Touch attack

From NWNWiki

A touch attack is a special attack that only needs to touch its target to have an effect. (A normal attack needs to hit its target solidly to do damage. A character who swings a sword that glances off an opponent's shield has touched his target, but the swing is considered a miss since it could not inflict damage. In game terms, this attack roll was less than the target's armor class (AC) by virtue of the shield's contribution.)

Touch attacks can be either ranged or melee. One example of a ranged touch attack is an ettercap's web bolt attack. The web bolt merely has to touch the target to attach itself and bind the target to the ground.

A touch attack denies the defender their armor and shield AC (base and bonus), as well as their natural armor bonus to AC. All other armor class modifiers, such as the size modifier, dexterity modifier, and deflection/dodge bonus (if any) apply normally. The attacker uses their normal attack modifiers, excluding modifiers specific to whatever weapon is currently wielded. Note that as for regular attacks, the dexterity modifier is used for ranged touch attack rolls, not strength.

[edit] Notes

• For technical reasons — namely the lack of alternatives — all scripted attacks are touch attacks, even those that should not really qualify, such as a hail of arrows.