Post/Author/DateTime	Post
barrel_master 10-07-03, 12:16 PM	Arcane Fire (Su): The archmage gains the ability to change arcane spell energy into arcane fire, manifesting it as a bolt of raw magical energy. The bolt is a ranged touch attack with long range (400 feet + 40 feet/level of archmage) that deals 1d6 points of damage per class level of the archmage plus 1d6 points of damage per level of the spell used to create the effect. This ability costs one 9th-level spell slot. Does 'class level of the archmage' count for only the archmage levels or all the character's levels?
Kith Kanan 10-07-03, 12:50 PM	Cass levels of archmage only. The example given in the DMG makes it pretty clear that other class levels don't count. It might seem a little weak at first, especially for a 9th level slot, but it does have some major advantages: It allows you to use all of your spells offensively if need be. This can be great for non-spontaneous casting wizards that must pick their spells carefully. It is immune to energy protection. As a supernatural ability it is immune to SR! It can crit and be used with sneak attack. It has a fantastic range.
Israfel666 10-07-03, 02:11 PM	Originally posted by Kith Kanan It can crit and be used with sneak attack. :confused: Where does it state that? AFAIK, only *spells* that use touch attacks can deal criticals and be used for sneak attacks... Even if it did, it would not be that great a reason to pick the HA, since you can just cast the acid splash cantrip to deal acid sneak attack damage (which few creatures are resistant to), bypassing SR (acid splash grants none).
wrax 10-07-03, 02:43 PM	I don't think you can crit with it as it does not require an attack roll to be succesful. and it doesn't allow for a save.
Kith Kanan 10-08-03, 10:40 AM	Originally posted by Israfel666 :confused: Where does it state that? AFAIK, only *spells* that use touch attacks can deal criticals and be used for sneak attacks... Arcane Fire does use a ranged touch attack to hit (DMG 178). I can't find anything in the rules on criticals that suggests only weapons or spells would qualify for criticals. Perhaps you can show me a passage where it says otherwise. The text on pg 140 of the PHB seems to indicate than any attack requiring an attack roll can score a critical. Even if it did, it would not be that great a reason to pick the HA, since you can just cast the acid splash cantrip to deal acid sneak attack damage (which few creatures are resistant to), bypassing SR (acid splash grants none). I agree that acid splash is a pretty nice way to SA. Still, I'll take as much damage as I can get. Plus there are acid resistant creatures out there; just look at the fiends for instance.
Kith Kanan 10-08-03, 10:45 AM	Originally posted by wrax I don't think you can crit with it as it does not require an attack roll to be succesful. I'm afraid you're mistaken. DMG, pg 178: The archmage gains the ability to change arcane spell energy into arcane fire, manifesting it as a bolt of raw magical energy. The bolt is a ranged touch attack with long range (400 feet + 40 feet/lelvel of archmage) that deals 1d6 points of damage per class level of the archmage plus 1d6 points of damage per level of the spell used to create the effect. Emphasis mine.
BenjCano 10-08-03, 11:55 AM	I'd just like to add: Touch Attacks: Touch attacks come in two types: melee touch attacks and ranged touch attacks. You can score critical hits with either type of attack. Your opponent’s AC against a touch attack does not include any armor bonus, shield bonus, or natural armor bonus. His size modifier, Dexterity modifier, and deflection bonus (if any) all apply normally. Emphasis mine. And, of course, a rogue/wizard/archmage can score sneak attack with their uber-cool magics.
Funny Slaughter 10-08-03, 12:52 PM	how about asking questions at the board dedicated to this? i am sure they are eagerly awaiting somebody since it seems that nearly everybody is asking over here... gs Funny