Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Huntsman57 Nov 28, 2014 20:10:05	I didn't think you could crit with a spell that used an attack roll, such as Firebolt, or Scorching Ray, but now that I reread through the rules I'm failing to see where this is actually stated. Can we crit with a spell that uses an attack roll?
#2 ShinQuickMan Nov 28, 2014 20:12:08	Yup.
#3 bonethug0108 Nov 29, 2014 7:50:53	I forget what page(somewhere in the combat rules under attacking I believe), but it says if there's any question as to whether you are making an attack, if you are making an attack roll then you are making an attack.   So yes spells with attack rolls are attacks and can crit.
#4 Daydreamer80 Nov 29, 2014 12:08:09	Is this definative?   I ask because a critical Hit ability really seems to raise the deadlyness of alot of spells.   This is essentially Rules as interpreted, and no where explicitily stated?   REad the relevant section on pg 196 of the PHB.  The most straightforward interpretation does seem to be that ranged attack spells can crit.  Presumably they automatically miss on a 1 then, even if the bonus make the hit automatic otherwise.
#5 Yunru Nov 29, 2014 12:10:44	Is it an attack roll? Then it can crit (and fumble). Nothing interpretive about it.
#6 bonethug0108 Nov 29, 2014 12:13:39	I looked it up to be sure. PHB pg. 194(near the top):   "If there's ever any question whether something you're doing counts as an attack, the rule is simple: if you're making an attack roll, you're making an attack."   Then down the page a bit under Rolling 1 or 20:   "If the d20 roll for an attack is a 20, the attack hits regardless of any modifiers or the target's AC. In additon, the attack is a critical hit, as explained later in the chapter."   So yes, spell attacks do crit.
#7 bonethug0108 Nov 29, 2014 12:15:42	My question would be for something like Melf's Acid Arrow, say it crits and you double the damage on the first turn. Do you also double the damage on the second turn(I'm thinking no because that's residual damage and not straight damage from the attack itself)?
#8 Sorxores Nov 30, 2014 7:00:28	the attack is the initial hit. the ongoing damage is just damage, not an attack so it cannot crit and do not gain benefit from Hex (which add damage when you HIT with an ATTACK), but can still gain benefit from the sorcerer elemental afinity or and the wizard empowered evocation (which add modifier to damage of spell)
#9 bonethug0108 Nov 30, 2014 7:29:55	Yeah that's what I was thinking. It's a "rider" and not part of the actual hit.