View source for Attacks and Hits/Misses (4e Variant Rule)

===Ranged Attacks===
When an Elf Ranger makes a ranged attack, it is assumed that the target of the attack is the creature in range. That's common sense. Whether the attack hits or misses is normally the outcome and nothing else. This rule changes that. It basically states that in the event that the attack misses, there is the opportunity that the attack will likely hit a different creature-- whether it be an ally or enemy of the attacking creature. It is basically a risk factor when it comes to ranged attacks.

One semantic of this type of variant is to draw an imaginary line where the path of the weapon will go. If this line crosses over more than one creature, you are (''essentially'') targeting those creatures as well if you miss your intended target. Make an attack roll for each creature the attack moves on to until it hits or reaches its maximum range.

Another semantic for this type of rule (''that can also be combined with the above semantic'') is creatures adjacent to the attack if it misses. Basically, if the attack misses a target and there are creatures (''ally and/ or enemy'') adjacent to the target of the attack, there is a 1 in 8 chance that an adjacent creature will likely be hit by the attack. In other words, roll 1d8 to determine where the attack will go. If the space is occupied by a creature, that creature is automatically hit, regardless of defenses or the attack roll. If the roll lands on an empty square, the attack moves on to the next target along the attack's path. If the attack lands on a square filled with difficult, obscuring, hindering, or obstructing terrain, the attack lands there and does not continue any further. In essence, the beginning of the roll should be the square behind the intended target of the attack opposite of your position.

Thrown weapons also apply under this rule, such as thrown daggers, javelins, throwing hammers, and the like.
Author	Xeadin +
Identifier	4e Variant Rule +
Rating	Undiscussed +
Title	Misses +