[PF, Paizo-only] Question: Converting Attack Damage to Cold

[Childe]

Does anyone know a simple way to convert an entire attack's damage to Cold? Looking to take advantage of a Vulnerability.

[Calico]

I don't even know a complicated way, and quick browse through the SRD yielded nothing.  If Dreamscarred Press's Ultimate Psionics is available to you, I vaguely recall a weapon enhancement there that would do what you want.  Even further afield there was  3rd party supplement for D&D that provided a spell that does exactly what you want.  If you're bent on staying within pathfinder the only thing I can think of is elemental spell which will convert all spell damage to cold.  If it's a spell that requires an attack roll, such as scorching ray, I do believe that would meet the letter of your requirements, though likely not the spirit.

[Childe]

I think I found the DSP option (in case I'd be able to get the DM to approve) ... and sadly it's for ranged weapons only.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/psionics-unleashed/equipment/psionic-items/psionic-weapons#TOC-Energy

PF isn't really my choice, just what I'm stuck with.

This would be so easy in 3.5.

[Calico]

How would you do it in 3.5?

[Childe]

One way that comes to mind is Thunderlance + Energy Substitution. I'm pretty sure there are others in 3.5.

[Calico]

Ah, well if that would work for you then look at Flame Blade and Divine Trident.  Season with Elemental Spell to taste.

[Childe]

Thunderlance was a weirdly fortuitous case, as I'm actually building a mounted charger.

That said, I think I can use Spirited Charge with divine trident if I take Martial Versatility (Spirited Charge). Pretty sure that would work, though it's sad I lose ability modifier to damage and critical drops to x2 (from x3 of a real lance). The fact that it makes touch attacks is sweet, but I may have to do #seriousmath to see if it's worthwhile.

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/racial-feats/martial-versatility-combat-human

EDIT: Also just noticed Elemental spell only covers 50% of the damage. Drat.

[Calico]

I'm pretty sure Spirited Charge isn't weapon specific so Martial Versatility should be unnecessary to make it work with a trident or any other melee weapon.  Also elemental spell can do 100% or 50%.  There's a very key "or" that you seem to have overlooked. 

I think you're s.o.l. on  getting what you want with a lance.  The only pertinent result the srd yielded was Light Lance which I don't think is really what you wanted.

[Childe]

I'm pretty sure Spirited Charge isn't weapon specific so Martial Versatility should be unnecessary to make it work with a trident or any other melee weapon.  Also elemental spell can do 100% or 50%.  There's a very key "or" that you seem to have overlooked. 

I think you're s.o.l. on  getting what you want with a lance.  The only pertinent result the srd yielded was Light Lance which I don't think is really what you wanted.

Spirited Charge has a lance-specific clause, though a case could definitely be made for it not being Versatility-able since it's a result of the lance's innate benefit combining with the general benefit of the feat.

You're right I misread Elemental Spell.

I'm starting to think I'd be better off ignoring the vulnerability and just buffing my damage else-ways.

Losing ability modifier and the crit multiplier is too steep a cost, I've realized. Also, Tridents being 1-handed significantly downgrades Power Attack.

Paizo!

[Calico]

I'm starting to think I'd be better off ignoring the vulnerability and just buffing my damage else-ways.

Probably the right line of thought.

One handed weapons can still be used in two hands to get the extra Power Attack benefit but I'd still just find a way to do more damage with your lance.  Most damage reduction shouldn't even be a huge issue considering that lovely x3 damage you're getting.

[Frogman55]

The only way I know of to get elemental damage on a melee attack in pathfinder requires a level 5 Bladebound Magus or a level 5 Blade Adept Arcanist. Not exactly something you can shoehorn into a build, though.

[StreamOfTheSky]

Soulknife and the Soulbolt archetype for it both get blade skills to turn all your mind blade's damage into cold damage and can basically be used every time if you want, plus other effects if you drop psionic focus.  Of course, psionics is 3rd party in PF.