Pathfinder 1E First Pathfinder Character

[Summer-Knight925]

you can shoot multiple targets with RAPID shot, but MANY shot has to be at the same person

at least thats how I'd play it

 

[Systole]

If memory serves, in 3.5 switching to a second target added a -2 attack penalty.

I've no idea whether this carried through to PF, though.

 

[Talok]

No. There was no penalty for switching targets in 3.5, nor is there in Pathfinder. With rapid shot, you shoot an extra arrow at your highest attack bonus but it and all other attacks that round have a -2 penalty to hit. There is nothing mentioned about restrictions on the target, so you can split your attacks up however you wish. The same is true for two weapon fighting or extra attacks from a high base attack bonus.

 

[pawsplay]

What is this, make up a new rule day?

You can fire at anyone you want. Attacks are handled one at a time (or two at a time in the case of Manyshot). If you don't use Rapid Shot or other full attack options, you can even attack once, then decide whether to make a full attack or move instead.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

What is this, make up a new rule day?

Amen!

If you don't use Rapid Shot or other full attack options, you can even attack once, then decide whether to make a full attack or move instead.

I'd say that in most cases, even if you do use those options, you can attack once and then decide whether or not to give up your remaining attacks to take a move action.

You just have to take the penalties associated with that choice.

 

[Mad Hamish]

I can not find any rules either way on this

BUT

I can find exception which imply the rule

No, because you're missing important facts about the abilities you're looking at.

The Hail of Arrows Ability and the Cleave feat tree

These abilities become pointless, if not bad, if you can attack anyone in reach as a full attack

Hail of arrows gives you 8-10 attacks in the round all at your top attack bonus.

With a normal attack you might have
+31/+31/+26/+21/+16
as opposed to
+31/+31/+31/+31/+31/+31/+31/+31 for hail of arrows.

Lets compare this
Level 6 fighter
Can hit 2 targets with his sword if he can divide his full attack to separate targets

Level 6 fighter with cleave
Can hit 2 targets with his sword, if he hits the first target and the second is next to the first. +5 compared to other example to hit second target. -2 to AC till his next turn

Yes, but
a) it's an early method of getting multiple attacks
b) Great Cleave builds on it
c) (and possibly most important) it's usable as a standard action not a full round action so you can move and cleave (and eventually Great Cleave...)

So cleave makes the second hit more likely by costing AC and requiring you to hit the first one and for them to be shoulder to shoulder
Pointless? or just bad?

Neither, although obviously they won't always be the best option in a particular situation