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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pawsplay" data-source="post: 4724753" data-attributes="member: 15538">Why? I can't find a reference to any other kind of attacks in the rules.Sure it is. The AoO rules specifically call out that you make an attack. See rules for attack. Ding. Done.This is where you are slipping. I agree there is a standard usage of the word action, and there is a rules usage of the word action. "Ranged attack" is specifically an action, in the rules sense, that draws an AoO. That rule, however, only applies to using actions to make attacks. That rule does not apply to using actions to cast spells. Just as the rule that you must use full round actions to make multiple attacks does not apply to the multiple rays caused by scorching ray.Technically, I am not basing it on that. There are also some free, immediate, swift, and reaction actions that cause them. But that is not the crux of the matter.What I am saying is that AoOs are caused by specific actions laid out in the rules. One of those conditions is casting a spell, and another one of those conditions is making a ranged attack in combat as an action. The ranged attack that occurs from a ray is incidental to aiming the spell; it is not an action, certain not under the heading on p.135 which is the only place that rule is ever stated generally. You are trying to say that making a ranged attack (in the English sense) provokes an AoO become you provoke an AoO when you make a ranged attack (in the rules sense). Obviously, those terms are not interchangeable uses, so you have a problem right there. But that's not the larger issue. As the rules are laid out, it's more like this:1. There are actions in combat2. Combat is an action in combat3. I can make a standard or full attack4. One of those options is to make a ranged attack.5. Making a ranged attack causes an AoO. Step #5 there is not part of the decision tree for spell-casting.1. There are actions in combat2. Spellcasting is an action in combat3. I can cast a spell that is a standard or full round action4. Casting a spell provokes an AoO unless I cast defensively5. There are different types of spell6. If the spell is a ray, aim it as though it were an attack with a ranged weapon.Let me ask you this: what if I cast scorching ray and refuse to aim the spell? Do I not draw an AoO? What happens to the ray? Now, conversely, is there a way to fire a bow that does not draw an AoO?</blockquote>

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