[RPG] Are there methods of adding more touch spells to a Duskblade’s spell list

character-creationdnd-3.5espellstouch-attacks

I want to play a duskblade, because their ability to channel touch range spells presents a way to use spells in melee combat. But their short list of spells (coupled with very few touch range damage spells) is kind of disheartening.

Are there any ways to add spells to that list to bolster its lack of touch range damage spells.

Using an online reference I looked at the available spells and only 1 or 2 each level were at a range of touch that also deal damage.

So too does the lack of spells known worry me but I believe that is out of scope for this question.

Best Answer

The list of touch-range, damage-dealing spells of level 5 and below that aren't on the Duskblade list already isn't very long. At least not if you further restrict that list to "useful spells".

Anyway, there are a few well-known ways to get extra spells known/on to a general class list (there are no Duskblade-specific methods) that can be useful here:

  1. The Recaster (Races of Eberron) PrC can grant any spell at all.
  2. Wyrm Wizard (Dragon Magic) can grant any spell at all.
  3. The Extra Spell feat (Complete Arcane) can grant any spell at all - if it works at all. That latter point is often debated.
  4. Domains grant spells known. The most general, easily accessible way to get some Domain access on an arcane spellcasting class is probably the Arcane Disciple feat (Complete Divine), although that carries heavy limitations. Depending on the specific domain, you may be able to get access through a PrC.

Now, then there is the question of what spells you actually want.

  • Combust (Spell Compendium) is a rather good spell, scales well with metamagic. Methods: 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wracking touch (Spell Compendium) is OK if you have lots of Sneak Attack damage somehow. Methods: 1, 2 and 3.
  • Belker Claws (Spell Compendium) are rather bad but cool. Methods: 1, 2 and 3.
  • Bestow Wound (Heroes of Horror) is a cool but kind of expensive way to heal. Methods: 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Spite domain).
  • The Inflict X Wounds line of spells is bad. You can get a few of them via method 4 (Destruction domain, probably others). There are at least a few more that qualify (like Parching Touch from Sandstorm), but I don't know of more worth mentioning.

Harm would be great here, but I don't know of a way to get it as a 5th level spell.

But, at the bottom line... I don't think it's worth the opportunity cost in any of these cases. Maybe for Combust, but Duskblades are rather build-constrained as it is.