Ranged combat has gotten a couple boosts today.
First: Ranged attacks from hiding ("sniping") are now far more likely to successfully catch the target unawares than stealth melee attacks. Additionally, ranged attacks from hiding can now cause up to -6 defense rerolls to the target: 1 more than the default cap of -5.
Second: The AIM SHOT command can now be used to take 5 seconds roundtime to more carefully aim one's next ranged attack at that target. AIM SHOT on its own to aim at your current target or the first hostile in the area if you have no current target, or AIM SHOT <TARGET> if you want to specify who to aim the shot at. The next ranged attack against that target will get additional offense rerolls. It's currently at +5, though that seems like it might be a bit too high, so it may well be turned down a little bit as I play with it and hopefully get some feedback.
Do note that moving to another room, changing position (sitting/standing/etc.) or being attacked in just about any way will removed the "aimed shot" bonus, as will various other commands or actions (as I think of them) that would logically interrupt taking careful aim. So this isn't something to be practically used in the middle of a hectic melee, unless you're that sneaky sniper in the group taking pot shots, or you have someone guarding you.
Both of these new mechanics apply to any form of standard ranged attack - bows, guns, slings, hurled weapons, cast occult projectiles.
Ranged combat upgrades: sniping and aimed shots
Ranged combat upgrades: sniping and aimed shots
<Rias> PUT ON PANTS
<Fellborn> NO
<Fellborn> NO
Re: Ranged combat upgrades: sniping and aimed shots
I should probably also note that unless you're hidden or otherwise invisible to the target, they (and anyone else who can see you) will see that you're taking careful aim at them.
<Rias> PUT ON PANTS
<Fellborn> NO
<Fellborn> NO
Re: Ranged combat upgrades: sniping and aimed shots
I think it's working...
You kick a clump of dust at an infested laborer! Off(d100(1x)):77 vs Def(d110):30 = 47 (47%)
A direct hit to the face!
an infested laborer draws back, squinting and blinking in an attempt to clear its eyes.
An infested laborer is staggered!
Roundtime: 3 seconds.
(energy -2)
hide
Wait 2 seconds.
Queuing following command: hide
(You may clear your command queue at any time)
[Roundtime finished.]
You find a hiding spot and attempt to blend in with the surroundings.
Roundtime: 3 seconds.
aim shot
You hold your pine-hafted flint spear steady and begin taking careful aim at an infested laborer, setting up a more precise followup shot.
Roundtime: 5 seconds.
An infested laborer no longer appears staggered.
An infested laborer searches the area carefully.
[Roundtime finished.]
You hurl a pine-hafted flint spear at an infested laborer! Ranged(d120(5x)):114 vs Dodge(-6!d143(-1x)):0 = 114 (95%)
190 pierce damage (chest)
Piercing strike driven clean into the chest. Shish-ka-laborer. *mortal*
An infested laborer has been defeated.
You notice ((DEV Rias)) reaching discreetly into your crude threadbare wool pants! Seeing your attention, he quickly withdraws his hand.