
!! Attacking to TouchAttacks to touch, for example to inflict a spell, requires a to hit roll against a base AC of 10, modified downwards by DEX bonus or bonus for cover. Armor and shield related AC are not considered when touch attacks are made. Touch attacks cause no inherent damage. Spells that rely on touch to inflict a spell are not discharged unless the caster performs another action. For example, a cleric casts cause light wounds, attempts to touch a target, and misses. The next round the cleric could attempt to touch a target again or perform any other action, including moving more than ½ the cleric’s movement rate. NB. The use of the Quivering Palm skill is not a touch attack.
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Perrin
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by Perrin on Mar 1, 2007 11:26:05 GMT -5
Ah, thanks.
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Post by Ginger on Mar 1, 2007 11:33:05 GMT -5
If you'd successfully cast a touch attack spell but failed and were hit the next round, would you have to channel to keep the spell from dissapating?
I think we decided that a bright line needs to be established. If casting the spell just stores energy in your hand, then can you just charge yourself up with a spell before battle and use it whenever you want? Probably not.
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Post by venger on Mar 1, 2007 14:18:12 GMT -5
Spells that rely on touch to inflict a spell are not discharged unless the caster performs another action. That kind of reads like you could walk around, charged up with a touch spell indefinitely, as long as you weren't performing "actions." Shocking Grasp specifically says that it only lasts for a turn if not discharged. None of the other touch spells say explicitly.
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Post by Ginger on Mar 1, 2007 14:47:22 GMT -5
Movement is an action. I guess it means you could perform a half-action (a half-move, drawing a scroll, quaffing a potion) without losing the charge. Could you cast Cure Light Wounds and then go to sleep and still have the spell active on your hands in the morning? I'd assume not, but that would be pretty sweet.
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Post by Dell on Mar 1, 2007 16:38:43 GMT -5
"Show me on the doll where the evil cleric touched you."
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Post by Dead Greyhawk on Mar 1, 2007 21:31:35 GMT -5
David is mostly correct. Full movement is an action. Half movement to attack by touch again would be allowable. I think you could probably make two half moves in two successive rounds to get to another target as well. Imagine it like moving very slowly carrying a full teacup in one hand.
The caster could not draw a scroll, quaff a potion, or ready a magic item, though. I think this would abuse the notion of holding a cast spell. Note the either/or construction.
"The next round the cleric could attempt to touch a target again or perform any other action, including moving more than ½ the cleric’s movement rate."
The channeling aspect I hadn't considered before. I think you would have to channel if you were hit, just like any other spell. Don't let the teacup fall over!
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