Maximize Spell + Flame Blade = Full damage every hit?

[Errant]

Just checking, like the title says, does Maximise Spell (or Sudden Maximise) used with Flame Blade (1d8 damage +1/2 Level per hit) mean the Flame Blade automatically does full damage every hit for the duration of the spell?

Could be a nice trick.

 

[Shallown]

Basically yes but doesn't seem like that much damage.

later

 

[ElvishBard]

Basically yes but doesn't seem like that much damage.

later

That is true, the max it can do is only 18.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

I'm going to go with "No."

This spell works similarly to the Summon Monster line of spells. The effect of the spell is that it creates a blade. Therefore, there are no "variable, numeric effects" to maximize.

Would a maximized Fabricate spell allow you to create longswords that always did 8 points of [base] damage?

 

[Errant]

I think 18 points every hit is better than it sounds actually, compare it to average rolls for damage dice. Does 2d12+11 sound more respectable? Its the same average.

Then factor in the nice critical range for scimitars (18-20/x2), with Improved Critical maybe, even Two Weapon Fighting plus Oversize Two Weapon Fighting....

Although, I wonder how a Flame Blade in each hand might effect further spell casting and item use etc. Seems reasonable that a DM could impose some pretty hefty restrictions there.

 

[kigmatzomat]

I'm going to go with "No."

This spell works similarly to the Summon Monster line of spells. The effect of the spell is that it creates a blade. Therefore, there are no "variable, numeric effects" to maximize.

You mean like the way fireball creates "a ball of fire" and therefore has no "variable, numeric effects" to maximize?

Flame Blade creates fire with variable damage in the shape of a blade with a non-instantaneous duration. Fireball creates fire with variable damage in the shape of a ball with instantaneous duration. Since Maximize cares neither for shape nor duration, it works on Flame Blade.

 

[Eloi]

It's a good thing Metamagic is rare, since this opens a nasty can of worms.

You wouldn't want to meet a Blade Barrier that, unknown to you, happens to be Maximized. And there are some people paranoid enough to put such a thing permanently between the top of the rubbish chute and the otyughs below.

Why wouldn't an Artificer pay a little more to have, say, that +1d6 fire attack he's adding on to this fine masterwork Greatsword.. "yes, let's get that maximized, +6 damage is so much nicer." "I say, brilliant, good show old chap!"

*Balance alarm goes off* Does this bother anyone else? Those Flaming Acidic Holy Shock modifiers on the theoretical masterwork Greatsword coming at you aren't just potential D6 any more.. that's a full +6 fire, +6 acid, and +6 electricity damage coming at you, and +12 more to Evil folks. Mmmm, taste the +30 damage goodness.

Yeah. That's a lot.

I'm seeing a slippery slope here - best to keep Maximize away from the weapon spell effects, and let the weaponsmakers rest better at night.

Don't teach Metamagic feats to disreputable ruffians!

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

You mean like the way fireball creates "a ball of fire" and therefore has no "variable, numeric effects" to maximize?

No, I mean in the same way that Summon Monster X brings a number of creatures to fight on your behalf.

A maximized Summon spell brings in the maximum number of creatures; it doesn't make the summoned creatures do max damage.

 

[andargor]

No, I mean in the same way that Summon Monster X brings a number of creatures to fight on your behalf.

A maximized Summon spell brings in the maximum number of creatures; it doesn't make the summoned creatures do max damage.

So a maximized fire shield would not do maximum damage against an attacker?

Andargor

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

So a maximized fire shield would not do maximum damage against an attacker?

It would. Compare:

Target: You
...
This spell wreathes you in flame and causes damage to each creature that attacks you in melee.

Effect: Sword-like beam
...
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.