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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Thanee" data-source="post: 1690035" data-attributes="member: 478">Yes, ranged touch attacks are subject to the -4 penalty, if the target is in melee, and cover as well.  Also, I don't think that the touch attack is that much more advantegous compared to a save for half. Missing negates the attack completely, a spell with a save deals at least half damage. And the save DC is usually pretty low at higher levels, so most targets will make that save easily, while touch AC can go up quite a bit for some targets (deflection bonuses and whatnot), while the wizard's BAB only climbs at a very slow rate. With the requirement to hit every attack to deal full damage, it is more than likely to end up doing only half to two-thirds damage on average, which is totally in line with a similar spell, which has a save for half damage.  All in all, I think Scorching Ray is a strong, but balanced 2nd level spell. In some occasions Magic Missile is even superior and in most situations  involving multiple targets Fireball is a clear winner. That sounds about right for the power of a 2nd level spell to me. The close range is its greatest disadvantage, as others have already mentioned.  Bye Thanee</blockquote>