Which magic ammos do regular dmg in addition to their magic proc?


Rules Discussion


'CRB pg 559' wrote:
Magic ammunition deals damage on a hit normally in addition to any listed effects unless its description states otherwise.

Spellstrike (pg 560)

You activate spellstrike ammunition by Casting a Spell into the ammunition ... A creature hit by activated spellstrike ammunition is targeted by the spell.

By RAW this should do regular damage in addition but no-one I talk to agrees.

Viper (pg 561)

The shaft of this arrow is covered in fine green scales, and its iron head comes to a pair of points almost like fangs. After an activated viper arrow hits a target, the arrow transforms into a viper (Pathfinder Bestiary 302). The target is affected by the viper’s poison, as if it had been bitten. The viper then lands in an open space adjacent to the target.

By RAW that thing should do regular damage, but their wording leaves me unsure of their intent.

Let's compare with explicit examples.

Sleep arrow

"An activated sleep arrow deals no damage, but a living creature hit by it is subject to the effects of a sleep spell (DC 17)."

Explict no damage.

Beacon shot

The shaft of a beacon shot is studded with tiny flecks of glimmering gemstones. When an activated beacon shot hits a target, it embeds itself into that target and spews sparks for 1 minute ... A creature can remove the arrow or bolt by using an Interact basic action and succeeding at a DC 20 Athletics check.

Damage by RAW, and I don't see how it's possible to argue RAI disagrees.

Silver Crusade

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There’s absolutely nothing in Spellstrike ammo that suggests that it doesn't do damage.


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Rysky wrote:
There’s absolutely nothing in Spellstrike ammo that suggests that it doesn't do damage.

Right.

Except for Sleep Arrow, these all read like additional effects, and would have to explicitly subtract the ammo's effect from hitting.
Hit by arrow = the arrow damages, also there's this magical effect due to the special ammunition.

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