Is it anything that requires an attack roll?
Is it one of those, "just use common sense cuz the rules aren't going to get that specific for you?"
Is it something else?
The same things that constitute an attack for breaking Invisibility.
Er, nevermind! Found the relevant rule in the CRB:
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.
Er, nevermind! Found the relevant rule in the CRB:
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.
I've been wondering the same thing recently, so thank you for that excerpt.
My question, however, was would firing an arrow with no intent to hit anyone (such as a signal arrow, or, more specifically for the character I'm creating, using a tuned bowstring and just firing an arrow because that's all you have to do to use it) be considered an "offensive combat action" (since firing an arrow is typically used offensively).
I'll just wait to talk to the GM to find out his take on it.
Thanks again!
If you "fire" an arrow off with no intent to harm and or no attack roll I, as a GM, would not have it break Invisibility or trigger a save vs Sanctuary (or cause Sanctuary to end if you were warded). I would how ever point out in the case of Invisibility that the arrow would become visible and the noise from shooting the arrow are both solid reasons to potentially cause your position to be revealed (i.e. allow a foe to learn which square you were in ... you moved after firing right :D))
While you are correct about the sound of the arrow firing, it would probably be less obvious than the fact that it's with a Tuned Bowstring which creates a perfect note that allows the bardic performance to continue on :)
What is your opinion on someone casting 'shocking grasp' (or inflict light wounds) while under the effects of invisibility (sanctuary), holds the charge, and then allows their familiar to deliver the charge?
There is definitely intent to harm but its not the caster that is doing it.
I think I'd let that work. After all, if the familiar delivers a touch spell, the familiar is now right next to the enemy. This will frequently result in dead familiars...