If I fire an arrow from a short bow, which has a range of 80/320, and apply the Seeking Arrow Arcane Shot option from the Arcane Archer, which of these ranges is the 'maximum distance'?
This matters as the arrow disappears if it runs out of 'range':
If the target is within the weapon’s range and there is a path large enough for the arrow to travel to the target, the target must make a Dexterity saving throw. Otherwise, the arrow disappears after traveling as far as it can.
Intuitively, it feels like the maximum range of the Arcane Shot should be the second number, the 'long range', however that would require making an attack roll with disadvantage, despite not making an attack roll, which is not possible.
The Range weapon property reads:
Range. [...] When attacking a target beyond normal range, you have disadvantage on the attack roll. You can't attack a target beyond the weapon's long range.
Which number do I use? And if only the normal range is permitted, and I wish to target a creature outside of that range am I not allowed to apply this arcane shot when firing my arrow, or does the arrow still try its best despite being doomed to fail?