Ranged attack and spell range questions

[AstroCat]

1.

AB

C

A= Enemy
B= Ally
C= You using ranged weapon against A

A is flatfooted

Does C get a -4 for firing in to melee?

2.

A BCD

A= spellcaster using a ranged spell
B= Center point of AOE for the spell
C= Maximum range listed for spell
D= Max distance for the AOE from the center point B

Does the spell stop at C, or does it extend past C to D?

These 2 issues have come up and everyone is split on the correct way. Any help?

Thanks.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Does C get a -4 for firing in to melee?

Is B also flatfooted?

Two characters are engaged in melee if they are enemies of each other and either threatens the other. If B threatens A, they are engaged in melee, and the -4 applies. If B is flatfooted, an argument could be made that since he cannot make an AoO, he does not threaten A, and thus they are not engaged in melee... this is not, however, explicit.

Does the spell stop at C, or does it extend past C to D?

From the Magic Overview:
A spell’s range is the maximum distance from you that the spell’s effect can occur, as well as the maximum distance at which you can designate the spell’s point of origin. If any portion of the spell’s area would extend beyond this range, that area is wasted.

-Hyp.

 

[Christian]

Is B also flatfooted?

Two characters are engaged in melee if they are enemies of each other and either threatens the other. If B threatens A, they are engaged in melee, and the -4 applies. If B is flatfooted, an argument could be made that since he cannot make an AoO, he does not threaten A, and thus they are not engaged in melee... this is not, however, explicit.

Evidently, if your ally has Combat Reflexes, you're always stuck with the -4.

 

[AstroCat]

Agreed on both accounts. Thanks for the help. Although I think many people probably let the AOE extend beyond the range beacuse they think the center point is all that matters.