When the magic-user casts this spell, he or she develops a powerful electrical charge which gives a jolt to the creature touched. The shocking grasp delivers from 1 to 8 hit points damage (d8), plus 1 hit point per level of the magic-user, i.e. a 2nd level magic-user would discharge a shock causing 3 to 10 hit points of damage. While the magic-user must only come close enough to his or her opponent to lay a hand on the opponent's body or upon an electrical conductor which touches the opponent's body, a like touch from the opponent does not discharge the spell.