So I've been toying with a flying knife build, whose class features only work with daggers and starknives. Rapid shot would seem to be a clear fit for the build, but upon further inspection, I'm unsure if the feat will work with thrown daggers. Looking at rapid shot:
"When making a full-attack action with a ranged weapon..."
So it only works with weapons in the ranged category, excluding daggers, correct? However, then there's this bit:
"Weapons are grouped into several interlocking sets of categories. These categories pertain to what training is needed to become proficient in a weapon's use (simple, martial, or exotic), the weapon's usefulness either in close combat (melee) or at a distance (ranged, which includes both thrown and projectile weapons)..."
Ah, so ranged includes thrown as the categories interlock, yes? However, then there's the next bit:
"Ranged weapons are thrown weapons or projectile weapons that are not effective in melee..."
So this would seem to indicate that no, it doesn't work, depending on how you parse it (I hate when that happens). But then, as per the 3.5 FAQ:
"Can I throw weapons with both hands? What happens if I also use Rapid Shot?
... For example, if a 4th-level fighter has Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, and Two-Weapon Fighting, he can throw two daggers with his primary hand and a third with his off hand. His adjusted base attack bonus is +0 with each dagger (+4 base attack bonus, –2 for using a light weapon in his off hand, –2 for using Rapid Shot)."
As far as I can tell, the rules have not changed regarding quick draw or rapid shot since Pathfinder, so the original intent was obviously that it be allowed. So... how does it actually work? Is rapid shot with daggers possible? Does a ranged weapon in this case mean a weapon in the ranged category, or one used beyond melee range? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not sure of the reasoning behind the "not effective in melee" text, but have a look at this description from the Ultimate Equipment book:
throwing axe
Price 8 gp
Type martial
This one-handed axe is small and perfectly balanced for throwing, and can be used as a melee weapon. Throwing axes have a variety of alternative names, including franciscas, tomahawks, and more. The axe is normally gripped by the haft and thrown overhand, making one complete rotation in the air before biting into the target with the axe head.
If a throwing axe is usable as a melee weapon, and ranged weapons are not effective in melee, then a throwing axe wouldn't be a ranged weapon.