Like everone else, I am shocked and at least a litle pissed about the split between Paizo and Wizards. But I want to verify something on the game itself.
1) If a creature, (Mummy), has DR 5/-, this means all attacks with weapons are subject to the DR, but what about spells?
2) If a character, (Monk), attacks a creature that has touch effects, (Mummy Rot, Paralizing touch or level drain), is the attacking character subject to the different effects?
2) If a character, (Monk), attacks a creature that has touch effects, (Mummy Rot, Paralizing touch or level drain), is the attacking character subject to the different effects?
I think that an attacking character is not subject to the special touch attacks of various creatures, these are touch attacks not defenses.
For example, mummy rot is listed as part of a mummy’s attack and energy drain is described in the SRD as follows (emphasis mine) -
Some horrible creatures, especially undead monsters, possess a fearsome supernatural ability to drain levels from those they strike in combat. The creature making an energy drain attack draws a portion of its victim’s life force from her. Most energy drain attacks require a successful melee attack roll — mere physical contact is not enough...
Yeah, that would make mummies crazy dangerous.
Although, it's always good practice wash your hands after touching a mummy.
Yeah, there are enough creatures with retributive auras and other such abilities, that it would be noted in the description of the mummy if it were retributive. Now, an old soggy mummy that actually was that contagious could be a nice boost to the overall CR for an unexpected twist.
Regarding DR, the RULES say that even a spell that does physical damage, like needlespray, or magic stone, or even the silly-but-awesome-irish-word-for-beatstick-I-can't-spell, still bypasses any form of DR. COMMON SENSE indicates that a spell that does purely physical damage, not force or sonic, should have DR applied. Heck, a few spells from the Spell Compendium actually do mention that while they do physical damage, they also overcome DR/Magic. If that has to be said, doesn't it imply that physical spells should normally not overcome it?
And regarding magic stone and the irish-beatstick, the magic stone should get through DR, because it gives the stone an enhancement bonus. Same with the irish-beatstick. But they shouldn't get through DR/admantine or DR/-, because they are still physical attacks, even if the attack is currently "enhanced/overlapped" by a spell.
Simplest application of DR? It protects against "purely physical damage". (Lets also note that by the rules, DR doesn't apply against falling.) AC protects against physical attacks, SR against magic, Energy Resist protects against energy damage, DR should protect against physical damage. Thats how I rule it and it makes things simpler and works fine, YMMV.
Yeah, there are enough creatures with retributive auras and other such abilities, that it would be noted in the description of the mummy if it were retributive. Now, an old soggy mummy that actually was that contagious could be a nice boost to the overall CR for an unexpected twist.
Regarding DR, the RULES say that even a spell that does physical damage, like needlespray, or magic stone, or even the silly-but-awesome-irish-word-for-beatstick-I-can't-spell, still bypasses any form of DR. COMMON SENSE indicates that a spell that does purely physical damage, not force or sonic, should have DR applied. Heck, a few spells from the Spell Compendium actually do mention that while they do physical damage, they also overcome DR/Magic. If that has to be said, doesn't it imply that physical spells should normally not overcome it?
And regarding magic stone and the irish-beatstick, the magic stone should get through DR, because it gives the stone an enhancement bonus. Same with the irish-beatstick. But they shouldn't get through DR/admantine or DR/-, because they are still physical attacks, even if the attack is currently "enhanced/overlapped" by a spell.
Simplest application of DR? It protects against "purely physical damage". (Lets also note that by the rules, DR doesn't apply against falling.) AC protects against physical attacks, SR against magic, Energy Resist protects against energy damage, DR should protect against physical damage. Thats how I rule it and it makes things simpler and works fine, YMMV.
Thank you, that is what I ruled the other night, just wanted to verify my ruling was correct.