Claws of Darkness & Strength bonus to damage [Archive] - Wizards Community

Claws of Darkness & Strength bonus to damage [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
J.B.
09-01-07, 05:57 AM Hey all,
I'm having trouble figuring out this spell. The problem I'm finding is that there is evidence to support both sides of the argument (that you can/cannot add your strength modifier to damage on this spell).

For instance, spells such as Flame Blade, Flame Dagger, Blade of Pain & Fear, etc. deal magical/elemental damage (just as "Claws of Darkness " deals cold damage) & say that you don't add a strength modifier to damage due to the immaterial nature of the spell (a nature which "Claws of Darkness" would seem to share as suggested by it's effect in the replacement of your hands with shadowy claws which no longer allow you to hold objects, wear magical items on them, or cast spells with them).

On the other hand, the "shadowy" nature of "Claws of Darkness", it's ability to treat the claw attacks as natural weapons (even to the extent of grappling with them & possibly slowing the target on a failed fort save), and non-scaling damage (no +1 damage/level to a max of +10) makes it more closely resemble the spell "Spectral Weapon" (which is more physical than immaterial).

I'm looking for some concrete rules or ruling by the sage (tried looking on my own, to no avail unfortunately), but any opinions are also most welcome.
tarkin
09-01-07, 08:37 AM I would use this argument:

Is it a touch attack? If so then you don't get your strength damage. It is extremely rare for a touch attack to give strength damage.

If it is a regular melee attack using the regular melee AC, then you get your strength to damage.
J.B.
09-01-07, 07:54 PM That is definetely a good guideline to follow when dealing with touch spells, but it does seem a little too simple in regards to the spell in question (keeping in mind that this spell could be one of those rare few you mentioned). Although, I do admit that I'm probably overthinking this whole thing. Screw it, I'll just let my DM decide.

Thanks for the help, I just wish others would be as helpful and post something/anything.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
J.B. 09-01-07, 05:57 AM	Hey all, I'm having trouble figuring out this spell. The problem I'm finding is that there is evidence to support both sides of the argument (that you can/cannot add your strength modifier to damage on this spell). For instance, spells such as Flame Blade, Flame Dagger, Blade of Pain & Fear, etc. deal magical/elemental damage (just as "Claws of Darkness " deals cold damage) & say that you don't add a strength modifier to damage due to the immaterial nature of the spell (a nature which "Claws of Darkness" would seem to share as suggested by it's effect in the replacement of your hands with shadowy claws which no longer allow you to hold objects, wear magical items on them, or cast spells with them). On the other hand, the "shadowy" nature of "Claws of Darkness", it's ability to treat the claw attacks as natural weapons (even to the extent of grappling with them & possibly slowing the target on a failed fort save), and non-scaling damage (no +1 damage/level to a max of +10) makes it more closely resemble the spell "Spectral Weapon" (which is more physical than immaterial). I'm looking for some concrete rules or ruling by the sage (tried looking on my own, to no avail unfortunately), but any opinions are also most welcome.
tarkin 09-01-07, 08:37 AM	I would use this argument: Is it a touch attack? If so then you don't get your strength damage. It is extremely rare for a touch attack to give strength damage. If it is a regular melee attack using the regular melee AC, then you get your strength to damage.
J.B. 09-01-07, 07:54 PM	That is definetely a good guideline to follow when dealing with touch spells, but it does seem a little too simple in regards to the spell in question (keeping in mind that this spell could be one of those rare few you mentioned). Although, I do admit that I'm probably overthinking this whole thing. Screw it, I'll just let my DM decide. Thanks for the help, I just wish others would be as helpful and post something/anything.