How does this work now?
If a Ranger doesn't have point blank master or close quarters thrower, then they automatically produce AoO while using ranged attacks. Do they get the +4 and catch the opponents flat footed even though they didn't technically "goad" the opposition?
I would think this would work. I'm not sure if this would qualify as a separate action (in which you provoke twice) or if you could only provoke one total. If one total, I'm not sure if the dodge bonus to AC would apply.
In summary.
Probably?
That's essentially what I'm asking, but you said it better.
Would the ranger provoke twice? Once for range attack, once for using False Opening and only get the bonuses on the second one? Or does the ranger provoke only once getting the bonuses for using False Opening?
I think he would only provoke once. The same action--making a ranged attack--can only provoke one AoO.
Point Blank Master lets that action not provoke. While False Opening says you can choose to provoke with that action, it is still only one action.
(Now if you are shooting multiple times in the same round, I think each shot would provoke, but that's a different case.)
So, from your interpretation of it, they would get the bonuses of False Opening even though they don't have Point Blank Master or Close Quarters Thrower?
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Well, that's definitely not the intent. Whoever added that feat to the combat style clearly wasn't paying attention.
I'm betting, actually, that the "only provoke once" rule does not apply here. After all, casting a ranged spell provokes two AoO: one for casting a spell, and one for making a ranged attack roll. I think in this case you would also provoke once for making a ranged attack, and once for choosing to provoke using False Opening. Granted, unless your opponent has Combat Reflexes they can only take one attack, which causes problems regarding whether they take advantage of the false opening or the real one.
Alternatives are simply to require that the character has to have the ability to make ranged attacks without provoking to use this feat, OR to ignore it and give the player the bonuses from False Opening whenever they provoke with a ranged attack, because it's a level 6 feat from the thrown weapons style and that's not exactly the most powerful style.
Yeah, this is for PFS play and I need something that gives a more specific idea of exactly how this breaks down.
It's a similar question to taking Greater TWF and never Improved TWF. ITWF says you get a second attack. GTWF says get a third. But how do you get a third if you never had a second?
Well, I guess I'll leave it up to the GMs as it comes up. Thanks.