Range 1 Spells?

[Renojustin]

Is there a difference between a touch spell and a non-touch spell? Is there such a thing? Or is it just flavor text? There are spells that specify you must touch the victim and there are Range 1 spells like Burning Hands that say something like "You kill everything in front of you." So what gives?

If the spell is a hostile spell, will there be a to-hit roll? I've seen several spells hint at this. Eg, Freezing Touch, "On the other hand, it might be very hard to actually touch an enemy in the heat of battle."

On the other hand, it's a spell... it might be referring to the fact that you might not get in range to use it. And you're not exactly trying to stick your sword in them. So what is the mechanic? There is no information on this that I can find.

Edit: Poison Touch actually specifies that you must make a to-hit roll, but other Touch spells do not. I guess that this means you have to make a to-hit roll on all spells with the word Touch in them?

[thejeff]

I also think the touch spells require a hit roll, but I'm not sure.

Other Range 1 spells, like Burning Hands are area effect, which is a big difference.

[lch]

I do believe that touch spells require a hit, too, and you'd probably be able to find out for sure if you do a test with debugging on.

[Dedas]

Please do! Most close combat spells are cool because they are so devastating so it would be nice to know.

[jimkehn]

My question is, does the spell remain in effect for the entire battle? Or just that round of combat?? i.e., can you cast the spell on the first round, and does it remain in effect if he touches a person on round 8? And does it only last for one effect, or can you get multiple effects from casting it once?

[thejeff]

Pretty sure it's a single effect. Casting it and trying to touch someone is the same action.