Flame Lash: Ranged Touch Attack

[BENINHB]

Pyrokineticist's Flame Lash ability says:

"A pyrokineticist gains the ability to fashion a 15-foot-long whip of fire from unstable ectoplasm as a move-equivalent action. She takes no damage from a fire lash she creates, and if she releases her hold, it immediately dissipates. The lash deals 1d8 points of fire damage to a target within 15 feet on a successful ranged touch attack. A pyro can take Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization (if she otherwise meets the prerequisites) in conjunction with the fire lash, as well as any feats that apply to the use of a standard whip. The whip remains in existence as long as the pyrokineticist holds it"

One of my players is playing a pyro and I'm a little confused.

1) it says "Ranged touch attack" so does that mean the attack roll is DEX based instead of STR??

2) "lash deals 1d8 points of fire damage to a target within 15 feet on a successful ranged touch attack" Does STR damage get added to the attack or is it just 1d8 fire.

 

[frankthedm]

1) it says "Ranged touch attack" so does that mean the attack roll is DEX based instead of STR??

yes.

2) "lash deals 1d8 points of fire damage to a target within 15 feet on a successful ranged touch attack" Does STR damage get added to the attack or is it just 1d8 fire.

It's vague. I'd strongly recommend using the very similar druid spell flame blade as precedence. That spell does not give STR bonus to damage for the fiery pseudo-weapon

Flame Blade :: d20srd.org
A 3-foot-long, blazing beam of red-hot fire springs forth from your hand. You wield this bladelike beam as if it were a scimitar. Attacks with the flame blade are melee touch attacks. The blade deals 1d8 points of fire damage +1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10). Since the blade is immaterial, your Strength modifier does not apply to the damage. A flame blade can ignite combustible materials such as parchment, straw, dry sticks, and cloth.

The spell does not function underwater.