Touch Attacks; Incorporeality & Damage Reduction

[Dax Doomslayer]

Hi All,
I have a quick question on touch attacks. If a wizard/sorcerer attempts to cast shocking grasp on an undead shadow how would this work. 1). would he be able to do so due to the requirement of the +1 weapon to hit (not sure how this is now in 3.5 haven't read that far); 2). Does the 50% miss chance apply? and 3). I would assume that even though the touch attack requires "to touch" no detrimental effects would occur because of that (i.e. strength drain) - is this correct? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Shayuri]

1) Incorporeal creatures are vulnerable to magic and magical weapons. A touch attack spell is magic.

2) The 50% miss chance applies to -all- corporeal damage except those with the Force descriptor. Shocking Grasp does not have the Force descriptor.

3) The damaging effects of touch attacks, including undead and/or incorporeal touches, rely on a firm contact with an intent to cause damage. Striking a target that is capable of making touch attacks, be it via a spell or a natural ability, even with a natural or unarmed attack, does not result in suffering touch attack damage for the attacker.

In other words, yes it's vulnerable to shocking grasp, if you can beat the 50% miss chance, and no, you won't suffer Str drain.

Hope this helps!

 

[Dax Doomslayer]

Thanks Shayuri! I appreciate the help.