The description says „Make a melee spell attack against a creature you can reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d10 necrotic damage.“. My question is: what does this melee spell attack mean? Does this mean that the spells attack counts as a melee spell attack? Or does it reference a different spell attack to which the damage gets added or something?
A melee spell attack is a melee attack made using your spellcasting ability instead of a weapon; the effect of hitting is specified in the spell description.
In the case of inflict wounds on a Cleric you would make an attack roll of 1d20 + your spell attack modifier (proficiency bonus + Wisdom modifier). If you hit you deal 3d10 necrotic damage.
Spells don't usually add anything else to the damage, which makes them more variable, but they also typically do more damage overall because you're burning spell slots to cast them.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
I think a melee attack in this case just affirms you have to physically hit the thing, not just a range of touch. If a factor would impose an effect on melee attacks, then this counts. Otherwise, the same as any other spell attack.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
The description says „Make a melee spell attack against a creature you can reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d10 necrotic damage.“. My question is: what does this melee spell attack mean? Does this mean that the spells attack counts as a melee spell attack? Or does it reference a different spell attack to which the damage gets added or something?
A melee spell attack is a melee attack made using your spellcasting ability instead of a weapon; the effect of hitting is specified in the spell description.
In the case of inflict wounds on a Cleric you would make an attack roll of 1d20 + your spell attack modifier (proficiency bonus + Wisdom modifier). If you hit you deal 3d10 necrotic damage.
Spells don't usually add anything else to the damage, which makes them more variable, but they also typically do more damage overall because you're burning spell slots to cast them.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
D20+Spell Atk Mod, from melee range (5ft for most creatures)
I think a melee attack in this case just affirms you have to physically hit the thing, not just a range of touch. If a factor would impose an effect on melee attacks, then this counts. Otherwise, the same as any other spell attack.