Sneak Attack and Volleys

[cathat89]

I've read multiple threads on the boards regarding precision damage and volleys. I've seen arguments go back and forth on the topic, some simply citing house rules or feelings on the matter, and some involving some very distinct math and heated debate. After reading it all, I'm still not sure where the matter stands. I know the ruling from 3.5 is that a volley from a weaponlike spell (or, indeed, any volley) gets precision damage once. Pathfinder has changed sneak attack in a couple of ways, and the latest statement seems to say only the basics: if you catch a target without their dex bonus, or if you flank them, you can deliver sneak attack damage. The argument here seems to turn on whether Pathfinder, by not elaborating, is implicitly acknowledging the 3.5 ruling, or by omitting the statement, is wiping out the 3.5 ruling. I've seen time stamps going back to 2009 debating this, and there's been no definitive answer.

So I'm asking for one here.

Designers, can you shed a little light on this? I know there are a lot of factors to balance here, and every opinion I've read so far has some validity to it. However, the debate seems to be at an impasse, and I think a lot of time and energy could be saved if someone behind the pen could make some sort of call, even if that call is "We're not going to make a definitive ruling--decide for yourselves."

Thanks in advance, gang.

[Diego Rossi]

Define what you mean for "volley" as it is not a game term.

Iterative attacks?

Multiple missile attacks?

something different?

[edwardcd]

Rogue
"Ranged attacks can count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet."

Ninja
"Should the ninja score a critical hit with a sneak attack, this precision damage is not multiplied. Ranged attacks count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet."

Precise Strke (Teamwork feat)
"This bonus damage stacks with other sources of precision damage, such as sneak attack. This bonus damage is not multiplied on a critical hit."

Up Close and Deadly (Ex - Pistolero Gunslinger Archetype)
"She must choose to spend the grit point before she makes the attack roll. This is precision damage and is not multiplied if the attack is a critical hit. ... This precision damage stacks with sneak attack and other forms of precision damage."

Given these sources, it would be pretty safe to say that:
1. Precision damage is not multiplied on a critical hit (ranged or otherwise).
2. Sneak attack damage can only be applied within 30 feet if the other criteria is meet (ranged or otherwise).
3. Precision damage can stack with Sneak Attack and other forms of Precision damage (ranged or otherwise).
4. Sneak attack damage is not multiplied on a critical hit since it is a form of Precision Damage (ranged or otherwise).

Given that I'm not a game designer, I would also like clarification to see if this logic is correct.

[Jeraa]

Quote:

When making a full-attack action with a bow, your first attack fires two arrows. If the attack hits, both arrows hit.Apply precision-based damage (such as sneak attack) and critical hit damage only once for this attack. Damage bonuses from using a composite bow with a high Strength bonus apply to each arrow, as do other damage bonuses, such as a ranger's favored enemy bonus. Damage reduction and resistances apply separately to each arrow.

That is from the Manyshot feat. It would be safe to assume other volley effects work the same (precision damage only once).

[A Man In Black]

James Jacobs claimed that it would be reasonable to allow sneak attack on multi-hit spells, but also made pains to make it clear that he was just offering how he runs it in his own games, not making an official ruling. If you want a link, I think there was one in the DPR Summer Olympics thread.

3.5e had a Skip ruling that you couldn't get more than one sneak attack on a volley spell.