[Touch Attacks] Holding a charge during a normal unarmed attack

[LivingTriskele]

Page 137 "If you touch anything or anyone while holding a charge, even unintentionally, the spell discharges."

Then

"Alternatively, you may make a normal unarmed attack (or an attack with a natural weapon) while holding a charge."

Why? This seems a little contradictory and inconsistent. I personally like the idea that a wizard can cast a spell, forget he's cocked and then accidentally fry a friend, but the rules need to decide one way or the other.

[silverhair2008]

I can see presuming that the held spell might be centered on the left hand which might mean he could make an unarmed attack with his right hand or if he has levels in Monk with his feet.

But you are correct in saying the rules need to clearly specify which one applies. Either you can make an unarmed attack and still hold the charge or you cannot.

Just my 2 cp.

[LivingTriskele]

silverhair2008 wrote:

I can see presuming that the held spell might be centered on the left hand which might mean he could make an unarmed attack with his right hand or if he has levels in Monk with his feet.

I hadn't thought of that. In this case I imagine the attack would suffer a penalty for being made with an off hand (unless the character is a monk). Yeah, this paragraph needs a little clarification, but I think the idea of using an off hand to make a touch attack should be... touched upon... sorry haven't had me coffee yet...

[Set]

LivingTriskele wrote:

Page 137 "If you touch anything or anyone while holding a charge, even unintentionally, the spell discharges."

Ooh, I think I hate that sentence. A Cleric with an Inflict Light Wounds 'up' can't turn a doorknob or adjust his cloak or brush a cobweb out of his way without losing his spell? A Wizard with Shocking Grasp up can't flick a strand of hair out of her face without blowing her own head off?

Lame.

[LivingTriskele]

A Wizard with Shocking Grasp up can't flick a strand of hair out of her face without blowing her own head off?

LOL. Perfect for my Monty Python campaign.

[Set]

LivingTriskele wrote:

A Wizard with Shocking Grasp up can't flick a strand of hair out of her face without blowing her own head off?

LOL. Perfect for my Monty Python campaign.

That was the tame version, I'd originally started to type the hilarious hijinks that ensued when the Sorcerer forgot he had cast Shocking Grasp and stopped to take a pee, only to bake his biscuits.

:)

[LivingTriskele]

Set wrote:

LivingTriskele wrote:

A Wizard with Shocking Grasp up can't flick a strand of hair out of her face without blowing her own head off?

LOL. Perfect for my Monty Python campaign.

That was the tame version, I'd originally started to type the hilarious hijinks that ensued when the Sorcerer forgot he had cast Shocking Grasp and stopped to take a pee, only to bake his biscuits.

:)

Even better. I'm going to have to use that on someone... Good thing clerical healing has been improved...