Flame Blade question

[TracerBullet42]

Flame Blade
Evocation [Fire]
Level: Drd 2
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 0 ft.
Effect: Sword-like beam
Duration: 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes

A 3-foot-long, blazing beam of red-hot fire springs forth from your hand. You wield this bladelike beam as if it were a scimitar. Attacks with the flame blade are melee touch attacks. The blade deals 1d8 points of fire damage +1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10). Since the blade is immaterial, your Strength modifier does not apply to the damage. A flame blade can ignite combustible materials such as parchment, straw, dry sticks, and cloth.

The spell does not function underwater.

I just want to be clear about this spell. It says 1d8 +1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10)...

So the caster levels just determine the bonus damage, not the d8 damage, right? For instance an 8th level character casting this spell would inflict 1d8+4 on a successful hit, not 4d8+4, right?

Just checking...thanks.

 

[Flyspeck23]

I just want to be clear about this spell. It says 1d8 +1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10)...

So the caster levels just determine the bonus damage, not the d8 damage, right? For instance an 8th level character casting this spell would inflict 1d8+4 on a successful hit, not 4d8+4, right?

Right. Or else it would be "1d8+1 per two caster levels (max. 10d8+10)". Now that would be a lot of damage for a level 2 spell

 

[Darklone]

They didn't clarify in 3.5 though whether you get the increased crit range of the scimitar or benefit from feats like Weapon Focus (scimitar)...

 

[c47]

"You wield this bladelike beam as if it were a scimitar."

Surely this would mean that in using the weapon one would get any to hit bonuses from skill such as weapon focus and improved critical. However weapon specialisation,power attack, favoured enemy would not grant extra damage.

Would sneak attack? Yes. If you can get sneak attack damage from range weapons I see no reason you could not get it here. You're more adept and knowing what bits will hurt when burnt.

 

[kigmatzomat]

"You wield this bladelike beam as if it were a scimitar."

Surely this would mean that in using the weapon one would get any to hit bonuses from skill such as weapon focus and improved critical.

Agreed.

However weapon specialisation,power attack, favoured enemy would not grant extra damage.

I agree with the "no power attack" but what's the logic for not allowing weapon spec or favored enemy? Neither are strength/force based improvements as much as technique.