Snipehunt said:
I'd second improved initiative - you have to go first.
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IME, the rogue is better off getting one good shot in than multiple bad ones, once using up the feat was factored in, but YMMV.trea
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Not a power PC, but did pretty good. By 9th level, she could get a sneak attack in surprise (bow, usually), one sneak attacks on round one (bow), one sneak attack on round two (FotW), which was usually enough - that was 20d6 in sneak attack damage in 12 seconds.
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Two "bad" attacks (rapid shot penalty is -1/-1 when within 30', the only time sneak attack applies, because of PBshot) is infinitely better than 1 "good" attack. (if one rogue takes PBshot / Rapid shot and the other takes Impr. Initiative + another feat).
It's not even close.
If you need to roll a "11" or higher with your good shot (bonus of +X) than you have a 50% chance of missing.
If you need to roll a "10" or higher with your "bad" rapid shot (bonus of +X-1) each shot has a 45% chance of hitting. How likely is it that BOTH rapid shot shots miss? .55 * .55 = .30 = 30% likelyhood of a total whiff using rapid shot.
Compare to the "one good shot" giving 50% whiff chance.
Plus, of course, both rapid shot hits could hit.
So, using Rapid Shot, the likelyhood of at least one hit is more than not using it, plus the likelihood of more damage is hugely greater than not using it. So, when would you NOT use Rapid Shot?
On very very rare occasions, when your enemy AC was not so high you need a "20" to hit, but almost. 99% of the time, you don't need to think about it.
PS Even if you are outside of 30' (or both rogues have PBS but only one has rapid shot), using rapid shot gives two +x-2/+x-2 attacks, with total miss in this case of .6*.6 = 36% chance of el whifferino. Way better than a single shot.
Want an extra bow attack? Pay for a bow of speed or select Rapid Shot. Your choice. one is way cheaper.