Arcane trickster doesn't need an attack roll for sneak attack with surprise spell
EDIT: This was an answer to a deleted post, in case it seems weird now :P
Ranged attacks can only sneak attack within 30 feet, so you would have to be in the same room with the guy (or at least nearby). With Nightmare having a 10 minute casting time, you are better off just stabbing him.
Ranged attacks can only sneak attack within 30 feet, so you would have to be in the same room with the guy (or at least nearby). With Nightmare having a 10 minute casting time, you are better off just stabbing him.
A spell is not a ranged attack unless an attack roll is needed. Fireball as mentioned above, and magic missile are example of spells that work with the AT, but do not require any attack rolls. Nightmare has an unlimited range. That is why the OP asked the question. He can basically sneak attack from any distance.
Attacks: Some spell descriptions refer to attacking. All offensive combat actions, even those that don't damage opponents, are considered attacks. Attempts to channel energy count as attacks if it would harm any creatures in the area. All spells that opponents resist with saving throws, that deal damage, or that otherwise harm or hamper subjects are attacks. Spells that summon monsters or other allies are not attacks because the spells themselves don't harm anyone.
It is an attack. It has a range. It is a ranged attack. It is not a ranged weapon attack, but it very well is a ranged attack.
Attacks: Some spell descriptions refer to attacking. All offensive combat actions, even those that don't damage opponents, are considered attacks. Attempts to channel energy count as attacks if it would harm any creatures in the area. All spells that opponents resist with saving throws, that deal damage, or that otherwise harm or hamper subjects are attacks. Spells that summon monsters or other allies are not attacks because the spells themselves don't harm anyone.It is an attack. It has a range. It is a ranged attack. It is not a ranged weapon attack, but it very well is a ranged attack.
Ranged attacks have a very specific meaning in the game. They refer to attack roll based attacks that are called "ranged attacks" such as from bows or throwing weapons.
Are you just arguing because you think this nightmare spell is gaming the rules or do you really think any non-melee attack is a "ranged attack", and subject to all of the ranged attack rules in the combat chapter?
If you don't know the difference between attacks from weapons and "attacks" with regard to harmful effects from spells I would really be surprised, but you might surprise me today.
So arcane trickster is able to deal 1d10+7d6 dmg from any distance, and
with proper rouge talent, make him bleed for 7 dmg per round until poor guy find some healing potion or healer ?
That's kind of scary..
Yeah but he will be at least level 13, and if it used against PC's it wont do much more than to annoy them. Then they will likely scry and fry you.
If a PC is doing this... Well actually most NPC's die on first contact, and the ones that live often won't be kill by this.
It looks better on paper than it actually is unless the opponent is very low level, but in that case the GM is likely just annoying the players instead of going for the kill.