Crit. with Meteor Swarm?

[Infiniti2000]

It is damage dealt by the spell.

... to an area.

 

[ThirdWizard]

... to an area.

But, it gives an attack roll.

Is there any rule that says area spells can't be critical hits if they have an attack roll? If there is text to this end that I'm not aware of, I'll cede the point. I'm just saying I don't know of any rules as such, myself.

 

[Terath Ninir]

I can't see how it could be argued to be any different than a flaming sword. It's even less arguable than saying that the fire damage from a flaming sword should be multiplied. In the case of the flaming sword, though, the rule is crystal clear and I think that easily carries over into meteor swarm.

Because it's a spell, not a magic item. This is one case where they definitely work differently.

Nifft: if you think the spell is underpowered, then why are you against the chance of critical fire damage? I would think that fixing the spell would be more important than the letter of the rules.

The spell has an attack roll and allows no save on the targetted individual(s). A targeted spell has an attack roll and (usually) allows no save. I think that's enough parity to rule that the targetted individual can take double fire damage on a crit. Yes, it's vague enough that you could go the other way, so I'd be happy with a DM making either ruling.


I'd just like to say here, though, that the 3.5 meteor swarm is wonderful and beautiful compared to the... interesting version they had in 3.0.

 

[Destil]

The real issue should be: at L18, a Wizard can finally take Improved Crit. What's the weapon type for meteor swarm?

-- N

Energy missile, same as Melf's and 3.0's Flame Arrow.

 

[Infiniti2000]

But, it gives an attack roll.

Is there any rule that says area spells can't be critical hits if they have an attack roll? If there is text to this end that I'm not aware of, I'll cede the point. I'm just saying I don't know of any rules as such, myself.

There's no attack roll for the fire. None. If you miss with the bludgeoning, the first still erupts in one of the four corners of the square you targeted. Sans evasion, the creature(s) you are targetting will always take the fire damage. In fact, you don't even have to target a creature (such as if they are invisible).