How does the charge mechanic interact with multi-target single attacks like Cleave or Whirlwind Attack?
Is it possible for a magus to whirlwind as many as 8 targets with his held empowered intensified maximizing shocking grasp charge? Considering the resources it would take to pull off, it would hardly be overpowered, but is it RAW or RAI?
Why or why not. Please explain your answer.
If a Magus with a held charge Shocking Grasp used Whirlwind Attack, he could attack all 8 of them, but the first hit would discharge Shocking Grasp and the rest would just get hit by his weapon.
If, on the other hand, he had a held charge Frostbite or Chill Touch (and at least 8 caster levels), he could deliver one charge to everyone hit.
I agree with mplindustries.
The charge is released upon a successful attack roll. So the shocking grasp gets first hit target.