Post/Author/DateTime	Post
BlackLotus1786 06-30-05, 01:17 PM	Hey everyone, My DM is using monsters that are known for high SR (HD + 20). He also says that all magic weapon properties are subject to it. I know the DMG explicitly states that the +X enhancement bonuses and supernatural abilities are NOT subject to SR and that ONLY spells and spell-like abilities are. I guess the question is: Which category to special weapon properties fall under; spell, spell-like ability, or supernatural ability? Also, the DM has a tendency to revert back to using rules from 2e (for which the aforementioned monsters were originally created) by accident. I've never played 2e so I have absolutely NO idea how SR worked there, if it even existed. Any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
SALDAR 06-30-05, 01:32 PM	Weapon enhancements are never subject to Spell Resistance. They are not spells. As you have pointed out, the rules state what is and what is not subject to SR. If your DM uses other rules, though, there isn't much you can do, unless he/she is open minded enough to accept the suggestion to stick to one rules set.
MrkGrismer 06-30-05, 02:13 PM	Spell Resistance (Ex): A creature with spell resistance can avoid the effects of spells and spell-like abilities that directly affect it.To determine if a spell or spell-like ability works against a creature with spell resistance, the caster must make a caster level check (1d20 + caster level). If the result equals or exceeds the creature’s spell resistance, the spell works normally, although the creature is still allowed a saving throw. That's it, no more. And not even all spells or spell-like abilities. There are substantial numbers of spells that do not allow spell resistance. However, your DM is right: Magic items produce spells or spell-like effects. For a saving throw against a spell or spell-like effect from a magic item, the DC is 10 + the level of the spell or effect + the ability modifier of the minimum ability score needed to cast that level of spell. Staffs are an exception to the rule. Treat the saving throw as if the wielder cast the spell, including caster level and all modifiers to save DC. Most item descriptions give saving throw DCs for various effects, particularly when the effect has no exact spell equivalent (making its level otherwise difficult to determine quickly). But this really only applies to abilites that are based on spells that allow spell resistance. Not to the enahncement bonus.
Seeker95 06-30-05, 04:26 PM	Are the special properties of weapons (Holy, Flaming, etc.) subject to SR?No. (Just putting into fewer words what the above have so eloquently and informatively provided.)
He Who Lurks 06-30-05, 04:32 PM	He's talking about weapon special abilities though, which don't really mimic the effects of spells. We all agree that a fireball launched from a wand would be subject to SR. But would an undead with SR be able to resist a mace of disruption's disruption effect? Or the bane or keen or wounding properties? I would say, unless the description of the property says, "as the spell...", then it wouldn't allow SR. Unfortunately, I don't know what the official interpretation is, and I can see it going both ways.
stamhaven 06-30-05, 04:36 PM	I would point him to the spell Holy Sword for Paladins which does not offer spell resistnce and grants Holy special ability. Flame Arrow is another good example granting the flaming ability without SR. Ie if an actual spell mimicing one of those abilities doesn't offer it then the legit magic items shouldn't either.