Warmage from the Miniatures Handbook Questions

[trentonjoe]

1. Does the intelligence bonus to damage (I think it is called Warmage Edge) double on criticals?

2. Does Weapon Focus (Ray) work on the elemental orb spells in the book? They are not rays but I don't see the real difference between them.

3. Can the Archery type feats ( Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, etc.) work on spells that require a range touch attack?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Shazman]

I would say:
1) Yes
2) No
3) Yes

 

[shilsen]

I don't have the Miniatures Handbook, but here's my take:

1) Yes. As long as the bonus is not represented as dice (+1d6 or some such, as with sneak attacks or flaming weapons), it would be multiplied on criticals.

2) No. If the spell does not have "Effect: Ray", then Weapon Focus (Ray) does not apply.

3) Yes.

 

[trentonjoe]

2) No. If the spell does not have "Effect: Ray", then Weapon Focus (Ray) does not apply.

Than would Weapon Focus (Orb) be an appropriate Feat?

 

[hazmat]

I think there is a Weapon focus (missle)... It's in Tome and Blood.

Missles are essentially Range Touch spells that aren't rays.

 

[shilsen]

Than would Weapon Focus (Orb) be an appropriate Feat?

T&B defines such spells as "energy missiles" (what hazmat was referring to, above). Weapon Focus (Energy Missiles) would apply, for example, to an Acid Orb, Melf's Acid Arrow, or Produce Flame (if you're hurling it).

 

[Beholder Bob]

Just to take advantage of the attention this topic has
(and ask a foolish question)

Is it just me, or does a warmage automatically know all
spells listed for warmage?

 

[Darkness]

Is it just me, or does a warmage automatically know all
spells listed for warmage?

Yes, he does. And no, you aren't the only one who was confused by this.

 

[Beholder Bob]

Holy obscenity!

Access to the entire list gives them (effectively) spells as a sorcerer (albeit limited choices) with energy substitution (and w/out the delay!)

Now that means any additions to the spell list for a warmage is going to have a severe impact, one well in excess to what adding spells to the priest list has. Uck. Serious Uck.

 

[Felon]

Yes, they are basically sorcerers specializing in offensive spells, with extra abilities and d6 hit dice and the ability to cast spells while wearing light armor and using a light shield. But hey, they don't get familiars! What a shaft!

Seriously, the Warmage is only balanced if you thought Sorcerers and Wizards were too fragile and lacking all the cool features of their divine-casting counterparts. Of course, a lot of folks think just that, so perhaps the Warmage will appease them.