Noob Qs About Ranged Attacks and Opportuntiy

[Crenshaw]

OK, I have a couple "I think I'm right but I need someone to tell me I'm right" questions. I haven't played D&D in 15-20 years and totally skipped over 3rd edition (and 3.5). 4th ed is like playing a whole new game.

1) A character with a ranged attack can attack an adjacent figure, right? So, a ranger could shoot an arrow into the next square or a wizard can Magic Missile the monster next to him?

2) Assuming #1 is true, the target of the attack (as well as any other adjacent enemies) gets to interrupt and whack the ranger or wizard with an opportunity melee attack before the ranged attack is made, right?

I'm still getting over the fact that my Wizard can cast Magic Missile every round. The mind boggles! (Incidentally, I love the new edition!)

Thanks!

 

[Tale]

2 is definitely no. The enemy cannot take Opportunity Attacks on his own turn.

 

[abyssaldeath]

2 is definitely no. The enemy cannot take Opportunity Attacks on his own turn.

2 is actually a yes. Bow wielder an Magic missile shooter aren't making an OA. They are just attacking during there turn.

 

[Crenshaw]

2 is definitely no. The enemy cannot take Opportunity Attacks on his own turn.

Well, no, it's still the wizard's turn. I think it's supposed to be:

1) Wizard announces that he is attacking adjacent enemy with Magic Missile
2) Target interrupts with an opportunity melee attack
3) Wizard (if still able) completes his ranged attack.

Right?

 

[LaserWolf]

2 is definitely no. The enemy cannot take Opportunity Attacks on his own turn.

Buh? It's not the enemy's turn, it's the character's turn. Yes, Crenshaw, you are absolutely right on both counts. Creatures can now make ranged attacks even against adjacent enemies, but ranged and area attacks draw attacks of opportunity. The AoO is of course resolved first, then the character could make his attack (if he is still able).

 

[jjf]

I think it's supposed to be:

1) Wizard announces that he is attacking adjacent enemy with Magic Missile
2) Target interrupts with an opportunity melee attack
3) Wizard (if still able) completes his ranged attack.

Correct.

Caveat is that a creature can only make one OA during any given turn. So if the wizard has already provoked an OA from the target (by moving, for example), the creature does not get a second OA against the wizard in that same turn.

(For example, a character wants to shoot at the monster then flee around a corner in his turn. He can't flee first, or he wouldn't be able to target around the corner. So he decides to risk the OA, fires from an adjacent square, then moves away. The target only gets one OA, not two.)

 

[Crenshaw]

Buh? It's not the enemy's turn, it's the character's turn. Yes, Crenshaw, you are absolutely right on both counts. Creatures can now make ranged attacks even against adjacent enemies, but ranged and area attacks draw attacks of opportunity. The AoO is of course resolved first, then the character could make his attack (if he is still able).

Many thanks! So, the lesson learned: "Shift first, shoot later."

 

[gtoasnt3]

Well said, Crenshaw. There are a couple ways around it. For instance, if the adjacent enemy is affected by a condition that doesn't allow it to take the attack of opportunity.

If your characters get the chance to create or find magical Shimmering armor (WOTC Adventurers Vault), they can then perform a ranged attack adjacent to an enemy without incurring the attack of opportunity: Property: You do not provoke opportunity attacks when you make ranged or area attacks.

 

[gtoasnt3]

Correct.

Caveat is that a creature can only make one OA during any given turn. So if the wizard has already provoked an OA from the target (by moving, for example), the creature does not get a second OA against the wizard in that same turn.

Just to clarify (I know that you understand this, but the wording is a little confusing): You can only make one OA against each individual enemy per round. If there was a ranger and a wizard both making adjacent ranged attacks against the creature, the creature can take ONE OA against each character.

 

[Crenshaw]

Thanks for all your help! It's great to put on the ol' GM outfit once again. Although I don't seem to remember it fitting so tightly. It must have shrunk over the years. Yeah...that's it!