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<blockquote data-quote="Kalendraf" data-source="post: 1587479" data-attributes="member: 3433">In light of this (new to me) information regarding flanked sneak attacks not working on ranged weapons, I now have a very hard time advocating a rogue archer at all.&nbsp; Sneak attack is one of their key abilities, and in order to maximize it's potential with ranged weapons, the character will need some help in the way of things like invisibility, etc.&nbsp; Such spells or items may or may not be readily available.&nbsp; However, I never like having to rely upon magic items as a foundation for a character build - magic can become an Achilles heel for them in the instances where the items are unavailable (stolen, broken, lost, out of charges, anti-magic, etc) or easily overcome (dispel magic, invisibility purge, see invisible, etc).The fighter-archer route going for weapon specialization seems like a superior version.&nbsp; But if you want to play a rogue, archery might not be your best choice.Another option for rogues or rogue/fighters who want to stay back somewhat is the spiked chain.&nbsp; It has 10' reach and allows weapon finesse.&nbsp; And as a melee weapon, it can still qualify for sneak attack via flanking (unless I'm ignorant of some other ruling to the contrary).&nbsp; Unfortunately, it's an exotic weapon, so it takes another feat, but if you don't want to get quite as up close and personal with the targets, it's a decent weapon to use.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Kalendraf, post: 1587479, member: 3433"] In light of this (new to me) information regarding flanked sneak attacks not working on ranged weapons, I now have a very hard time advocating a rogue archer at all. Sneak attack is one of their key abilities, and in order to maximize it's potential with ranged weapons, the character will need some help in the way of things like invisibility, etc. Such spells or items may or may not be readily available. However, I never like having to rely upon magic items as a foundation for a character build - magic can become an Achilles heel for them in the instances where the items are unavailable (stolen, broken, lost, out of charges, anti-magic, etc) or easily overcome (dispel magic, invisibility purge, see invisible, etc). The fighter-archer route going for weapon specialization seems like a superior version. But if you want to play a rogue, archery might not be your best choice. Another option for rogues or rogue/fighters who want to stay back somewhat is the spiked chain. It has 10' reach and allows weapon finesse. And as a melee weapon, it can still qualify for sneak attack via flanking (unless I'm ignorant of some other ruling to the contrary). Unfortunately, it's an exotic weapon, so it takes another feat, but if you don't want to get quite as up close and personal with the targets, it's a decent weapon to use. [/QUOTE]

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