Spellsword (T&B) channel spell question

[drnuncheon]

Another one that came up, since one of my players is on the verge of taking a spellsword level, but as we discussed the possibilities we came up with a question about certain spells.

The spellsword channel spell ability lets you cast a spell as a free action while attacking. The spell must be targeted.

Our question is, what happens when it is combined with spells like chill touch? That spell lasts for 1 attack per level - does the spellsword get to use on on his next (level) attacks?

There is a clause in the ability that says that even if the spell normally allows multiple targets, it only affects the victim of the attack, which is what makes me uncertain.

Thanks for your help!

J

 

[Magus_Jerel]

The spell is "discharged" like that of a touch spell. Ie - when the spell takes effect on the target - it then ends.

In the case of chill touch inside a spellsword - you only get the first "round" of the spell.

 

[Caliber]

Would Chill Touch even work in a SpellSword? I don't have books on hand, but it seems to me the 'target' of a Chill Touch is the one who gains the Touch Attack. So if you cast Chill Touch on someone else they would just gain the ability to 'Chill Touch' you back.

Just curious.

 

[bret]

Looking in the books, we have:

PHB, pg 184

Chill Touch
Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
...
Targets: Creature or creatures touched (up to one/level).

and

Tome & Blood, pg 68

Even if a spell can target more than one creature, channeling it through the weapon limits its effect to the single opponent attacked.

So I would say that Chill Touch can be channeled, but would only give a single touch attack if you did so. I think you would be better off with Shocking Grasp, Magic Missle, or a Lesser Orb spell in many cases.

Get a SpellStoring weapon for when you want to Chill Touch. That doesn't say anything about immediately ending the spell, so it should work.

[ Edit, stupid typo and better phrasing. ]