Launch Item - auto hit?

[Kershek]

The spell Launch Item from Magic of Faerun doesn't state that you need a to-hit roll for the spell to hit your opponent with a flask. Does this seem overpowered for a 1st level spell with 440 feet of range at 1st level? Should it be auto-hit or ranged touch attack?

 

[Conaill]

I've asked the same question before (both here and on the Wizards boards), and gotten very different answers. Good luck!

"By the book", I'd say it doesn't need any attack roll. If it did, it should definitely specify a range increment! Allowing you to Launch something 440 ft away is kinda pointless if you have to do it with 10 ft range increments...

A reasonable compromise would be to use standard grenadelike weapon rules, but ignore any range penalties.

 

[Kershek]

I understand, but Launch Bolt, a 0 level spell from the same book, doesn't list range increments, either, and yet it requires a to-hit. The difference with that spell description is that it mentions that ranged attack feats should be applied.

 

[Conaill]

IIRC, Launch Bolt acts like a regular crossbow in all respects, including range increments.

The best comparison for Launch item is Magic Missile: guaranteed hit, but shorter range and lower damage (at lvl1). MM scales, so at higher levels it winds up being more powerful than Launch Item. And most grenadelike weapons allow some sort of save to avoid part of the damage.

 

[Kershek]

I don't ever recall alchemist's fire, molotov cocktails, acid, or holy water allowing for saves for half damage.

 

[dkilgo]

I don't ever recall alchemist's fire, molotov cocktails, acid, or holy water allowing for saves for half damage.

He is correct about all of the above except for one, and that is because I have nothing in all my books staing anything about a molotov cocktail.

 

[Kershek]

He is correct about all of the above except for one, and that is because I have nothing in all my books staing anything about a molotov cocktail.

molotov cocktail = throwing an oil flask with a lit rag. The PHB says it has a 50% chance of lighting on impact.

 

[dkilgo]

I guess I missed that entry. Thanks.

 

[kreynolds]

Does this seem overpowered for a 1st level spell with 440 feet of range at 1st level?

Less powerful than magic missile.

Should it be auto-hit or ranged touch attack?

By the rules? No. IMO? Nah. I think its fine.

 

[Kershek]

Kreynolds, can you take a look at the magic item created with this spell over at House Rules and tell me what you think?