Hunter's Quarry: do you need a hit?

[Nikosandros]

A rogue needs a hit in order to deal sneak attack damage, while a warlock can deal curse damage whenever he damages a cursed opponent.

What about a ranger?

 

[Majushi]

Yes, you have to hit.

"Once per round, you deal extra damage to your
quarry."​

Extra. As in in addition to normal, implying a hit.

EDit:

PHB update says;
​

"Once per round, when you hit your quarry with an attack, the attack deals extra damage
based on your level."​

Emphasis mine

 

[Nikosandros]

Thanks.

 

[taza]

If you compare to Warlock's Curse, the curse explicitly states that the warlock must hit. Hunter's Quarry has no such specification. It simply says you deal extra damage once per round. Some might take the term "extra damage" to mean that there has to be some existing damage (ie. a successful hit) to which the Hunter's Quarry damage can be considered "extra." But such an interpretation is not explicit. 1d6 damage on top of no damage is still "extra damage."

Rules as written = you don't have to hit.
Rules as intended (IMO) = you have to hit, basically functionally equivalent to Warlock's Curse.

I expect errata on this, and in my games my players have to hit.

--
edit: oh, I guess there WAS errata on this. excellent.

 

[Mengu]

Per errata, you have to hit to be able to apply hunter's quarry, sneak attack, or curse damage.

You can also confirm this new wording in the compendium.

 

[Nikosandros]

Yes, I just noticed that warlock also have to hit.