Ranged Sneak Attack

[jetpendragon]

Is an opponent flat footed to the ranged rogue within 30 feet if two other characters have said opponent flanked?

I as the DM, I said no. Due to the fact the ranged attacks do not gain the +2 flanking bonus, therefore they are exempt from bonuses in this case.

The player argues that the opponent ought to be distracted sufficiently by the two or more melee fighters. Seeing that flanking bonuses occur to melee fighter(s), thus distracted. Therefore he can attack with the opponent flat footed and get sneak attack.

Yes they have precise shot and can shot into melee without penalty.

[eggs]

By the rules, Flanking only works with melee attacks.

As a DM, you can of course make the call to allow it, but it doesn't sound like you should.

[Andvare]

No.


When making a melee attack, you get a +2 flanking bonus if your opponent is threatened by a character or creature friendly to you on the opponent’s opposite border or opposite corner.

Tenstupidcharacters.

Edit:
To be more clear, the rules state that


The attacker must flank the target.

To get a sneak attack.

From here. (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040217a)

[Urpriest]

Regardless, flanking someone doesn't make them count as flat-footed in melee. There is no reason for your player to expect it to do so at range.

[Downysole]

Not even a distracting attack ACF can get you the ability to flank without being in Melee.

Better to just go first in initiative so EVERYTHING is flat footed.

[nbates]

Perhaps the feat "Gang Up" from Pathfinder's Advanced Player's Guide might help out your rogue player.

d20pfsrd (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/gang-up-combat)

Benefit: You are considered to be flanking an opponent if at least two of your allies are threatening that opponent, regardless of your actual positioning.

Normal: You must be positioned opposite an ally to flank an opponent.

This way, as long as 2 of his buddies are threatening an opponent, he is considered to be flanking the opponent and can use his sneak attack.

[GenghisDon]

Since it sounds like you have plenty of melee characters, deadeye shot from PH2 might be useful to your ranged sneak/sudden strike attacker.