|
I have a Fire Elemental based Sorcerer, and I know this will sound absolutely elementary (element, get it?) but will him shooting a scorching ray into close combat get me the -4 to hit penalty?
My search-fu has failed me, and I got several different answers and nothing too concrete.
Thanks in advance for your help!
A scorching Ray is a ranged touch attack.
The key word there is ranged.
So yes, if your target is in melee, you get a -4 on the attack roll. Even worse, if you have a buddy or two between you and the target, he get's soft cover bonuses as well (and you might just hit your allies).
On the bright side, if you pick up Point Blank Shot, you also get a +1 damage if the target is in range, and then can take Precise Shot, which works with ranged touch attacks and negates the -4 (but not the soft cover penalties).
|
yes the -4 for firing into melee applies. you also get an AoO when casting the spell, and 1 per each ray fired.
point blank shot gives +1 to hit and damage, and works with rays, and precise shot lets you ignore the -4. but dont forget that allies in the way provide soft cover for the enemys smaller than huge
(and you might just hit your allies).
I've been looking for a rule that says that for sometime now. Could you possibly point me towards your source on this one?
Torger
the hitting soft cover rule is 3.0, it hasnt existed for a while
in PF you can even fire into a grapple and not risk hitting an ally
Yeah, I was pretty sure it didn't exist in Pathfinder, a pity if you ask me but good to know. Thanks for the confirmation.
Torger
(and you might just hit your allies).I've been looking for a rule that says that for sometime now. Could you possibly point me towards your source on this one?
Torger
There's not really anything in core rules. That's why I said 'might hit' instead of 'can hit'. It depends on the GM. Every game I've ever been in had the rule that if you miss, but by the amount the cover provided, then you hit the cover instead (which is a logical conclusion, that's the reason it gives bonuses to AC and reflex, it takes the hit instead of you). But, it's not in the core rules spelled out, so it's basically a house rule that just makes sense.