Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Guie 04-18-08, 01:59 PM	Spectral Dagger from MIC pg59-60 Can a rogue use it to apply Sneak attack damage assuming he qualify for all Sneak attack conditions .( Flanking , Flat footed & so on . )
Lilinthra 04-18-08, 04:12 PM	This is just my interpretation from GMing, but yes, if sneak attack conditions apply then a rogue will deal extra Negative Energy damage. HOWEVER... Use one against something with SR and you still have to make the Spell Resistance roll.
Shadowed Intent 04-18-08, 05:29 PM	This is just my interpretation from GMing, but yes, if sneak attack conditions apply then a rogue will deal extra Negative Energy damage. HOWEVER... Use one against something with SR and you still have to make the Spell Resistance roll. My experience from GMing and playing a TWF spectral dagger wielding rogue is exactly the same. (And Lilinthra was very nice to mention the SR situation. I highly recommend having a backup weapon handy.) The FAQ (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/Main35FAQv12212007.zip) indirectly addresses this: Does a rogue apply sneak attack damage when throwing alchemist fire or casting a spell such as acid splash? Yes. The bonus damage from sneak attack, skirmish, or sudden strike applies to any attack that requires an attack roll, even touch attacks. And on a further note, It is my understanding that the entire damage would be negative energy.
Shadowed Intent 04-18-08, 05:41 PM	continuing (I pressed submit reply instead of preview post. lol) All about sneak attacks (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040309a) addresses this situation while discussing Spells as sneak attacks: A successful sneak attack with a weaponlike spell inflicts extra damage according to the attacker's sneak attack ability, and the extra damage dealt is the same type as the spell deals. For example, a 10th-level rogue who makes a successful sneak attack with a Melf's acid arrow spell inflicts 2d4 points of acid damage, plus an extra 5d6 points of acid damage from the sneak attack (note that continuing damage from this spell is not part of the sneak attack).
JJeff 04-18-08, 09:48 PM	But the Chill Touch spell is not part of the attack. The item says that "... but the weapon does not deal damage normally. Instead any target struck by the weapon is affected by a chill touch spell..." Since Sneak attack has been ruled to end up as the same type as the original attack, it should be considered to be derived from the original attack. Thus when the weapon deals no damage, the sneak attack from the weapon should be negated too. Now we talk about the spell. Since any creature hit by the attack is subjected to the spell, it is not cast by the wielder of the weapon, it is an effect that happens when the attack hits. It's like when I'm attacking an opponent with a whip+1 of spell storing, I cannot damage any opponent with armour but the spell released in the weapon still can. You cannot apply sneak attack for this because there is not attack roll for the spell, the attack was for the weapon, not the associated spell that takes effect when the attack hits. Wands of touch attacks are an attack by itself since you spell trigger the spell then perform the touch attack (legally) rather than poke someone with a wand, then activate the wand. Thus you can snaek attack with a wand of a touch attack spell. That's my opinion. It's the source of the spell casting and whether a rogue can sneak attack with a weaponlike spell that he did not roll an attack roll for. Because, if you yes, a rogue can sneak attack with spells that take effect along with a normal attack, a rogue with a spell storing weapon weapon containing Shocking Grasp will do sneak attack twice, once with the dagger and once with the spell. And a rogue with a merciful weapon and wearing Inquisitor Bracers can heal a person for 2d6+5+<Sneak attack damage> and some subdual + Sneak attack which would be healed by the bracers. That would be... a bit....abusable... But unless there's an official rule, I would say that ETV.
Guie 04-19-08, 01:05 AM	Thx for all the replies so far :) .I have got a reply mail from customer sevice saying yes i can use the Spectral dagger to do sneak attacks . Spells as Sneak Attacks Any spell that requires an attack roll and deals damage can be used in a sneak attack. In this case "damage" is normal damage, nonlethal damage, ability damage, or energy drain. You can sneak attack with a Melf's acid arrow spell, but not with a magic missile spell. http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040309a That's my opinion. It's the source of the spell casting and whether a rogue can sneak attack with a weaponlike spell that he did not roll an attack roll for. Nowwhere does it states u must actually roll the attack . In any case , the Chill touch spell happens as a result of an attack roll from using the weapon . The Chill touch spell is a legal Sneak attack spell. Just because the rogue is exampted from rolling the attack for Chill touch in this case does not change the Spell in anyway . I just take it as you auto hit with Chill touch as a result of using the Spectral Dagger . Unless u use the Inquisitor Bracers on undeads ... is cure spell considered damage ?
Shadowed Intent 04-19-08, 01:07 AM	So, there you go. Both sides. Personally I disagree with JJeff. I could list my reasons. - shrug - However, I imagine you really want an official answer. Since I don't think faction masters will make a ruling on general rules issues, I would advise emailing customer service if you want an official answer. -snip- Because, if you yes, a rogue can sneak attack with spells that take effect along with a normal attack, a rogue with a spell storing weapon weapon containing Shocking Grasp will do sneak attack twice, once with the dagger and once with the spell. My understanding is you either do sneak attack damage or you do not, you can not do sneak attack damage twice.