Force bypassing DR

[dellanx]

I recently made a +1 long sword with force damage type. When I tried it it bypassed all DR.

For example [DR: 10 good and magic]

Does force damage type bypasses DR because it is an energy type?

[Callum]

I believe it's because "force" is normally only a type of spell damage (technically, a spell descriptor), and therefore would be expected to bypass DR. Also, the "force" property in the 3.5E Magic Item Compendium specifies that projectiles with that property automatically overcome DR.

[dellanx]

I believe it's because "force" is normally only a type of spell damage (technically, a spell descriptor), and therefore would be expected to bypass DR. Also, the "force" property in the 3.5E Magic Item Compendium specifies that projectiles with that property automatically overcome DR.

Ok thanks, that's what I thought.

[kwarner1986]

In my opinion, you might want to change from force to spell. The force damage type will bypass the incorporeal code. Normally magic weapon will deal only half damage unless you have true "force" damage or "ghost" touch. The damage type spell will bypass DR, but will deal only half damage against incorporeal creatures. If you need the effect for this damage type, it's DMGTYPE: spell

[dellanx]

In my opinion, you might want to change from force to spell. The force damage type will bypass the incorporeal code. Normally magic weapon will deal only half damage unless you have true "force" damage or "ghost" touch. The damage type spell will bypass DR, but will deal only half damage against incorporeal creatures. If you need the effect for this damage type, it's DMGTYPE: spell

The weapon is a Summoned Force Sword..spell would be appropriate?

[kwarner1986]

No, force would be appropriate since force sword hits incorporeal creatures for full damage just like magic missiles. Spell would be used for other effects that bypass DR, a good example would be a Paladin's Smite Evil.

[dellanx]

Alright thanks.

[dellanx]

I saw this post that says that force in force sword is a spell descriptor. So the damage type would be slashing and magic. Instead of steel the weapon is made of force and can hit incorporeal and ethereal creatures.

Here is the link (https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/110549/what-damage-type-does-force-sword-do). I guess I would have to agree because I dont wish the fight to be anti-climactic.

[Callum]

I agree - the force sword spell doesn't specify that it overcomes DR, so it doesn't.

[kwarner1986]

I guess this is going to be one of those GM calls as there isn't a clear cut rule. I would treat the spell similar to Spiritual Weapon which does say it deals "force" damage. Force Weapon in the spell description says it makes a weapon of pure force that can harm ghostly creatures. Which to me sounds like force damage even though it doesn't directly state that. However you decide it, just tell the players that this is how you are ruling it and be consistent with the rule. It is still a nice spell against ghostly creatures since you will have a ghosttouch weapon at all times.

[Callum]

The key line in spiritual weapon is "It strikes as a spell, not as a weapon, so for example, it can damage creatures that have damage reduction." There's no line like this in force sword, for good reason - it doesn't attack on its own. Instead, it simply creates a magical weapon which someone then has to wield. Thus, it's not attacking as a spell, and so doesn't overcome DR.

[dellanx]

I guess this is going to be one of those GM calls as there isn't a clear cut rule. I would treat the spell similar to Spiritual Weapon which does say it deals "force" damage. Force Weapon in the spell description says it makes a weapon of pure force that can harm ghostly creatures. Which to me sounds like force damage even though it doesn't directly state that. However you decide it, just tell the players that this is how you are ruling it and be consistent with the rule. It is still a nice spell against ghostly creatures since you will have a ghosttouch weapon at all times.

Thanks, they will use this against an ethereal creature if they can trap it.

[dellanx]

The key line in spiritual weapon is "It strikes as a spell, not as a weapon, so for example, it can damage creatures that have damage reduction." There's no line like this in force sword, for good reason - it doesn't attack on its own. Instead, it simply creates a magical weapon which someone then has to wield. Thus, it's not attacking as a spell, and so doesn't overcome DR.

Also it is only a 2nd level spell, it would make it a bit overpowered.