Changing Manyshot

[swordsmasher]

The firsat time I saw manyshot i thought it was cool, then i read it again and it looked sucky. The penalty to hit for me was just too great.

So after watching the Scorpion King and several Legolas scenes in the LOTR series, i was wondering if Manyshot could be changed to make it instead of attacking a single character, you instead target an area, and all people in the area must save or be hit by an arrow.

something like this

Manyshot:
Prerequisite: Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Base Attack +4.
Benefit: You can shoot multiple arrows with your bow. You target an area no larger than 10 ft. by 10 ft. which must be within 30 ft. of you. Make an attack roll against an AC of 15; you suffer a -2 penalty for each arrow fired beyond the first. You may only fire an additional number of arrows equal to 1/2 your Base Attack Bonus. If you hit, all targets within the 10' x 10' area must make a Reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 your BAB + your Dex modifier) or be hit by an arrow. When targeting a single individual, if the save is successful by 10 or more points, no damage is taken; if the save is successful by 5 or more points only 1/2 the arrows hit (round down), and if the save fails all arrows hit. Each arrow does its normal damage (DR applies seperately to each arrow fired) and precision based damage may only be applied once (ie Sneak Attack).

just an idear.

kc

 

[Sammael]

Without commenting on the other points, an area attack really shouldn't apply any precision-based damage.

 

[swordsmasher]

Without commenting on the other points, an area attack really shouldn't apply any precision-based damage.

I see your logic. I thought the feat as written impled you can only apply precision based damage if you target a single individual. I can see someone with the sneak attack ability targeting his center arrow at a person's vitals, while the other arrows go around it.

 

[rkanodia]

My vote is too many rolls, too many calculations, too many new mechanics. Not to mention, your version gives the option of a multi-target attack while retaining the option to inflict high damage on a single target. I would definitely not allow it.

 

[swordsmasher]

My vote is too many rolls, too many calculations, too many new mechanics. Not to mention, your version gives the option of a multi-target attack while retaining the option to inflict high damage on a single target. I would definitely not allow it.

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree with you. I am thinking about creating a feat based on Manyshot that can grant an area attack. I was thinking along the lines of how automatic weapons work in d20 modern (gonna hafta read up on them again, been awhile since I ran that one). However, I don't think Manyshot should have such a High Dex requirement. 17 no, Maybe 15. Maybe someone can justify why 17, and maybe help out with an area attack feat?

 

[JimAde]

The problem with area-effect is the number of arrows. In your initial write-up, it's technically possible to fire two arrows and hit four guys with two arrows each. I know that's not what you intended.

The thing about Manyshot is that it lets you get the same number of shots off as if you used your iterative attacks (barring Rapid Shot) as a standard action instead of a Full Attack. AND they're at a much smaller penalty to hit. That's pretty powerful, and probably the reason for the high Dex requirement. This is a feat that should only be available to a dedicated archer. I might have shown that by requiring Weapon Focus instead, but that's just me.

 

[Darklone]

Greater Manyshot allows to target multiple targets.

 

[swordsmasher]

Greater Manyshot allows to target multiple targets.

Where can I find Greater Manyshot?

 

[CRGreathouse]

Where can I find Greater Manyshot?

Epic Level Handbook

 

[swordsmasher]

Epic Level Handbook

The ELH I have has an Improved Manyshot, and it doesn't allow you to fire at multiple targets.