Arcane Archer special attack clarifications

[Sesharan]

So I've been playing an Arcane Archer in PFS for a while now, and I just reached level 11 (Fighter 6/Wiz 1/AA 4). So now I've got the Seeker Arrow special, and I'm a bit confused by what exactly it requires and does.

The wording of the ability:

Seeker Arrow:

Seeker Arrow (Sp)

At 4th level, an arcane archer can launch an arrow at a target known to him within range, and the arrow travels to the target, even around corners. Only an unavoidable obstacle or the limit of the arrow's range prevents the arrow's flight. This ability negates cover and concealment modifiers, but otherwise the attack is rolled normally. Using this ability is a standard action (and shooting the arrow is part of the action). An arcane archer can use this ability once per day at 4th level, and one additional time per day for every two levels beyond 4th, to a maximum of four times per day at 10th level.

So here are my two main problems. First, what exactly is meant by "a target known to him"? Do I need to know the exact square? The general area, as in "target is in the Obscuring Mist"? Or can I just be confident that the person I want to hit is somewhere within my bow's considerable range?

Second, just how much will it turn? If I shoot it completely the wrong way, will it do a 180, fly past me, and hit the target? If I know the target is at the bottom of a large randomly generated dungeon, can I shoot the arrow from outside and let it fly down all the stairs, past all the traps and monsters, and go right to the boss?

I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone has, on this or other AA abilities(Centering cones with Imbue Arrow, anyone?). I'm just trying to reduce my possible table variation, so all viewpoints are welcome- I'd prefer to be told that it doesn't work the way I think outside of a game.

[asthyril]

i think the intent was that no, you do not need to know the square, that why it was worded simply 'known to you'. if a bad guy ran around the other side of the building and you knew he was in the general area, you get to shoot at him(if he is still within range). i think it was worded that way so you cant shoot invisible people you don't know are around, just hoping you get them, you have to be aware of them.

i agree it is kind of vague, but i think that was the intent.

[Sesharan]

asthyril wrote:

i think the intent was that no, you do not need to know the square, that why it was worded simply 'known to you'. if a bad guy ran around the other side of the building and you knew he was in the general area, you get to shoot at him(if he is still within range). i think it was worded that way so you cant shoot invisible people you don't know are around, just hoping you get them, you have to be aware of them.

i agree it is kind of vague, but i think that was the intent.

That sounds about right to me, but it starts getting confusing in a couple more levels when I pick up Phase Arrow, which has the same requirement (target must be known), but flies in a straight line through all obstacles. So... how does that work? I know the invisible enemy is around, but I don't know where. How does Phase Arrow aim, then? If there's another creature directly between me and my target, is he hit instead?

I can't help foreseeing the day when I want to do something interesting with the seeking arrow, and the GM rules that it doesn't work the way I believe it does.

[Defraeter]

Sesharan wrote:

If I know the target is at the bottom of a large randomly generated dungeon, can I shoot the arrow from outside and let it fly down all the stairs, past all the traps and monsters, and go right to the boss?

Ther are 3 options:

1) "Known to you" means at least you've seen it.
If you've seen the boss, you may shoot him, even if you don't see it.
But... if it was not its true appareance, your arrow might be fooled... like you.
In addition to have seen it, i think your arrow might be able to recognize your target as if you shooted directly.

One problem is: if your target turn a corner and becomes invisible, does your weapon hit it?
The seeker arrow negates cover and concealment but NOT total cover and total concealment.

2) "Known to you" means at least you see it or you've detected it.
If you're not able to see your target, you cannot shoot it.
But, if you detect there is an invisible target, you don't need to pinpoint it to shoot it. Of course, as the seeker arrow doesn't negate total concealment, you'll have the 50% miss.
What about "improved cover"?

3) this power functions as the magic weapon property "seeking" except it negates only cover and concealment, not total cover and total concealment.

Seeking: Only ranged weapons can have the seeking ability. The weapon veers toward its target, negating any miss chances that would otherwise apply, such as from concealment. The wielder still has to aim the weapon at the right square. Arrows mistakenly shot into an empty space, for example, do not veer and hit invisible enemies, even if they are nearby.
Strong divination; CL 12th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, true seeing; Price +1 bonus.

I think option 2) sounds good for me and "...and the arrow travels to the target, even around corners." is just "fluff".

NOTE: a seeker arrow may past traps if only the way isn't blocked: a simple door closed and your arrow fails or a total cover...

PHASE ARROW: in addition, it negates armor and shield modifiers. You'll note that it doesn't negate total cover, so you may not shoot through a closed door.

[Defraeter]

To precise my point of view, i prefer the option 2) because it seems to me more RAI.
For seeker and phase arrow, you don't need line of sight, only know the ennemy is there.
Ex: you see tne ennemy and it casts a Fog of Cloud. You can shoot it. You'll have 50% miss but you can shoot it without the need of pinpoint it.

Of course, if there some impassable cover i.e total cover, the arrow will be stopped.
The phase arrow is less clear on this subject, but, by reading, it's written the phase arrow negates only cover, not total cover.

I don't think it will be "overpowered" to allow a phase arrow to pass through total cover... but remember, a wall created by spell is magic.