Magic Stone and Maximize

[sloden]

If I used Maximize Spell on Magic Stone, does the damage of the stone do an automatic 7 points of damage?

[Imbicatus]

Yes. However, absolutely ANY other use of a 4th level spell slot is better than a maximized Magic Stone.

[sloden]

So 3 magic stones in the hands of an 8th level Sap Master Rogue would deal around 80 points of damage per stone if he hits with his sneak attack? I agree a 4th level spell slot might be better but I was thinking more of using a Rod of lesser Maximize. That could make a rapid shot sling rogue who has caught someone flatfooted pretty non-lethal.

[Imbicatus]

Note, that the Sneak Attack Damage is rolled separately and would not be maximized.

[sloden]

Why is that any different than using sneak attack with Vampiric Touch?

[sloden]

Sorry let me reference this quote. This states that Sneak attack is not separate damage but part of the 1d6+1 damage roll for magic stone.

Jason Bulmahn wrote:

DR does not negate sneak attack damage. The sneak attack damage is not a special effect that accompanies the attack, it is part of the damage roll.

Hope that clears it up.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2o4f8?Spells-and-Sneak-Attack#17

[jwtelesio]

Maximize Spell only maximizes the Spell's Variable, Numerical effects.

For Vampiric Touch the Sneak Attack damage is maximized because you're making an attack with the spell and the Sneak Attack is part of it.

For Magic Stone the Sneak Attack damage is NOT maximized because the Sneak Attack is not made with the spell it's made with the stones created from the spell that are used separately.

[sloden]

Well I have to disagree. If the maximize effect treats the damage roll included in the spell as full effect when hit and sneak attack is already part of the damage included in the spell then it shouldn't matter what attack is used to deliver the precision damage as its not separate as long as it meets the prerequisites for Sneak Attack.

Basically you are dealing sneak attack with maximized spell ammunition.

[Simon Legrande]

Magic stone is not a direct damage spell.

[seebs]

I wouldn't let maximize work on magic stone. I also wouldn't let it work on sneak attack damage. Yes, the sneak attack is modifying the spell's damage, but it's not part of the spell's effects in a way subject to things like maximize or empower.

[sloden]

Awesome, thanks for your comments and clarification!

[Chris Lambertz]

Removed a post and the replies to it. Leave personal attacks out of the conversation.