Hi everyone,
I have a few questions I wanted to ask the community. Been about 2 years since we last played D&D v3.5 (or some variant thereof) and getting into Pathfinder was like a cinch. However, there are rule differences and my memory isn't what it used to be, so anyway... here goes:
1. Dispel Magic used on a summoned creature can send the creature back, this much it states in the rules. However, it only addresses a single creature. What if a Summon Monster was used to summon multiple lower-level creatures. Can only 1 be targeted, or is the entire summoned effect affected when a Dispel Magic is used (i.e. all the summoned creatures are sent back if the spell is targeted)? Perhaps this is only an ability that Greater Dispel Magic can grant and the lower level one just has to make due with one-at-a-time?
Since dispel magic can't target an area, only a single creature, you can only deal with one creature at a time. You need the greater version for multiple targets.
2. Can you make a Sneak Attack with ranged-touch / Touch spells? I assume the standard rules of being within 30' feet still applies, but I recall back in v3.5 D&D you could do this, but perhaps it was only the special ability of certain classes (like Arcane Trickster). I also can't find rules on this re: Precision based attacks, but are Sneak attack damage die multiplied when it scores a critical hit?
Sneak attack requires very little. You need a target, who must be vulnerable to the ability (not immune), who is flanked or flatfooted. Note that I'm paraphrasing here. If your touch spell, melee or ranged, does actual damage (not a penalty) and requires an attack roll, you can use it to sneak attack, subject to the normal rules. The sneak attack dice are not multiplied on a critical hit, however. Bonus damage that is expressed as dice (sneak attack, flaming weapons, etc.) are not multiplied on criticals.
3. I've looked all over for this but I can't find anything on using Metamagic to create magical items. For example, creating an Empowered Wand of Magic Missiles. It fits within the level limit and I'm 95% sure it can be done, but can someone please verify for me? I know that some metamagic feats are wasted on magical items (i.e. a Quickened effect on an item that takes a Standard Action to use will still take a standard action, regardless of the Quickened).
Yes, you can apply metamagic feats to wands and other magic items. Look at the circlet of blasting, both the normal version and the improved version. You'll note that one does maximum damage, because it shoots a maximized searing light.
Additional note: I'm going to FAQ this post. The question about sneak attacking with spells is coming up way too often for it to be overlooked.
Since dispel magic can't target an area, only a single creature, you can only deal with one creature at a time. You need the greater version for multiple targets.
Thanks! I figured as much - hence it is advantageous to summon multiple small guys instead of one big goon sometimes.
That is not correct. Dispel magic states:
"... You can also use a targeted dispel to specifically end one spell
affecting the target or one spell affecting an area (such as a wall of
fire). You must name the specific spell effect to be targeted in this
way. If your caster level check is equal to or higher than the DC of that
spell, it ends. No other spells or effects on the target are dispelled if
your check is not high enough to end the targeted effect.
If you target an object or creature that is the effect of an
ongoing spell (such as a monster summoned by summon monster),
you make a dispel check to end the spell that conjured the object
or creature. ..."
It clearly states it ends the summoning spell. Thus sending away all creatures that summoning spell summoned.
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Sneak attack requires very little. You need a target, who must be vulnerable to the ability (not immune), who is flanked or flatfooted. Note that I'm paraphrasing here.
Technically, it is anytime the "target would be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC, or is flanked." When you are flat-footed you do lose your Dexterity bonus to AC (as well as the ability to make attacks of opportunity) but there are many other conditions that cause one to lose their Dexterity bonus to AC.
So, what causes one to be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC:
- flat-footed
- immobilized
- climbing
- being attacked by an invisible opponent
- running
- stunned
- lifting double your maximum load
- blinded
- squeezing through a narrow space
- entangled
- pinning an opponent
- opponent successfully feints
- opponent uses Impromptu Sneak Attack