Does Exceptional Deflection count against Magic Missiles?

[DreamChaser]

The argument is that what the feat deflects is ranged attacks, and it specifies that a spell requiring a ranged touched attack roll is included.

So what is deflected?

a/ Spells requiring a ranged touch attack.
b/ Any ranged attack that is not a spell requiring a ranged touch attack.

We know that Magic Missile does not satisfy condition a/; it does not require a ranged touch attack.

What the OP is proposing is that if Magic Missile can satisfy condition b/ (that is, it is a ranged attack that is not a spell requiring a ranged touch attack), it is eligible for deflection.

We know that Magic Missile has a range (Medium); we know that by the definition in the Magic Overview, it is an attack (it damages an opponent); thus, as an attack that has a range, it could be described as a 'ranged attack'.

Is this sufficient to satisfy condition b/? I say no, it isn't. It's only possible to describe it as a ranged attack by taking those words outside of the context in which the feat uses them.

-Hyp.

Of course, this would allow for deflection of lightning bolt, meteor swarm, charm person, and hold person. Which is silly.

Though interestingly, the ability could work on a fireball spell, if the character was the target of the bead, which is targeted with a ranged touch attack.

 

[Terath Ninir]

No. Period.

And you can't deflect fireballs, either.

And if you ask again I'll rip your !@#$% character sheet up.

-- Grumpy DM Spikey

 

[Crothian]

I've had this question come up in my epic games, but it took us all about three seconds to come to the answer of no and move on.

 

[Hypersmurf]

And since it has a definition for RANGED ATTACK as a full and complete term, you cant just break down the aspect and expect it to be applied to every situation.

Which is why I said it would be taking the phrase out of context.

Is scorching ray a ranged attack? No. Its a ranged spell with an attack roll.

But note, the feat description does not say "ranged attacks, and also spells requiring a ranged touch attack". It says "ranged attacks (including spells requiring a ranged touch attack)".

For the purposes of Exceptional Deflection, Scorching Ray (as a spell requiring a ranged touch attack) is a ranged attack.

-Hyp.

 

[Deset Gled]

Though interestingly, the ability could work on a fireball spell, if the character was the target of the bead, which is targeted with a ranged touch attack.

I don't think so. Deflecting the bead would count as "impact[ing] upon a material body or solid barrier prior to attaining the prescribed range", which would trigger the fireball. Even if you disagree with this, the spell would activate at the prescribed range, which would be in the same square as the character.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Though interestingly, the ability could work on a fireball spell, if the character was the target of the bead, which is targeted with a ranged touch attack.

The ranged touch attack for fireball is not meant to hit something, it's meant to miss something. Unless the character is a 'narrow gap', the ranged touch attack won't apply.

-Hyp.

 

[Nifft]

The ranged touch attack for fireball is not meant to hit something, it's meant to miss something. Unless the character is a 'narrow gap', the ranged touch attack won't apply.

Would you allow someone with Exceptional Deflection to intentionally detonate (prematurely) a fireball that was passing through his square?

Cheers, -- N

 

[ainbimagh]

Which is why I said it would be taking the phrase out of context.



But note, the feat description does not say "ranged attacks, and also spells requiring a ranged touch attack". It says "ranged attacks (including spells requiring a ranged touch attack)".

For the purposes of Exceptional Deflection, Scorching Ray (as a spell requiring a ranged touch attack) is a ranged attack.

-Hyp.

No for the purpose of exceptional deflection scorching ray is still a spell requiring a ranged touch attack.

At no point does it reclassify the spell, it only includes it under the effects.

 

[Hypersmurf]

No for the purpose of exceptional deflection scorching ray is still a spell requiring a ranged touch attack.

At no point does it reclassify the spell, it only includes it under the effects.

It includes it in the category of ranged attacks.

Q. What does Exceptional Deflection allow you to deflect?
A. Ranged attacks (including spells requiring a ranged touch attack).

Q. From the point of view of Exceptional Deflection, does 'ranged attacks' include 'spells requiring a ranged touch attack'?
A. Yes.

-Hyp.

 

[Sejs]

For reference purposes:

http://www.d20srd.org/indexes/epicFeats.htm

It's a yes or no question. Please explain your answer.

Nope, doesn't work against magic missle. No attack roll is made thus isn't not a ranged attack, and thus no deflection.