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The holy symbol in the sword’s pommel suggests that it once belonged to followers of Shar, goddess of night and loss. Its blade has the ability to compel anyone cut to fall into a magically induced sleep, then hungrily devours the victim’s dreams to restore the wielder’s memory. This dark steel two-handed sword appears to be nothing more than a well-balanced weapon in the hands of a regular warrior, but when wielded by a user of Shadow Magic it seems to come to life. Location (BG2): Irenicus’ Dungeon, trapped picture Dark Dreamer +2 Location (BG1): Chang Yu’ke, Wyrm’s Crossing When worn by those profiicent in shadow magic, it bolsters their ability to resist the life-draining nature of the Shadow Weave.
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You must follow the rules for those weapon keywords, not the rules for spell attack keywords, and use your melee attack roll modifier (dex for finesse as appropriate) for this attack.This black glass ring feels heavy and unnatural in your hands. Therefore, to address your point on using spell casting ability and proficiency bonus, that is also an incorrect ruling based on the rules text. Instead it explicitly says that it counts as a proficient weapon with the finesse, light, & thrown properties. Shadow Blade does not use the words "spell attack" or "spellcasting ability". It's true that "spells only do what they say they do". Shillelagh: explicitly says "use your spellcasting ability".Creation, Fabricate, Swift Quiver: implies that you follow the usual rules for whatever kind of thing you create.Spiritual Weapon: uses the word "weapon", but specifies "spell attack".Flame Blade, Melf's Acid Arrow, Mordenkainen's Sword: doesn't use the word "weapon", and specifies "spell attack".No way to make a weapon attack in the instant that they exist. Conjure Barrage, Conjure Volley: uses the word "weapon", but specifies a non-attack method of damage.Blade Barrier, Cloud of Daggers, Guardian of Faith, Magic Missile: doesn't use the word "weapon", and specifies a non-attack method of damage.Look at other spells that create weapons and see how they're worded. I agree entirely with answer, but here's an alternate argument with the same conclusion. It's also worth noting that all the weapons in the Handbook are described by their damage dice only for example the greatsword is listed as dealing "2d6" damage, not "2d6 + strength modifier". Since the weapon has the Finesse property, you can and must use either Strength or Dexterity modifier to make the attack and damage roll. The spell conjures, explicitly, a weapon, but makes no specific exception to the general rule, so the normal logic for attack and damage rolls is used. Weapons that have the finesse or thrown property break this rule. The ability modifier used for a melee weapon attack is Strength, and the ability modifier used for a ranged weapon attack is Dexterity. When attacking with a weapon, you add your ability modifier - the same modifier used for the attack roll - to the damage. From Player's Handbook, page 196, "Damage Rolls":
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The general rule is that, when attacking with a melee weapon, the character can add their Strength modifier (or optionally Dexterity modifier, for Finesse weapons) to damage rolls. You must use the same modifier for both rolls. When making an attack with a finesse weapon, you use your choice of your Strength or Dexterity modifier for the attack and damage rolls. It deals 2d8 psychic damage on a hit and has the finesse, light, and thrown properties (range 20/60). It counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. This magic sword lasts until the spell ends. You weave together threads of shadow to create a sword of solidified gloom in your hand. Was it the intent of this spell to deal 2d8 or 2d8+dex on a hit?įor those who want to know: my GM let me use my spell casting ability + PB for attack rolls.
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My contention is that the spell says I should be able to add my dexterity to damage rolls since it is a finesse weapon. Tonight I brought out my shadow blade and my GM ruled that I didn't get to add any extra damage to my shadow blade from my dexterity, because spells only do what they say they do, which is fine and I rolled with it.
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