Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Korlall 06-10-07, 10:54 AM	In the combat style of the ranger, the archer-style ranger get bonus feats without having to meet the prerequisites. At level 11, he gains the improved precise shot which grant him to ignores penalties from cover and concelment (exept for total) Normally, when shooting into melee, you have to suffer a -4 penalty on attack rolls if you don't have the Precise shot feat... But if the ranger doesn't select this feat and get up to level 11(thus, gaining improved precise shot), does he still suffer the penalty for shooting into melee cause he don't have the precise shot feat ? I know the penalty for shooting into melee is not about cover but being able to shoot one target that is moving and fighting... But for me, If a ranger is able to shoot with not penalty at a target with up to improved cover (+8 AC), the ranger should be able to shoot without penalties at a target in melee fighting...
Obi-Wan Shinobi 06-10-07, 11:27 AM	if the 11th level ranger has not chosen Precise Shot, then he will still get the -4 to hit penalty for his opponent being involved in melee combat. this penlaty isnt due to cover or concealment or anything like that; it is due to the fact that even though initiative is cyclical, the entire combat round actually takes place over a 6 second time span with everyone doing their attacks near simultaneously. initiative is basically the way of showing who had the edge in the combat and were able to react a bit faster than the rest. the -4 penalty for attacking an opponent engaged in melee combat is due to the fact that an ally may accidentally move into your line of fire the moment you decide to release the bow string, thow your dagger, or chuck your spear. Precise Shot allows you to time your ranged attack to when you have a clear opening. so to actually answer your question, NO, the 11th level ranger without Precise Shot will still take the -4 penalty for firing into a melee.
serow_#R 06-10-07, 11:47 AM	Yes the ranger still takes the penalty.