Sneak attack and multiple rays.

[Shin Okada]

I know when a spell produces multiple rays, sneak attack and other precision based damages are applied only once. But how this should be solved?

A) One must declare which ray is "the first one" and roll that attack separately from other rays. Then only that first one will get precision based bonuses damages. If that "first one" misses and another ray hits, that ray does not get bonuses damages.

B) One may just roll all the attack roll dices Then if one or more rays are hit, the attacker declare one of it to get bonuses damages. Then roll damages.

C) One may just roll all the attack roll dice. Then roll damages for each rays hit. Then apply bonuses damages to whichever one he chooses.

I think B) is reasonable. But want to know how other people think.

 

[shilsen]

Option A.

 

[Scharlata]

[...]A) One must declare which ray is "the first one" and roll that attack separately from other rays. Then only that first one will get precision based bonuses damages. If that "first one" misses and another ray hits, that ray does not get bonuses damages.[...]

Hi!

Even if answer B) is reasonable, to me most reasonable is answer A) because each attack roll is made successively. Only to speed up play roll all attack rolls simultaneously.

Kind regards

 

[Nac_Mac_Feegle]

Forgive me if I get the wrong end of the stick here.

When you sneak attack, your first attack would get the bonus, if you miss, the time between swings would alert your target, so no bonu,s and in essence, no sneak atack

If you cast a spell that has multiple shots, but only roll one to hit, the first missile/cone that hits would get the bonus.

If you cast a spell, that requires multiple rolls, then that bonus should only be applied on the first shot regardless of the hit, as your target is now aware, and your bonus is probably lost

Am I getting the right gist of your question?

Feegle Out

 

[Li Shenron]

None of the three

The first ray is a sneak attack. There is no "choosing which is the first ray", the first ray is the first ray.

 

[Thanee]

Yep, what Li Shenron said.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Infiniti2000]

The first ray is a sneak attack. There is no "choosing which is the first ray", the first ray is the first ray.

How about if there is no first ray? Such as: "The rays may be fired at the same or different targets, but all bolts must be aimed at targets within 30 feet of each other and fired simultaneously."

 

[Voadam]

I know when a spell produces multiple rays, sneak attack and other precision based damages are applied only once.

I know this as well but can't seem to find a rules citation for it. Is it explicitly put down anywhere?

 

[JimAde]

Actually I'm not sure about this. For spells that require only a single attack roll, but have multiple missiles (can't think of an example right off) I think damage would apply only to the first. But with Scorching Ray you have to roll for every ray. I believe that means you get to apply Sneak Attack damage to every ray, just as if you got multiple bow shots due to a high BAB or the Rapid Shot feat.

Compare to ManyShot, which uses a single attack roll and can only apply SA damage to one arrow, or Rapid Shot which requires separate attack rolls and allows SA to apply to each one.

 

[Shane_Leahy]

Forgive me if I get the wrong end of the stick here.

When you sneak attack, your first attack would get the bonus, if you miss, the time between swings would alert your target, so no bonu,s and in essence, no sneak atack

If you cast a spell that has multiple shots, but only roll one to hit, the first missile/cone that hits would get the bonus.

Not true, if you have the surprise on your opponent, then he is flat-footed for the entire surprise round so all attacks would get sneak attack. Or if you won initiative, your opponent would be flat-footed until his turn. Thats why two-weapon fighting rogues get sneak attack on all their attacks.

I would rule that your mage/thief would be attempting to sneak attack with all the rays, so as long as one hits, then you get sneak attack. What about the rules for Many Shot? Similar problem, only one arrow gets sneak attack damage.