Enervation and Spell Specilization

[Mr.Binx]

(Warning: To understand this question you need to read T&B p.79)
Using Spell Specialization from Tome and Blood with Enervation, does the spell end up doing +2 energy drain or +2 negative energy damage? Since it's required that you be within 30ft to do the additional damage with both Spell Specialization and Sneak Attack while crits can be done from any range I'm leaning towards +2 negative energy damage. Anyone have some insight on this?

 

[kreynolds]

Using Spell Specialization from Tome and Blood with Enervation, does the spell end up doing +2 energy drain or +2 negative energy damage? Since it's required that you be within 30ft to do the additional damage with both Spell Specialization and Sneak Attack while crits can be done from any range I'm leaning towards +2 negative energy damage. Anyone have some insight on this?

+2 negative energy damage.

 

[AGGEMAM]

Actually, neither is correct, since enervation doesn't deal damage but energy drain, it cannot be enhanced with Spell Specilization and it cannot crit at all.

 

[Mr.Binx]

Actually, neither is correct, since enervation doesn't deal damage but energy drain, it cannot be enhanced with Spell Specilization and it cannot crit at all.

From T&B p. 79:
'A spell's "damage" may be normal damage, subdual damage, ability damage, or energy drain. Such spells can inflict critical hits, can be used in sneak attacks, and allow rangers to use their favored enemy bonuses.'

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Enervation can crit for 2d4 negative levels. T&B uses this spell as an example on page 79.

 

[AGGEMAM]

I'm so sorry.

Yes, I see it now, I can't believe I was able to skim over that *shakes head*.

 

[Al]

I would say that since Sneak Attack with Enervation deals negative energy damage, then presumably Spell Specialisation or Point Blank Shot would do likewise.

The main reason is the 'worst-case scenario' if it did energy draining damage: a hasted caster with Twinned Enervations, Spell Spec. and PBS could knock off 4d4+12 levels in a single round!

 

[Tony Vargas]

IIRC, T&B uses Ray of Enfeeblement as an example of a spell doing +2 damage for specialization (or +1 for PBS or something like that), instead of doing additional ability damage. I'd think Enervation would work the same way.

 

[kreynolds]

IIRC, T&B uses Ray of Enfeeblement as an example of a spell doing +2 damage for specialization (or +1 for PBS or something like that), instead of doing additional ability damage. I'd think Enervation would work the same way.

Yup. See Dr. Zoom's last post.

 

[Mr.Binx]

[Edit: message blanked since one of my players is reading this message board.]