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Per ray. If you fire three arrows from a bow(cast scorching ray for three rays) would you not apply damage reduction(fire resistance) three times?
Interesting. *Remembers a bunch of odd rulings*
Sneak Attack applies only once to Scorching Ray, in that event it is but a single attack.
Sneak Attack applies only once to Scorching Ray, in that event it is but a single attack.That has more to do with limiting SA dice than making it a single attack.
Hey man, I'm just putting out that there is an odd ruling.
In the case of Sneak Attack, you can only apply it once to the spell effect. Logically, that makes Scorching Ray sound like it is only considered 1 attack, not 3.
When it's good for the player? Pick the bad option.
When it's good for the monster? Pick the good option.
Shenanigans.
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Interesting. *Remembers a bunch of odd rulings*
Sneak Attack applies only once to Scorching Ray, in that event it is but a single attack.
The reason why SA only applies once is because the Rays are fired simultaneously. SA applies once per instance, not once per attack roll (except in the case of Full Attacks while flanking, but those attacks occur separately, not at the same exact time).
In this case, although the rays are fired simultaneously, they are still separate objects. Let's look at it this way:
Let's say you have 3 archers versus a Wizard in the low levels. The 3 Archers win Initiative and each ready an arrow to shoot at the Wizard to disrupt the next spell he casts. He begins casting a spell: The Archers' readied action(s) go(es) off, all 3 arrows fired at the Wizard. However, the Wizard came prepared and cast Protection from Arrows on top of his other buffs (Mage Armor, Shield, etc).
In this instance, all 3 Archers fired simultaneously at the Wizard. However, since the Wizard has PFA active, each Arrow deals reduced damage. The Wizard does have to make 3 separate Concentration checks though, since each is a separate attack. (Of course, assuming they bypass the DR.)
The same concept applies. In the Wizard's Standard Action to cast the spell, he is firing 3 separate rays at an enemy all at the same time; as such, all Resistances are calculated separately. At the same time, this also poses a problem for spellcasting, since an enemy hit with these 3 rays have to make 3 separate Concentration checks if the caster readied to interrupt a spell via Scorching Ray.
The reason why SA only applies once is because the Rays are fired simultaneously. SA applies once per instance, not once per attack roll (except in the case of Full Attacks while flanking, but those attacks occur separately, not at the same exact time).Interesting. *Remembers a bunch of odd rulings*
Sneak Attack applies only once to Scorching Ray, in that event it is but a single attack.
Clearly. That's why they FAQ'd it out of existence.
What do you mean once per instance? Is instance a game defined term?
Logically, what difference does it make if they're fired simultaneously or one after another?
I'm just pointing out that the rules are funky and dont make a whole lot of sense. In regards to Sneak Attack, normally you apply sneak attack on every attack you make that qualifies. However the FAQ says no you only get to apply sneak attack to one of them without explanation. It does however say that spell based attacks that aren't simultaneous still benefit. So that tells us that they're treating simultaneous attacks as one attack for the purposes of applying Sneak Attack.
Of course it doesn't apply when compared to other abilities because that would be too consistent.
Flavor-wise, if Scorching Ray is supposedly simultaneous, would it not make sense that since they're all striking simultaneously that you'd apply fire resistance only once?
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Interesting. *Remembers a bunch of odd rulings*
Sneak Attack applies only once to Scorching Ray, in that event it is but a single attack.
Sneak Attack: Can I add sneak attack damage to simultaneous attacks from a spell?No. For example, scorching ray fires simultaneous rays at one or more targets, and the extra damage is only added once to one ray, chosen by the caster when the spell is cast.
Spell-based attacks which are not simultaneous, such as multiple attacks per round by a 8th-level druid using flame blade, may apply sneak attack damage to each attack so long as each attack qualifies for sneak attack (the target is denied its Dex bonus or the caster is flanking the target).
It is not once for each attack roll, it is once for each attack. As scorching ray is a single attack, it provoke once for using a range attack, not three times, but it get 3 attack rolls.
Same thing for Manyshot.
Manyshot (Combat)
You can fire multiple arrows at a single target.
Prerequisites: Dex 17, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, base attack bonus +6.
Benefit: 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.
Sneak Attack applies only once to Scorching Ray, in that event it is but a single attack.That has more to do with limiting SA dice than making it a single attack.Hey man, I'm just putting out that there is an odd ruling.
In the case of Sneak Attack, you can only apply it once to the spell effect. Logically, that makes Scorching Ray sound like it is only considered 1 attack, not 3.
Each attack roll is its own attack and each one can crit. The rule is in place to keep SA damage in check. ER applies each time you are subject to the energy damage.
Each attack roll is its own attack and each one can crit. The rule is in place to keep SA damage in check. ER applies each time you are subject to the energy damage.Sneak Attack applies only once to Scorching Ray, in that event it is but a single attack.That has more to do with limiting SA dice than making it a single attack.Hey man, I'm just putting out that there is an odd ruling.
In the case of Sneak Attack, you can only apply it once to the spell effect. Logically, that makes Scorching Ray sound like it is only considered 1 attack, not 3.
Exactly, Sneak Attack is a martial power and must be kept in check at all costs. :D