Why does scorching ray have a DC?

[SuperbDave]

isn't it just a ranged touch spell? I dont see any special effect. what is the DC for?

[forkofspite]

Presumably because it's part of the script for spell descriptions. Like many, many other spells in this game, it lists the DC even though it's irrelevant.

[Drake]

Yeah every ability sheet computes and displays a DC value, even when it's not relevant, because most of the time, it is (DC is the most used check for most powers and spells).

Like dispel magic has a DC too, even if there is no use for it, because it uses CL, not DC.

[Soul]

yeah... think of it as just the DC of the school that the spell belongs to pretty much

[hilburnashua]

It shouldn't have a DC unless there is a metamagic effect added to it that would have a save (dazing spell or toppling spell come to mind although I don't think either of those two feats are in the game).

There are ranged touch spells that have a DC, so if it's being listed in the descriptor with a DC, that is unnecessarily confusing.

[Razer]

Every spell has a DC because there may be some interaction somewhere that requires it. Such as an enemy ability that can ignore a spell based on a DC check. DC isn't always linked to what the spell does.

[Invisible]

Isn't it tied to saving throws? Higher dc makes a reflex throw harder?

[Drake]

Originally posted by Invisible:

Isn't it tied to saving throws? Higher dc makes a reflex throw harder?

Except scorching ray is a touch attack spell. Attack spells roll against (touch) AC, there are no saves involved for the main effect.

That's the whole point of touch spells, to not use DC, and use your attack roll instead.