Shocking grasp spell

[davegibsongreyhawkdm]

For the shocking grasp spell to be effective, does the spell caster need to first make a to hit roll, modified if applicable by the dexterity of the target (since touch only is needed, type of armor of the spell target not considered)? If the to hit roll misses, is the spell both ineffective and used/lost from the spell caster's memory?

[GT]

Yes, it would require a "to hit" roll assuming the target is awake, non-paralyzed and aware of the caster's presence.

[GT]

The second part is trickier... I would say that it doesn't discharge until you hit a target or cast another spell, but...

[Scott]

The duration is 1 Touch. I rule that the charge remains until a touch is made and the energy is discharged.

[davegibsongreyhawkdm]

Dec 27, 2017 16:36:31 GMT -5 Scott said:

The duration is 1 Touch. I rule that the charge remains until a touch is made and the energy is discharged.

Does spell caster need to hit roll versus normal AC of target or to hit roll on target AC10 modified solely by any dexterity AC adjustment if applicable?

[davegibsongreyhawkdm]

Dec 27, 2017 16:36:31 GMT -5 Scott said:

The duration is 1 Touch. I rule that the charge remains until a touch is made and the energy is discharged.

Also, do you make it possible to accidentally touch a PC party member in a mass melee situation - if so, how to you adjudicate that?

[GT]

Just a "to hit" versus dexterity bonuses, as you are not trying to inflict piercing/slashing/impact damage (to steal from MYTHUS); you are simply trying to touch a target (this ignores certain magical situations such as 'displacement', invisibility', etc. which would further hamper your attack...). As for accidental touches, not unless you use some sort of critical system for fumbles...

[geneweigel]

Here is an indirect answer from POLYHEDRON #21 (JAN 1985)

ADQ: Can multiple shocking grasp spells
be stored in the body? Could a magic-user
cast 5 or 10 of them, then discharge
all of them at once?

ADA: Any spell "on hands" remains there
until something or someone is touched (and
is then discharged, regardless of the result)
or until another spell is cast.