[DroneRanger]

So I'm preparing to build my first Spellcaster and I want to make sure my ducks are in a row and needed a little clarification on how Drains damage type is determined.

SR5 pg 281, Step 3 "If the number of hits (not net hits) you get after applying the limit exceeds your Magic rating, the spell's Drain is Physical instead of Stun."

BUT

SR5 pg 282, Step 6 "Remember that if the number of hits you rolled when Spellcasting (step 4) exceeds your Magic rating, then the Drain causes Physical instead of Stun damage."

So the burning question is do I apply the limit or not to determine if the Drain is Physical?

Thanks Chummers.

[fseperent]

I don't usually use spells, so I might be wrong on this.
Limit is always applied if you roll more hits than your character's astral limit or the force of the spell, whichever is lower.
It's the number after limit is potentially applied that determines damage type.
You could use your spells at your character's Magic attribute and not have to worry about Physical damage unless you use Edge or reagents.

[The Bald Man]

I understand your question.  I guess it comes down to "Order of Operations".  Is the Limit applied before or after you compare to your Magic score.  I don't have 'chapter and verse' to point to (others might), but the way I have always seen it applied is Limit first. 

For example you cast a low force Heal spell (it was just a scratch!) - let's say 2.  You roll your 14 dice and get 7 hits, you only keep 2.  Since the 2 hits are less than your magic of 6 the drain is stun. 

[Imladir]

The limit is applied before you compare results to your Magic score.

[DroneRanger]

Thank you all for your help. Feeling very confident about flinging some mana now!

[Overbyte]

Another way to look at it is this:

If you set the Force above your Magic rating.. you take a risk that you will get more successes than your Magic and the drain will become Physical.
If you keep the Force at or below your Magic. This can not happen.

[Imladir]

If you keep the Force at or below your Magic. This can not happen.

Unless you pre-edge or use more Reagent than your Magic value. Or if you aligned to the current background count.