Loooong distance archery query

[scipio]

I'm trying to figure out the best use for this enemy NPC. Arcane archer 4/Ranger 6/Sorceror 1, with far shot and a distance long bow (range increment 300') and spot check +29 against humans (half of the PCs are humans). Now, I've done all that I reasonably could to boost that spot check, but is it possible for her to spot the enemy at 5 range increments (1500 feet = +150 to spot DC). If the party is in flat, completely open territory, strolling along, and not hiding - it seems that she should have a chance. Of course, this is where the silliness of favored enemy comes into play - she can see the humans but not the elf walking beside them? I can't seem to figure out what the RAW would say, does anyone know?

 

[Crothian]

In the DMG don't they have encounter distances? Also, you could get a spy glass to help a bit.

 

[jerichothebard]

Don't forget circumstance bonuses - are they walking through dust and kicking up a cloud? Torches or campfires sending up smoke? A whole crowd of familiars and animal companions on the wing above them? Does she have scouts/spotters? Are they walking through a valley or along a river or some other location that will naturally restrict their possible paths?

All of these could apply to offset the high DC.

 

[monboesen]

The RAW does not answer all problems. Try to use common sense. How far away can you see someone in daylight and without obstructions. I'm not really sure but maybe about 1/2 mile away ?

 

[Mordane76]

The human eye has nearly limitless distance capability - as long as the object being viewed is brighter than the background on which it is against. How far can details be made out? Research so far shows that fine details begin dropping out at distances as short as 10 feet. Facial features are essentially a blur at distances at distances of 500 ft (less than a 1/10th of a mile). You can still make out body patterns at that distance, however (so you can see that a person has a head, arms, and legs, but not anything really detailed).

Unless a person had incredible vision (much better than 20/20) AND the subjects being viewed were sharply contrasted against their backgrounds, I'd say even a distance of half a mile is a stretch without some sort of optical assistance (example - a scope).

Personally, for the level of detail required... I think the RAW are pretty good for Spot checks.

 

[scipio]

Well, since a spyglass doubles size, then it should effectively 1/2 the distance. That would make the DC a 75, still out of reach. However, I could make up a magic "sniper-scope" which would allow the archer to fire while getting 4X optical zoom, giving a DC of 38 - well within her capabilities. The relevant spell for the item should be Kodak's far-seeing lens, or something. That makes for a tough enemy and a nifty magic item when the party brings her down. Thanks everyone.