Power Attack for Ranged Weapons

[Olaf the Stout]

I'm thinking of introducing a feat called Called Shot into my game and I wanted to get people's thoughts on it.

It is basically a ranged version of Power Attack with some extra conditions attached (such as the target being within 30 feet). Personally I think it is ok, not too weak, but not too strong either. What do you think?

Olaf the Stout

 

[hong]

You left out the biggest restriction: 1 shot only per round.

 

[wildstarsreach]

I like the idea but the balance factor is the problem. Typically the other problem is that pluses to hit with melee weapons usually exceed the ranged weapons. That doesn't necessarily mean that they can't but have less room to take off to hit bonuses than a melee attacker.

 

[irdeggman]

Typically the other problem is that pluses to hit with melee weapons usually exceed the ranged weapons.

I just don't understand this one.

IMO the to hit bonuses are roughly the same, it is the damage bonuses that can get out of whack.

To hit modifiers:

BAB (same regardless of type of attack)
Str mod (for melee) = Dex mod (for ranged and thrown)
Weapon Focus = same for both
Magical bonuses (enhancements) = same for both types
Spells (same for both types)

Rage is one class ability that works for melee but not for ranged, but this is a single class feature.

Are there others that sway the balance on to hit bonuses?

 

[BlueBlackRed]

That's just way too powerful for a ranged attack. You'll find that your combats are over before they began.

In the hands of orcs and other classed enemies, you'll find that the PC's wizard is dead within moments.

If you need a bow to do more damage, go with the composite bow strength bonuses the standard feats.

 

[Darklone]

I like the idea but the balance factor is the problem. Typically the other problem is that pluses to hit with melee weapons usually exceed the ranged weapons.

I assume you mean the -2 to attack from Rapid Shot? Rage is melee only... most other bonuses apply to both fighting styles.

 

[The_Ditto]

Isn't there a feat called "Power Shot" ?
The adventure and stats in the D&D Animated series handbook show Hank with Power Shot - essentially Power Attack for ranged weapons ...

.. I always assumed they pulled Power Shot from somewhere else ???

 

[Darklone]

Power Shot was IIRC a silvermistthingfaerungstuffprclassability.

Now there's Brutal Throw and Power Throw (PHB2) for throwing weapons.

Edit: Wrong class.

 

[Sithobi1]

Peerless Archer had it.

 

[The Souljourner]

Meleers get + to hit and damage from one stat, archers get it from two (if they get damage at all... damn crossbows).

Archers have to take two feats just to not get a -4 to hit in many situations (pbs and precise shot).
Archers provoke attacks of opportunity whenever they attack.
Archers have to pay extra to apply their strength bonus to damage.
Archers have to worry about carry ammunition.
Archers don't threaten areas around them (and thus can't take attacks of opportunity and don't count for flanking).

I think giving them a power attack equivalent is fine. I think the 30' limitation is fair, given how pretty much every other ranged attack booster works. I don't think it needs to be a single attack per round. You already get huge negatives for your iterative attacks... with power attack they're even less likely to hit.

All power attack is, is a very generalized "Called shot" mechanism.... it's harder to hit, but if you do, you do more damage.

Make it require Point Blank Shot and +1 BAB and you're fine.

-Nate