Bolas: Ranged Trip

[Megatron]

Can anyone just give me a run down on how a ranged trip is supposed to work, specifically the opposed strength checks?

 

[shilsen]

Treat it exactly the same as a normal trip attack, except that you can't be tripped in return if you fail.

 

[Megatron]

So, when they, the one being tripped, has to make an opposed strength check, what are they rolling against? the attack roll? the throwers strength roll?

 

[Legildur]

Without any qualifying text under the description for the weapon, I'd just apply the standard Trip mechanics - so yeah, opposed strength check modified for size and applicable feats (such as Improved Trip).

However, the listing for a bolas does create a question for me. Is it a ranged touch attack (instead of the melee touch attack for a melee trip) or a normal attack? By listing damage (albeit non-lethal) it seems to rely on a normal attack roll to strike and then initiate the Trip check. But trip checks are usually initiated with a melee touch attack? Does anyone know what the answer is?

I guess there is a possibility that is uses a normal attack to deal non-lethal damage and a ranged touch attack for the Trip attempt. Or a really generous DM could allow a a failed normal attack to still enforce a Trip attempt if it struck the touch AC of the creature (but would then do no damage). Arrggh! My head hurts.

 

[Megatron]

My head hurts.

Precisely how I feel.

 

[shilsen]

I don't see the problem. You can either use the bolas as a weapon, vs. normal AC, to do the listed (nonlethal) damage. Or you can make a ranged trip attack, in which case you don't do damage and are making a ranged touch attack.

 

[Legildur]

I don't see the problem. You can either use the bolas as a weapon, vs. normal AC, to do the listed (nonlethal) damage. Or you can make a ranged trip attack, in which case you don't do damage and are making a ranged touch attack.

Ah, I see... You are simply treating the bolas as any other trip capable weapon, but substituting the ranged touch attack for the usual melee touch attack.. It's so obvious that I'm now hitting myself in the head with a blunt instrument in the hope that it might kickstart a few failed synapses. Thanks Shilsen.

 

[shilsen]

Glad to help.