[3.5e] Nifty ranger tidbit

[haiiro]

From <a href="http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030225a">this week's D&D Revision Spotlight</a> on the WotC site:

"A 6th-level ranger who has chosen the archery combat style is treated as having Manyshot even if he does not have the prerequisites for it, but only when he is wearing light or no armor."

The part that turns me on is "chosen the archery combat style" -- suggesting a much more option-oriented ranger (i.e., TWF will be one option, archery another, etc.). This sounds very cool, and I like what it suggests about the revised ranger.

Edit: the fact that this virtual feat has a level-based prereq is also neat -- and makes me think they're de-frontloading the class. Also cool.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Yep, cool.

I'm also glad they fixed Manyshot so it isn't quite so powerful -- though I think it still needs the text "This feat cannot be used in conjunction with Rapid Shot."

 

[Spatula]

I'm also glad they fixed Manyshot so it isn't quite so powerful -- though I think it still needs the text "This feat cannot be used in conjunction with Rapid Shot."

Manyshot isn't just an upgraded arrow attack action, it takes its own standard action to use. And Rapid Shot takes a full-attack action to use, so they can't be used together.

As a standard action, you may fire two arrows at a single opponent within 30 feet. Both arrows use the same attack roll (with a -4 penalty) to determine success and deal damage normally (but see Special).

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Manyshot isn't just an upgraded arrow attack action, it takes its own standard action to use. And Rapid Shot takes a full-attack action to use, so they can't be used together.

I know, but your average munchkin's going to overlook that. It's nice to have it spelled out explicitly.

 

[MerricB]

I wonder what this implies for Rapid Shot?

I mean, quite frankly the feat isn't that good compared to the existing Rapid Shot - except that you can move as well... that may be the point, actually.

Let's look at the various progressions:

BAB: +6
Rapid Shot: +4/+4/-1, step move (5')
Manyshot: +2/+2, normal move (30')

BAB: +11
Rapid Shot +9/+9/+4/-1, step move (5')
Manyshot: +5/+5/+5, normal move (30')

BAB: +16
Rapid Shot: +14/+14/+9/+4/-1, step move (5')
Manyshot: +8/+8/+8/+8, normal move (30')

Cheers!

 

[Terraism]

Merric - did you mean as compared to Rapid Shot? 'Cause I don't think Point Blank Shot gives extra attacks...

 

[MerricB]

Only insofar as the Point Blank Shot goes right through the first target into the second... (thinks LotR: TFOTR).

Oh, all right then... edited for pedantic correctness...

Cheers!

 

[Terraism]

Only insofar as the Point Blank Shot goes right through the first target into the second... (thinks LotR: TFOTR).

[Chuckle.] Took a moment to think of what you were getting at, but...

 

[Henry]

From a "plausibility" standpoint, this one stretches my suspension of disbelief - the archer flinging fistfuls of arrows with every shot - I don't care how much the penalty is.

I could see it with an epic character - just not a "regular" one.

Of course, proof will be in the pudding - I'kll just have to wait and see.

 

[Terraism]

From a "plausibility" standpoint, this one stretches my suspension of disbelief - the archer flinging fistfuls of arrows with every shot - I don't care how much the penalty is.

I could see it with an epic character - just not a "regular" one.

Of course, proof will be in the pudding - I'kll just have to wait and see.

Tell me - do you keep seeing the scene from Robin Hood - Men in Tights where he has a cascading arrow? 'Cause I do.