The Order of the Bow Initiate Question

[Uber Dungeon]

I'm just wondering what anyone thinks about The Order of the Bow Initiates Ranged precision +1d8 ability, would it apply to a Desert throwing-knife? (sandstorm p.96)
Setting aside the name of the class, a Desert throwing-knife is a ranged weapon and the ability only specifies ranged weapon.

Ranged Precision (Ex):
As a standard action, an initiate may make a single precisely aimed attack with a ranged weapon, dealing an extra 1d8 points of damage if the attack hits. When making a ranged precision attack, an initiate must be within 30 feet of his target. An initiate’s ranged precision attack only works against living creatures with discernible anatomies. Any creature that is immune to critical hits (including undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures) is not vulnerable to a ranged precision attack, and any item or ability that protects a creature from critical hits (such as armor with the fortification special ability) also protects a creature from the extra damage. Unlike with a rogue’s sneak attack, the initiate’s target does not have to be flat-footed or denied its Dexterity bonus, but if it is, the initiate’s extra precision damage stacks with sneak attack damage. Treat the initiate’s ranged precision attack as a sneak attack in all other ways. The initiate’s bonus to damage on ranged precision attacks increases by +1d8 every two levels. An initiate can only use this ability with a ranged weapon for which he has taken the Weapon Focus feat.

 

[udalrich]

It says ranged weapon, so it works with knives, crossbows, javelins and Desert throwing-knives. The only time that it becomes questionable is if you are throwing your greatsword as an improvised weapon.

The name of the class is only important for distinguishing the class from other classes. You could rename the classes A, B, C an so on and the only difference it would make is it would be a lot more confusing.

 

[Vegepygmy]

I'm just wondering what anyone thinks about The Order of the Bow Initiates Ranged precision +1d8 ability, would it apply to a Desert throwing-knife? (sandstorm p.96)

Can you think of any reason it wouldn't apply?

 

[Uber Dungeon]

Can you think of any reason it wouldn't apply?

One of the players in my party is extremely augmentative and I am certain that he would argue that the name being "The Order of the Bow Initiate" would rule out a throwing knife/dagger.
For the most part I am seeking confirmation from other players before I decide to make my build around this Prestige class.

 

[Tovec]

Someone in our group used the OOBI to make a dagger thrower (quite effectively).
The name is just that, it isn't the limit on the class. They just needed a name for it and they probably assumed ranged = bows. But as long as the weapon used is a ranged weapon it should work.
If I'm reading the class correctly you could use it with that thrown greatsword, if you want to take several levels in a prestige class for the condition you might throw a sword
If you wanted to do the greatsword thing, I would recommend getting Throwing and Returning on the blade as well.

 

[Dandu]

One of the players in my party is extremely augmentative and I am certain that he would argue that the name being "The Order of the Bow Initiate" would rule out a throwing knife/dagger.
For the most part I am seeking confirmation from other players before I decide to make my build around this Prestige class.

Have you considered Bloodstorm Blade?

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Bloodstorm Blade 4 is awesome, possibly misxed with some Master Thrower. OotBI is just realy weak to me. You give up full attacking, which is one of the major points of doing ranged combat, and you can't even combine it (the primary class ability, whatever it's called) with somthing like Psionic Shot or Shot on the Run.

 

[Vegepygmy]

One of the players in my party is extremely augmentative and I am certain that he would argue that the name being "The Order of the Bow Initiate" would rule out a throwing knife/dagger.

He may well make such an argument, but it's a silly argument and should be quickly disregarded. If the ability were meant to be limited to bows, they would have written "bow" instead of "ranged weapon."

 

[Uber Dungeon]

Have you considered Bloodstorm Blade?

I have indeed However I'm trying to pile on rouge levels and sneak attack.

 

[Dandu]

Perhaps... Invisible Blade? Not the WotC published one where they bunged on the prerequisites, but the one the designer originally created?

Originally, Master Thrower and Invisible Blade were one prestige class, 10 levels long, which was split apart later. The Invisible Blade prerequisites, however, were not sufficiently adjusted.