Spellstrike with Touch Weapon

[JDLPF]

Scenario: A Magus uses a Rod of Nettles to deliver an attack vs. Touch AC in combination with using Spellstrike to deliver a Shocking Grasp through his weapon, spending 1 point from his arcane pool to also add Keen and Flaming to the weapon.

Q1: Does the Magus roll vs. target's touch AC or full AC?
Q2: Does the Keen effect increase the no save range?
Q3: Does Flaming deal additional damage on a hit against touch AC?

[GM Rednal]

1) Under the strictest reading of the rules, Spellstrike lets you make a melee attack (not a melee touch attack) to deliver the spell - so that's the RAW. RAI, I believe it was meant to target whatever AC the weapon itself targets - admittedly, this is practically always normal AC to begin with - and I would personally run it as targeting Touch AC.

2) Yes. All you have to do is confirm a critical hit (not roll a Natural 20), which is dictated by the type of weapon it is. Keen would affect that.

3) No. There is nothing in its text that talks about extra damage vs touch AC - just when you hit at all.

[JDLPF]

Q4: What about the wording of the Flaming property?

Flaming: Upon command, a flaming weapon is sheathed in fire that deals an extra 1d6 points of fire damage on a successful hit. The fire does not harm the wielder. The effect remains until another command is given.

[GM Rednal]

What about it? A successful hit is a successful hit, whether you target normal AC or, in rare cases like this one, get to target Touch AC instead.

[JDLPF]

Ah, I think I've misunderstood your answer. I thought you meant Flaming didn't deal any damage on a touch attack, but you thought I was asking if it did damage in addition to 1d6 fire. Thanks for the answers!

[James Risner]

The RAI of that combo is deals no hit point damage, just ability damage.
So shocking grasp and flaming should also deal no damage.

There is no rules forbidding you dealing additional rider effects that deal damage. So your GM will adjudicate if and how these interact.

[GM Rednal]

Ah, yes. XD That was indeed how I read the question. Hooray for clarity, and I'm glad I could help. ^^/

[Plausible Pseudonym]

The Accurate Strike Magus arcana allows touch attacks, I assume spell strike still works with that ability, so I don't see why it wouldn't with something else that does touch attacks like a Plasma Blade (AP#100) or monowhip (tech guide).

[quirthanon]

I don't think keen will work, it only affects piercing and slashing weapons. From the Rod of Nettles "This rod acts as a +1 light mace that deals no damage." Light maces are Bludgeoning only.

If a piercing or slashing weapons had this effect it would work though.

Keen: This ability doubles the threat range of a weapon. Only piercing or slashing melee weapons can be keen. If you roll this property randomly for an inappropriate weapon, reroll. This benefit doesn't stack with any other effect that expands the threat range of a weapon (such as the keen edge spell or the Improved Critical feat).

Moderate transmutation; CL 10th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, keen edge; Price +1 bonus.