Hello everybody,
I have a question. Can a caster use combat maneuver feats (like Improved Drag etc..) when he casts Chain of Perdition (3d level spell from Ultimate Combat)?
Thank you
Hmm, that's a good question. I would rule in my games that no, you cannot use feats to apply to spells like this unless they specifically state in their text that they can be applied. The reason is that (unless I'm reading this spell wrong) the chain is created and functions independently of the movements of your character, similar to the spell Spiritual Weapon. Since you're not literally whipping the chain at your enemies, you cannot apply any of your own feats like Power Attack, Channel Smite, or Improved Sunder to its combat maneuvers/attacks. But you could use these feats with a spell like Shillelagh or Icicle Dagger that creates an actual weapon that you then wield. What you're asking for sounds like it would fall in line with the abilities of a unique prestige class that specializes in manipulating specific spells/SLA's into new unique versions...sounds like a character concept I would want to play for my next character.
I would also say no. You are not performing the maneuver so you don't don't get to apply your bonuses since the spell makes no mention of it doing so.