Spectral Hand -- does it use Str mods?

[Jeff Wilder]

From the 3.5 SRD:

[ ... A]ny touch range spell of 4th level or lower that you cast can be delivered by the spectral hand. The spell gives you a +2 bonus on your melee touch attack roll, and attacking with the hand counts normally as an attack.

By the letter of the rules, my Wee Jasian theurge takes his Strength penalty with attacking with the spectral hand (although he does get the +2 to hit). This doesn't seem quite right to me. Anybody know if there's ever been an "official" ruling on this?

As a DM, I'd probably substitute Charisma for Strength when making the attack roll. (This because several sources equate Charisma with Strength, Intelligence with Dexterity, and Wisdom with Constitution in matters mystical. In fact, the AC of the spectral hand itself is modified by Intelligence rather than Dexterity.)

But that's a house rule, and I'm not the DM. So I'm wondering if, due to Kamjen's frail physique, he's stuck with the -1 to hit with his floating, incorporeal hand. What's the verdict?

 

[shilsen]

As written, you get the same bonuses and penalties (and recieve the spell's +2 to hit). So you're stuck with the -1 due to Str. Should have done more pushups at the seminary

 

[gunter uxbridge]

OK...big question...

Does True Strike work with Spectral Hand?

 

[Pax]

Yes, true strike should work just fine with Spectral Hand.

As should Weapon Finesse, by the by.

 

[Dwarmaj]

Don't know if you have access to Tome and Blood spells, but my sorcerer like to cast ghostform, then he gets to use his dex modifier for all attacks.

 

[Pax]

Dwarmaj, you get to use your dex modifier for MELEE attacks, not for ANY attack. If somehow you made a non-touch attack while under the effects of Ghostform - Spectral Hand being the first way I can think of for that to happen - then your dexterity does not get to apply, just ebcause you're incorporeal.

Also, note: you're just like a manifested ghost ... that means, on the Ethereal plane, you have a solid, needs-strength-to-hit body.

 

[Dwarmaj]

Dwarmaj, you get to use your dex modifier for MELEE attacks, not for ANY attack. If somehow you made a non-touch attack while under the effects of Ghostform - Spectral Hand being the first way I can think of for that to happen - then your dexterity does not get to apply, just ebcause you're incorporeal.

Also, note: you're just like a manifested ghost ... that means, on the Ethereal plane, you have a solid, needs-strength-to-hit body.

Ghostform states that you loose your strength modifier and you use your dex modifier for all melee attacks. Spectral hands attack as the caster would (with a +2 bonus) so you would use your dex.

 

[Pax]

And Ghostform says "as a manifested ghost", so you would be well behooved to look up what happens for amanifested ghost.