Post/Author/DateTime	Post
rdjanssen 03-03-06, 11:14 AM	This situation came up in one of our latest D&D sessions. Our wizard was threatened by an opponent. He successfully casts scorching ray defensively, so his opponent did not get an attack of opportunity for casting the spell. However, he then had to make a ranged touch attack to hit an opponent to deal damage. Does the opponent that threatened him get an attack of opportunity? I argued that he did because casting the spell and hitting with it were two different things. Our wizard disagreed stating that making the ranged touch attack was part of casting the spell. What would the correct ruling be?
Polaris 03-03-06, 11:29 AM	It is my understanding that your wizard is in fact correct. The attack roll is part of the spell and thus doesn't generate an extra opportunity. Yes, that does mean yoiu can fire off a scorching ray in the face of an Ogre ten feed in front of you defensively and not draw an AoO. -Polaris
rdjanssen 03-03-06, 11:39 AM	It is my understanding that your wizard is in fact correct. The attack roll is part of the spell and thus doesn't generate an extra opportunity. Yes, that does mean yoiu can fire off a scorching ray in the face of an Ogre ten feed in front of you defensively and not draw an AoO. -Polaris Thanks for the feedback. -Rick
Vedic Cold 03-03-06, 11:40 AM	I agree with Polaris. On the round when you cast a spell that requires a touch attack, the attack roll is a part of the casting. Thus, if an AoO was avoided with a concentration check, then another should not be provoked by making the ranged touch attack.
Harliquinn 03-03-06, 11:41 AM	The wizard was in fact correct. The Ranged Touch Attack is part of the casting of the spell and does not trigger an additional attack of opportunity. Harliquinn
cwslyclgh 03-03-06, 12:55 PM	indeed H, VC, and P are all steering you down the right path.