Can Spell Focus be used with spell-like abilities?

[Grazzt]

True, and it is a logical conclusion, but not necessarily the most logical conclusion.

I've fired off a revised response to Sage Advice. I may also post on Andy Collins' website as well.

Try Sean Reynold's site too...

www.seankreynolds.com

 

[Grazzt]

Spell focus and greater spell focus does indeed affect spell-like abilities, and it is Ability Focus (fireball).

That's my general take on it as well. Ive seen WotC do it a couple of times I believe. (I'll try to dig up exact references and sources when I get home this eve.)

 

[Shade]

Will do. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Krishnath]

That's my general take on it as well. Ive seen WotC do it a couple of times I believe. (I'll try to dig up exact references and sources when I get home this eve.)

Thank you for your confidence. I think it was one of the creatures that was posted on their website during the last three or four months, I can't give you an exact date I am afraid. But I *know* that I have seen it.

 

[Shade]

Thank you for your confidence. I think it was one of the creatures that was posted on their website during the last three or four months, I can't give you an exact date I am afraid. But I *know* that I have seen it.

I agree. I've absolutely seen 'em do it. The ultroloth in the MM3 has it, and no spells, only spell-likes. Of course, I've also seen 'em give Maximize Spell to creatures with no spellcasting ability, only spell-like abilities, so that's why I'm not taking it as gospel.

I honestly do think that you are correct, and that if I ever get an official answer, that they will confirm that it does apply to spell-like abilities. I just like to know with certainty before I put something in print with my name on it.

 

[Knight Otu]

I still stand by my answer, even if I'm the only one. Maybe you should post in Rules, anyway?

 

[Shade]

I still stand by my answer, even if I'm the only one. Maybe you should post in Rules, anyway?

Interesting...someone on Andy Collins' board found something to indicate that Knight Otu is correct:

From Complete Arcane, p. 7: "Since spell-like abilities are not actually spells, a warlock cannot benefit from the Spell Focus feat."

I'll post it in Rules as well.

 

[Shade]

And we're back to going in circles, as SKR responds:

"Spell Focus only applies to spells.

Ability Focus only applies to a single ability, such as one spell-like ability. If that ability has multiple functions (such as certain breath weapons that have you save for half damage and save against deafness) it should apply to all aspects of that ability, but not multiple abilities that use the same vector (it shouldn't apply to both types of breath weapons of a metallic dragon, frex, as those are really two different special abilities)."

 

[justincruz]

im cool

im to cool man

 

[Krishnath]

And we're back to going in circles, as SKR responds:

"Spell Focus only applies to spells.

Ability Focus only applies to a single ability, such as one spell-like ability. If that ability has multiple functions (such as certain breath weapons that have you save for half damage and save against deafness) it should apply to all aspects of that ability, but not multiple abilities that use the same vector (it shouldn't apply to both types of breath weapons of a metallic dragon, frex, as those are really two different special abilities)."

Interresting, as was stated earlier, the Ultroloth in MM3 has and benefits from the spell focus: enchantment feat, also, WotC has admitted there are mistakes in Complete Arcane. But it wouldn't be the first time that SKR has been wrong.