Spell Resistance

[klofft]

Do spells with multiple attacks (e.g., Magic Missile, Scorching Ray) need to penetrate SR once or once for each attack? I.e., do 5 magic missiles count as an all-or-nothing attack or are there 5 chances to get through for 1d4+1?

Also, while I'm asking, when a spell attack has half damage as a result of a save, and the attack is also subject to energy resistance, which effect is applied first? We decided to apply the resistance first and then half damage. Is this correct?

Thanks!
C

 

[taliesin15]

kloft writes:
Do spells with multiple attacks (e.g., Magic Missile, Scorching Ray) need to penetrate SR once or once for each attack? I.e., do 5 magic missiles count as an all-or-nothing attack or are there 5 chances to get through for 1d4+1?
*sure seems like applying it once per spell cast, not 5 chances (in this case)

Also, while I'm asking, when a spell attack has half damage as a result of a save, and the attack is also subject to energy resistance, which effect is applied first? We decided to apply the resistance first and then half damage. Is this correct?
*that seems the way I'd play it

 

[FireLance]

I usually do one SR check per target. If a spellcaster with magic missile targets five creatures with SR, he makes five separate SR checks. If he targets a single creature with the spell, he makes one SR check for all the five magic missiles.

As for the other question, I apply the effect of a saving throw before energy resistance.

 

[ogre]

I think its imperitive you halve the damage from a successful save before applying any resistance. The half damage is "how much damage you take", the resistance negates "how much damage you take" not how much damage you MIGHT take. ymmv

 

[lottrbacchus]

I was a bit confused on the magic missile thing myself- misled by the PC version of Temple of Elemental Evil.

But was re-reading books earlier today, and the DMG made it sound like you just roll once per creature per spell.

Hmmm, just checked the SRD for clarification on halving the damage from the ST before subtracting resistance. Couldn't find anything but that's how we do it, too.

 

[Nonlethal Force]

I don't know the actual rule and page number, but we make the save first and then apply the resistance. I agree with the above poster's common sense argument in that SR is resistance to actual damage, not damage that might have hit but missed because the character reacted quickly (or had good fortitude, or a strong will).

 

[ScipioX]

I concur with the halve damage then apply resistances concept.

As for making spell penetration checks, I'm pretty sure that you just make one check. Even if you target multiple people, you would only make one penetration check. You'd just compare that check to each individual creature's SR.

 

[wildstarsreach]

I usually do one SR check per target. If a spellcaster with magic missile targets five creatures with SR, he makes five separate SR checks. If he targets a single creature with the spell, he makes one SR check for all the five magic missiles.

As for the other question, I apply the effect of a saving throw before energy resistance.

Same other wise it could lead to massive complications in the systems as is>