Ranged sneak attacks - what's your experience?

[Shadeus]

I'm trying to create an archer-rogue build. We have two melee-based characters in the party as it is and no one with a ranged weapon. So I was going to try it as the rogue. The problem is...how can you do it an not suck?

What are people's experience with rogue archers? I mean basically you have the following ways to get your sneak attacks off:

1. surprise round
2. win initiative
3. deadeye shot feat (PHB II)
4. greater invis

Only 2 and 4 above allow you a full round of attacks. I'm wondering if rapid shot is worth it then because in most cases you get one sneak attack a round at best. In general, a rogue's strength is probably not that good so without sneak attack you are looking at 1d6 dmg (short bow) + [magic modifiers]. Maybe another +1 for PBS. That's not so good once you get past level 4 or so.

Is there something I'm missing? What have you seen work? Or DOESN'T it work very well.

 

[Fieari]

By a strict reading of the rules, you can also get SA while flanking at range, although you don't get the flanking bonus to attack at range.

 

[Legildur]

No flanking with ranged weapon.

There is another feat (in PHBII I think) that allows you to ready an action to make a ranged attack at the same moment a foe is struck by an allay and deal sneak attack damage. That's a pretty safe way to get sneak attacks - albeit only one per round.

Ring of Blinking is the only other way I can think of that is convenient.

 

[Hypersmurf]

No flanking with ranged weapon.

There is an argument to the contrary, that separates the +2 flanking bonus (which explicitly requires a melee attack) from the condition of flanking. According to this argument, one's position can mean one is flanking (and thus eligible for sneak attack), while not gaining the +2 bonus on attack rolls (since a ranged attack does not qualify).

-Hyp.

 

[Hammerhead]

You could always go Ninja instead of Rogue.

 

[Stalker0]

With high dex and improved init, rogues are usually the first to go in a round. I think rapid shot is well worth it, that's a whole extra amount of sneak attack you can be doing.

From then on, use hide to snipe and get your sneak attack that way. The phb is fuzzy on this one, it says you can make one ranged attack and snipe, but with multishot you might convince your dm to let you get the multishot off and snipe.

Once your getting to high levels, a ring of blinking is the final solution.

 

[Mavrik]

Depends on your level but you could try the snipe rules if you have good hide, and something to hide behind.. this allows you to attack then hide again.

I have a ranger/rogue and again if your high enough level some of the low level ranger spell really help

firing from concealment is also good, get friendly wiz to cast glitterdust to blind or Leomunds Hut, I also try fog and blindsight

Mav

 

[Patlin]

Ring of Blinking!

Better yet, be a spellcaster. Personally, my favorite ranged rogue is the arcane trickster. Mine leveled up last time and got the darklight spell... looking forward to trying it out.

 

[Deset Gled]

Making a ranged rogue works best with multiclassing/PrCs. Either multiclass to a combat heavy class like fighter or ranger for the extra feats you'll need to get the most behind you're attacks, or multiclass to a caster class (probably wizard, followed by Arcane Trickster) to get spells to help you out. The assassin PrC is also pretty darn nice (gets Hide in Plain Sight, Death Attack, and spells) if you're DM will allow it in your party.

 

[Korak]

Get the party caster to grease the enemies... maybe buy him a lesser quicken rod to save the combat action... or evard's... balancing or grappling, your enemies will lose their dex mod.