Point Blank Shot and Ray Spells

[kreynolds]

I don't think you would get any kind of damage bonuses on a Ray. I mean, do you get double damage on a crit?

Yes, on spells that deal damage. See page 79 of T&B.

 

[Storm Raven]

I don't think you would get any kind of damage bonuses on a Ray. I mean, do you get double damage on a crit? If the spell specified this, then I suppose you could allow it.

For weaponlike spells (rays, touches and missiles), yes. This is covered in some detail in Tome & Blood.

 

[candidus_cogitens]

I don't think you would get any kind of damage bonuses on a Ray. I mean, do you get double damage on a crit? If the spell specified this, then I suppose you could allow it.

Good question. I actually think these are different matters though. I am pretty sure that many ray spells (such as ray of frost) get an extra point of damage, because I know for a fact that they can get sneak attack damage. I remember reading that in some FAQ.

As for the critical hit question ... I'm not sure. I think it would be the same as for other ranged touch attacks, such as grenade-like weapons. But I don't know whether things like Alchemist's fire can score critical hits either.

 

[aliensex]

Ah. I don't have T&B (or any of the other splat books).

 

[Mr Fidgit]

the PH (p 123) even says - "a spell that requires an attack roll, such as shocking grasp or Melf's Acid Arrow, can score a critical hit"

 

[Gez]

Ray of Frost - +1 hit and damage
Ray of Enfeeblement - +1 hit
Melf's Acid Arrow - +1 hit and damage
Lesser Orb of... - +1 hit and damage
Flame Arrow - +1 hit and damage
Fireball - nothing (You don't make the attack roll against the person you want to hit with the fireball. You make the attack roll against the "opening")
Disintigrate - +1 hit and damage

Actually, on attacks that deal ability damage or negative levels, you add additional damage also, but normal hit point damage (caused by negative energy). This also apply to sneak attacks. So a Ray of Enfeeblement cast by a multiclassed rogue/wizard with PBS could deal, for example, 2d6+1 point of negative energy damage in addition to the strength loss.

 

[Christian]

Actually, on attacks that deal ability damage or negative levels, you add additional damage also, but normal hit point damage (caused by negative energy). This also apply to sneak attacks. So a Ray of Enfeeblement cast by a multiclassed rogue/wizard with PBS could deal, for example, 2d6+1 point of negative energy damage in addition to the strength loss.

The general point is correct. However, this is not true for Ray of Enfeeblement, as that spell does not do ability damage-it applies an enhancement penalty to Strength. Yes, this is important. For one thing, effects from multiple hits from the spell do not stack-only the highest penalty applies ...

 

[kreynolds]

Actually, on attacks that deal ability damage or negative levels, you add additional damage also, but normal hit point damage (caused by negative energy).

You're right, of course, but none of the spells you quoted from me deal ability damage or negative levels, not even Ray of Enfeeblement, as Christian pointed out.

 

[Mistwell]

Interesting. So, to take a different spell that most of you will not be interested in commenting on...would this all apply to the Book of Eldritch Might II spell of Sonic Dart? Could you do sneak attack damage, critical hit damage, additional damage from point blank shot, and obtain the benefits of precise shot? Could you do this all twice a round, if you cast it twice (as a spellnote it takes only a MEA to cast).

I doubt you could do the sneak attack damage twice in the same round if you were just attacking from hiding...but flanking, or surprise round, or before the opponant has acted...could be very potent indeed.

Can you use the improved critical feat with such a spell?

 

[Coredump]

Well, I can't find in the rules a statement that casting a spell can never be an MEA, it definitely seems to go against the intent, and all the examples.

Without more info... it sounds kinda munchkinish to me...

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