Chain spell + Magic Misile?

[Eraslin]

Greetings all,
I'm trying to determine whether the chain spell feat from T&B can be used on the magic missile spell. I'm thinking that it can, but the chained magic missile cannot have it's missiles split amongst multiple primary targets. That is, for the chained magic missile all N of the missiles must target the same target for the chaining to work. This would result in, say, 5d4+5 dmg to the primary target and 2d4+2 dmg to each of the secondaries (with the secondaries getting reflex saves to avoid the damage). What are other people's opinions on this?

The relavant passage from the feat description:

You can chain any spell that specifies a single target and has a range greater than touch. The chained spell affects that target (the primary target) normally, then arcs to a number of secondary targets equal to your caster level...

Thanks for your feedback,
Eraslin

 

[Caliban]

Greetings all,
I'm trying to determine whether the chain spell feat from T&B can be used on the magic missile spell. I'm thinking that it can, but the chained magic missile cannot have it's missiles split amongst multiple primary targets. That is, for the chained magic missile all N of the missiles must target the same target for the chaining to work. This would result in, say, 5d4+5 dmg to the primary target and 2d4+2 dmg to each of the secondaries (with the secondaries getting reflex saves to avoid the damage). What are other people's opinions on this?

The relavant passage from the feat description:


Thanks for your feedback,
Eraslin

Magic missile doesn't specify a single target, it can specifically affect multiple targets.

Therefore it's ineligible for the Chain spell feat.

 

[Tilla the Hun (work)]

Magic missile doesn't specify a single target, it can specifically affect multiple targets.

Therefore it's ineligible for the Chain spell feat.

Indeed...

Magic Missile
Evocation [Force]
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Targets: Up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes
A missile of magical energy darts forth from your fingertip and strikes its target, dealing 1d4+1 points of force damage.
The missile strikes unerringly, even if the target is in melee combat or has less than total cover or total concealment. Specific parts of a creature can’t be singled out. Inanimate objects are not damaged by the spell.
For every two caster levels beyond 1st, you gain an additional missile—two at 3rd level, three at 5th, four at 7th, and the maximum of five missiles at 9th level or higher. If you shoot multiple missiles, you can have them strike a single creature or several creatures. A single missile can strike only one creature. You must designate targets before you check for spell resistance or roll damage.

Targets: Up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart

and

You can chain any spell that specifies a single target and has a range greater than touch


Heh - look at that - one of those rare instances where the rules are actually crystal clear

 

[Eraslin]

Yah, I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I was just trying to justify the neato image of five magic missiles blasting into someone then another 5xmin{Clvl,#targets} weaker missiles firing off to strike other targets within range. Think I might just have to research another version of magic missile just to get that effect...

-Eraslin

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

You should try Twin Spell instead.

AR

 

[Pielorinho]

It is a little funky that, were magic missile a weaker spell (i.e., you could only target one person with it), you could get a stronger effect from it.

Yay rules!
Daniel