touch spells: holding the charge

[taliesin15]

In the SRD, there's something interesting about touch spells--it says one "holds the charge" until the touch spell is released--I would think if one wanted to have one's familiar deliver the touch spell, that the spellcaster would essentially be "holding the charge" until the spell is released, and wouldn't be able to cast another spell until it is released through the familiar--does this sound right?

Also, it seems like the spellcaster would have to maintain Concentration throughout the process, or else, the spell is disrupted...

There's also another wrinkle--would the spellcaster, in such a situation, be able to deliver the touch spell herself, if the familiar is unable to do so, if, say, the goblins break through the line and are charging her, and her familiar isn't able to do the touch--in other words, does the spellcaster have the ability to revert the spell back from the familiar and deliver the same spell while holding the charge?

Any advice is welcome

 

[pawsplay]

Why would Concentration be necessary?

 

[taliesin15]

That SRD seems vague to me--does "holding the charge" entail maintaining Concentration? If not, does this imply that the Wizard can do other things like cast other spells while she is holding the charge and her familiar is attempting to use the touch spell? Also, can the Wizard take the spell back from the familiar the next round and use it herself if the familiar hasn't been able to hit?

 

[Gilladian]

The PH simply says that you can hold a touch spell multiple rounds until you deliver it by touch in combat. It also says that if you cast another spell the held spell dissipates. So no concentration check needed, and no casting of other spells while waiting.

Now, under familiars it says that the familiar "delivers the spell just as the master could. As usual, if the master casts another spell before the touch is delivered, the touch spell dissipates."

Since nothing is said about the master being able to "recall" the spell, I'd say it isn't possible. However, this is such a limited likelihood happening, I'd probably rule that if the familiar RETURNED to the caster and thus could pass the spell back to him, it could be done. But if they're out of touch range, it ain't happening.

Edited: misspelled word.

 

[taliesin15]

this sounds entirely sensible. Seems to me like the Wizard could probably engage in melee or ranged missile attacks (the one in question is an Elf, so would like fire her Longbow) and the spell wouldn't dissipate...

 

[Rath the Brown]

Seems to me like the Wizard could probably engage in melee or ranged missile attacks (the one in question is an Elf, so would like fire her Longbow) and the spell wouldn't dissipate...

Don't forget this part, in Touch Spells in Combat, under Holding the Charge:

If you touch anything or anyone while holding a charge, even unintentionally, the spell discharges.

 

[Jarrod]

Right. So one-handed weapons are fine, or thrown for that matter. But two-handers are (probably) right out.

For more fun, check the Spell Compendium for Spell Flower. Low-level spell, allows you to keep a touch spell up and running. Also, Daggerspell Mage.

 

[moritheil]

DMs, don't forget to regularly have characters come up to your heroes and hug or shake hands! That prevents any undue abuse of holding touch spells.

 

[Li Shenron]

In the SRD, there's something interesting about touch spells--it says one "holds the charge" until the touch spell is released--I would think if one wanted to have one's familiar deliver the touch spell, that the spellcaster would essentially be "holding the charge" until the spell is released, and wouldn't be able to cast another spell until it is released through the familiar--does this sound right?

Also, it seems like the spellcaster would have to maintain Concentration throughout the process, or else, the spell is disrupted...

There's also another wrinkle--would the spellcaster, in such a situation, be able to deliver the touch spell herself, if the familiar is unable to do so, if, say, the goblins break through the line and are charging her, and her familiar isn't able to do the touch--in other words, does the spellcaster have the ability to revert the spell back from the familiar and deliver the same spell while holding the charge?

Any advice is welcome

Cast another spell while holding the charge: NO
Concentration (action or check): NOT NEEDED
Revert the spell: NO

 

[taliesin15]

Thanks for all the advice on touch spells. As to hugs and such, there is a character that's always offering back massages to the female elf wizard maiden, so this could kill two birds with one stone.