Flame Blade Crit Range?

[Adam Ormond]

Question came up during play: does a Flame Blade have the same crit range (18-20) as a normal Scimitar?

d20pfsrd wrote:

You wield this blade-like beam as if it were a scimitar. Attacks with the flame blade are melee touch attacks.

[tejón]

No. As written, it uses scimitar proficiency, but has the default 20/x2 crit range.

Note however that if you have Weapon Focus (scimitar) or any similar weapon-specific feats, those do apply.

[Kalyth]

Adam Ormond wrote:

Question came up during play: does a Flame Blade have the same crit range (18-20) as a normal Scimitar?

d20pfsrd wrote:

You wield this blade-like beam as if it were a scimitar. Attacks with the flame blade are melee touch attacks.

Actually I would say it is wielded as a Scimitar. So sure you get the 18-20 threat range. If you have improved critical then that applies as well. If weapons focus applies why not improved crit? It its wielded like a scimitar then I whoud say any statistic or factor that is not covered by the spell discription would be "as a scimitar".

I know that most weapon like spells list a threat range etc...and this one does not but my first instict is still sure 18-20 threat range. The spell isnt all that in the first place and needs all the help it can get.

[tejón]

Improved Critical (scimitar) does apply. It gives flame blade a 19-20 critical threat range.

[Morgen]

It's wielded as if it were a scimitar. If you got any of the other benefits from the expanded critical range or the like the spell description would say as much, just as the description of Spiritual Weapon describes how that spell works.

If your DM wants to let it happen, then it can work like that in their game though.

[LazarX]

Kalyth wrote:

I know that most weapon like spells list a threat range etc...and this one does not but my first instict is still sure 18-20 threat range. The spell isnt all that in the first place and needs all the help it can get.

Now it does not... for one it hits touch AC, produces fire damage which scales per level, and can be used and reused for the spell duration. for a second level spell it's power is right on par.

[SerpentViolet]

I agree with 20/x2. I did however deem it a light weapon for Weapon Finesse.

[Nefreet]

Over the course of the six years since this thread last saw light, we actually have an answer: 20/x2

Mythic Flame Blade is 18-20/x2.

[Stephen Ede]

Nefreet wrote:

Over the course of the six years since this thread last saw light, we actually have an answer: 20/x2

Mythic Flame Blade is 18-20/x2.

They actually produced errata or a FAQ on the subject?

[Nefreet]

Mythic Flame Blade wrote:

The blade threatens a critical hit on a natural 18–20 as if it were an actual scimitar.

Whereas regular Flame Blade simply states "You wield" as if it were a Scimitar.

It was certainly ambiguous when this thread was first created, before Mythic Adventures was released, but it shouldn't be any longer.

[Stephen Ede]

Nope. If it said "unlike Flame Blade that is only weilded as a Scimitar" or similar wording specifically referring to the Flame Blade spell not doing this.

All it is is circumstantial evidence and given much of PF's wordings on rules, not even strong circumstantial evidence.

I was hoping that they had actually produced a proper FAQ or Errata on the Flame Blade the way you were writing.

[redpandamage]

why would it have that rules text if it was already a thing.

[Nefreet]

Stephen Ede wrote:

I was hoping that they had actually produced a proper FAQ or Errata on the Flame Blade the way you were writing.

Not every question requires an FAQ to answer it.

[Chris Lambertz]

Removed a post. Let's refrain from making personally abusive statements. Thanks!