Snipe
Snipe is the ability to use a ranged weapon (bow, crossbow, sling, TM) from hiding and remain in hiding after the shot.
Requirements
This ability is restricted to Survival-prime guilds (Ranger, Thief and Necromancer) of at least 40th circle.
- Thieves and Rangers can make use of this ability with aimable missile weapons (Bow, Crossbow, and Sling).
- Rangers and Thieves may combine this ability with dual load to snipe a single target with two arrows simultaneously. Both shots will be calculated against the perception of the target, and thus have a chance of pulling you from hiding.
- Necromancers use a Targeted Magic spell that allows them to effectively snipe with magic.
Snipe Mechanics
Snipe uses Stealth, the appropriate weapon skill, and the guild-only skill (Backstab, Scouting, or Thanatology) as a modifier vs. the target's Perception and defenses.
If you pass the Perception check you will stay in hiding and get an accuracy bonus to your attack. If you fail the Perception check your attack will be a normal attack, and you will be pulled out of hiding.
- When a Thief, or Ranger, snipes successfully no one in the room, including the target, will see the name of the attacker.
- A successful snipe for a Necromancer will show the name of the attacker to the target only, but the room will not see who made the attack.
When using Snipe with only Invisibility you will be revealed regardless if you win or lose the Perception contest. If you are hiding, and have Invisibility up, you will stay in hiding with a successful Snipe, but you will still be revealed to the target, and room, by your Invisibility breaking.
Learning Snipe (as a Ranger)
> ask tolle about snipe
Tolle says, "So, you want to learn the whistling kill?"
Tolle chuckles.
Tolle leans over and begins to speak softly to you, "I call it that because if done right, the only thing the prey will see... or should I say hear, is the whistle of your arrow. I'll teach it to you but you need to heed my warnings."
Tolle explains, "First, do not use this skill near a town or city, we have an image to uphold. Don't ask me what that image is, I just know it is not one of murderers."
Tolle says, "Second, the ability is very difficult to use. It takes a mastery of a lot of different skills to use efficiently."
Tolle asks, "Third... Hey, you listening?"
Tolle glares at you.
Tolle continues, "Finally, the way I teach you this skill is different from the way another guild might teach its members."
Tolle winks at you.
Tolle says, "I will show you how to harness the power of the wilderness around you, how to focus and become one with nature. So, know that you would be a fool to think you can apply my teachings to an urban setting. I hardly ever use the ability least of all within the walls of a city."
Tolle leans over and begins whispering in your ear the basics of sniping.
Tolle's words begin to sink in and you feel you are ready to begin trying out this new ability.
Learning Snipe (as a Thief)
> ask kalag about magic As you approach, Kalag the Sly reaches under his desk and pulls forth a small crossbow, placing it on the desk in front of him. "A deadly weapon in its own right, wouldn't you say? However, in true Thief style, its worth is more in the possibilities it affords, rather than its mere construction. You've always known how to deliver a backstab to your foes, but to deliver death unseen from afar is a much more difficult task. The principles are much the same, however. Let me open your eyes into a wider world of stealth." The silver S'Kra patiently instructs you on how to fire bows and crossbows without revealing your position. At the end though, he gives you a piercing stare. "Do NOT misuse this ability against other adventurers. If I hear that you have, I will carve the knowledge right out of your skull. Understand? Good. Now go practice," Kalag the Sly smiles.
Snipe Policy
THIS POLICY ONLY APPLIES RANGERS AND THIEVES.
SNIPE is a zero tolerance ability. If you abuse it, you will lose it.
If the SNIPE ability is used in any UNCONSENTED (or even CONSENTED, per a GM ruling) attack on another player, that is an abuse of the ability. First offense abuse will result in 30 days suspension of the ability. A second abuse will result in permanent (irreversible, non-negotiable) removal of the ability. There will be no appeals. There will be no third offenses.
Use of SNIPE is always subject to GM intervention, regardless of whether or not a player filed REPORT or request for intervention exists. You should therefore always be prepared to provide reliable proof of CONSENT if you are using SNIPE.
If you are attacked, you are operating under implied consent and may use SNIPE to defend yourself. If you are involved in a CHALLENGE or other type of mutually agreed upon spar, then SNIPE may be used when both parties have agreed to it.
Example messaging
Success
You remain concealed by your surroundings, convinced that your moving to fire went unobserved.
Failure
The bristle-backed peccary notices your attempt to remain hidden while firing your hunter's longbow!
The bristle-backed peccary discovers you, ruining your hiding place!