[Exploits] Ranger Daily: Split the Tree

[tomtill]

While makes no sense at all. Though obviously nonsensical daily restrictions is something I'll have to learn to live with.

A justification that I saw in another thread (my apologies for not remembering the source) is that for some daily powers, conditions have to be "just right" to be able to use them. So, while the ranger is always very good with his bow, the number of times all the conditions are right to pull off something like "split the tree" (opponent placement and movement rates, wind, the right arrows, type of armor, etc) averages out to about once a day.

So, while the character can try to pull this off anytime conditions are right, the player knows that is only going to happen once a day. The player, in effect, scripts the encounter where he chooses to use his daily ability such that all the conditions are finally right to try to pull it off.

I like this explanation. It works well for lots of scenarios. It only requires recognition that the players also have some narrative input to the story (which has always been true, after all, it's their rolls that determine the outcomes of their attempted heroics.)

 

[Sitara]

Rapid shot and many-shot do not have official fluff stating the arrows veer off in midair. The two feats (which I have no problem with, and in fact Imentioned rapid shot in an earlier post in this thread) basically state the ranger eitherfiring arrows in quick succession and/or firingmore than one arrow at the same time. There is no mention of arrows somehow splitting in midair.

They should insinuate in the text the ranger tinkers with the arrows manually, orputs hi finger between the shafts or something to justify the arrows striking different targets. The game is aimed at nOObs as well as vets. Most nOObs, especially those who are rpg'ing for the first time will have trouble figuring out how to describe this in character; I would not blame them to think the ranger must be using magic somehow to make arrows change direction in midair as the text states

I have no problem with the power. Its cool and I like it, though I feel it should have been per encounter. (surely the ranger can pluck more fletchings off arrows in-between encounters? Why wait a day? Did he cut his finger off while putting it between the shafts?) I just wish the flavor text would be improved to take into account the power-source of the first level ranger. (if this flavor text had been on a 15th level ranger, i would not have a problem)

Lastly since we are on the subject; does anyone think the rapid shot feat is still in? I sure hope so. And if it is how do you think it would ionteract with this Exploit? Would a ranger, hypthetically, use this power and the rapid shot feat to fire off 3 arrows instead of two?

Note to mods (plane sailing, piratecat et al: I did not mean my earlier response at the site or at pirate cat as a mod. i am aware he is posting his own opinion and thats cool, I hope he continues to do so as does everyone. I was simply a little miffed with the allusion I am picking out flaws just for the heck of it, which I am not. No offense meant to anyone I just find the flavor text annoying and misrepresentive.

 

[whydirt]

The designers have said that feats will no longer grant special combat actions, so no I don't think we will see Rapid Shot or Multishot feats in 4e.

 

[LostSoul]

I have no problem with the power. Its cool and I like it, though I feel it should have been per encounter. (surely the ranger can pluck more fletchings off arrows in-between encounters? Why wait a day? Did he cut his finger off while putting it between the shafts?)

Drama.

Or, if story isn't your thing, game balance.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

I have to say, whilst I loathe the idea of "EVERYONE IS MAGICAKLE!", I don't see any problem with the REAL wording of this ability, which says "separate", not "turn". I've seen this very trick down in movies and so on, without the need to resort to magic as an explanation. I mean, it's unlikely, maybe "technically impossible", but it's hardly unbelievable that they could make an amazing shot using wind resistence and arrow positioning on the bowstring to cause them to gradually separate and hit different targets.

 

[Nytmare]

"I'm a hero."

No, you mean, "I'm Batman."

 

[Sphyre]

Ok, so the text states that the rangerfires two arrows and they turn in midair to strike different foes.

I thought magikal japenerse anime abilities were going to be reserved for epic levels. What gives here? How can the local woodsman of Daleville Village (who is a level 1 ranger) mangeto somehow mysticall make two arros change direction in midair?

I mean how do you explain this ingame?

I actually ignored the flavor text when I read the abilities and they seemed quite mundane, yet skillful... much like skillful exploits, hence the naming of martial powers. When I saw split the tree, and ignored the flavor text, I saw it as shooting two arrows at once, or two arrows in rapid succession, which is, in fact, non magical.

I've disliked a lot of the flavor in 4e thusfar (although I do like the elves/eladrin separation and the feywild and shadowfell) and I guess I've already made a rule of ignoring it.

 

[Lonely Tylenol]

I have to say, whilst I loathe the idea of "EVERYONE IS MAGICAKLE!", I don't see any problem with the REAL wording of this ability, which says "separate", not "turn". I've seen this very trick down in movies and so on, without the need to resort to magic as an explanation. I mean, it's unlikely, maybe "technically impossible", but it's hardly unbelievable that they could make an amazing shot using wind resistence and arrow positioning on the bowstring to cause them to gradually separate and hit different targets.

Once again, it's the difference between believability and realism. None of the stunts Legolas did in the LotR movies was realistic, but he sure did sell them like a pro.

 

[DamnedChoir]

These aren't heat-seeking arrows, they just veer off slightly.

It's not magical unless you consider back flipping during combat and one-hit kills to be magical.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

Once again, it's the difference between believability and realism. None of the stunts Legolas did in the LotR movies was realistic, but he sure did sell them like a pro.

Exactly. I can believe a ranger, without magic, could shoot arrows in a tree or monster or whatever to make a ladder, even as a single-round action (though that's pushing it a little), and this is no more outrageous than that, esp. as the text does not say what Sitara claims it does.