Spell Penetration vs. Spell Focus

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Are these true statements or have I gotten confused?

1. Spell Penetration is +2 against target's Spell Resistence.

2. Spell Focus (school) is +2 against a save throw (DC) which assumes you got by the target's spell resistence.


Boy this is quite a bit more complicated than than my 1984 D&D P&P

 

That sounds right to me. You have to get past spell resistance before you can start worrying about your target failing his saving throw.

Spell resistance is a complete pain because all the really tough enemies have it and because unless you can get past it, your spellcasters are in trouble and have to resort to Plan B.

Remember that there are also some spells you can cast that can lower a target's spell resistance somewhat, but there is still a chance of casting 5 spells and have none of them work, by which time you have been killed.

 

Yeah plan B - melee.

So there is no school requirement for Spell Penetration but there is for Spell Focus? Hmmm... What Spell Focus school do I select for a Cleric???

 

Well, in fact, to be technicaly correct, you gain +2 to your DC. DC is difficulty(or dice, depends on who you ask) check. You want it high, your spell recipients want it low. It's measured against d20+targets saving throw.

 

Todd:

Evocation and Necromancy are nice spell focus schools for a cleric, especially if you've taken one or two of the domains that give you extra damage spells.