Best way to get sneak attacks at range?

[SillyString]

Assume for this that the character has no class or class abilities (rogue talents, archetypes etc), but does have sneak attack. What's a good consistent way to deal sneak attack damage at range using only the character's own feats, combat maneuvers and the combat rules?

(His allies are engaged in melee with the target, if that helps)

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

Sniping is about it. Halflings have a trait that makes them exceptionally good at it.

[Chromantic Durgon <3]

Isn't there a trait that gives you a cantrip? Acid splash might work

[SillyString]

Chromantic Durgon <3 wrote:

Isn't there a trait that gives you a cantrip? Acid splash might work

Why would acid splash work?

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

SillyString wrote:

Chromantic Durgon <3 wrote:

Isn't there a trait that gives you a cantrip? Acid splash might work

Why would acid splash work?

It's a touch attack. Makes hitting easier.

The trait reduces the penalty if snipping from -20 to -10. Then there's a fear or rogue talent or something that further reduces it to -0

[SillyString]

(Ah, thanks, lets just assume i can hit the target with a ranged weapon, my fault, I forgot to specify)

So, theres only sniping? there's no 2 or fewer feat investments that'll make it possible through combat maneuvers or similar? I'm happy with spending a move action and only getting one attack per round, if that helps. Then again, most CMs are melee, so it probably wouldnt help anyway...

Ah well, thanks :)

[Dustin Heaton]

Not what you're asking, but the best way to consistently get ranged sneak attacks is probably to have a friend who's good at using the Dirty Trick combat maneuver so they can blind the enemy you're shooting.

[Carnithia]

Shatter defenses works, if they aren't immune to fear. I have a fighter rogue who uses it. Doesn't help early on, but that is when you can snipe, since you are only getting one attack a round.

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

also, sniper goggles are a must

[Chess Pwn]

There's a new feat that allows ranged feinting, that would work.

[Dastis]

Try getting a cohort/familiar/animal companion that can blind the target. Dirty trick is the easiest but there is a ton of spells and therefore magic items usable via umd.

[Dustin Heaton]

Ranged Feint. From Ultimate Intrigue apparently.

[Omnitricks]

Pump stealth.

Use appropriate camouflage blanket.

Expert Sniper and Master Sniper feats.

Assuming against metagaming PCs, use the assassin's sight item (or greater if further range) Watch them search 30 ft around them and failing badly.

Also remember the perception rules for +1/10ft if you are really going to rely on sniping.

[Backlash3906]

Ranged Feint or Gun Twirling.

[Ellias Aubec]

Shame you said no class abilities as the vigilante has a trailer to allow sneak attack from any range. Lvl 6 min though.

[Dalindra]

In the Way of the Wicked campaign I am playing, one of my friends is playing a ranged rogue. Before level 8 it was very difficult for him to ensure ranged sneak attacks.

Once we hit level 8, I started to cast Blistering Invective with my antipaladin (taken via Unsactioned knowledge) so he could sneak attack with his bow (via Shatter Defenses). It works like a charm.

[666bender]

scout rogue lvl 8+.
move 10' and shoot once = sneak 100%.
charging thrower allow it at lvl 4+.

[Matt2VK]

Feat: Hellcat Stealth would also work.

Then there's also having Darkvision and attacking from darkness against someone without darkvision.

[pH unbalanced]

Smokesticks.
Or other way to set up cover/concealment.
It's very easy to get your sniping penalty down to zero if you invest in it. Then you are set.

[Ectar]

Improved feint plus ranged feint.

[Rosc]

Best two ways I know of? On way is to play as a Ninja. Vanishing trick helps a bit, but its Greater version gives you Greater Invisibility as early as level 10.

Alternatively, one level dip as a Waves Oracle. Get the Revelation that allows you to see through mists. Now you can cast Obscuring Mist as a form of "Invisibility" that you can shoot from. Might mess with your allies, though.