Can you take a free action touch attack mid-movement as part of casting a spell?

[anthonydido]

Q. Can you use the free action touch attack from casting a melee touch spell (in the same round) after partial movement and still finish your movement after?

For example, can you cast Shocking Grasp, move 15' to within reach of the enemy, attempt the free touch attack, then move another 15' to complete movement?

There has been some recent discussion on whether this is possible with arguments on both sides. Here are some threads that discuss this:

Deliver touch similar to spring attack?
Wizard Touch Spells
Touch Spells - Free Touch Attack Questions

Arguments in favor say that because it is a free action and free actions can be combined with other actions normally that you can do it.

Arguments against cite language from the normal condition listed with the Spring Attack feat as rules against any attack mid-movement. Also that the rules for touch spells in combat give a restrictive list of when the attack can happen: "You may take your move before casting the spell, after touching the target, or between casting the spell and touching the target."

It seems that this question has come up enough times that it could be FAQ worthy.

Please hit the FAQ button if you agree.

[Dave Justus]

Free actions normally can be combined with other actions. The free touch attack from a spell has certain other conditions though, particularly spelling out how you can move, as you cited.

So the answer is no. I don't think it could be clearer, and I don't think we need a FAQ for something clearly in the rules.

[anthonydido]

I agree with you but seeing as how this question has come up on multiple occasions it seems others don't think it is that clear or think it is clearly yes.

[Markov Spiked Chain]

The Valet familiar archetype leads me to think they're not intended to be Spring Attacks by default. Althought that does apply to rounds after you cast the spell too.