Post/Author/DateTime	Post
AlGhoul 01-18-04, 02:37 PM	ok first off....im VERY new at this so pardon if i make mistakes....lol probably alot of them too. and i took some things from others' posts....plz dont get mad...be flattered lol. I kno everyone is probably thinkin "great, another archer class" and thats a very good point. i wanted a more specialized thing for my DMs game which im starting this tuesday. i just plan on using it for my gaming sessions and im not lookin for it to be knocked right now. i just need to kno if its balanced, if its not then how to make it balanced, and if it will most likely be able to use (now i kno it depends on most DMs, but getting a wide variety in opinion here will help me present it to my DM). critism is ok so long as it will help me convence the DM that its a feasible core class. id rather take this class for an archer than just takin ranger or rogue and get too many non-ranged things. and keep in mind, i dont have all the details (such as personality or adventure reasoning), i only have the stats planned out right now....help with the stats and ill make the story behind the class to make it work....thnx. lol and a better name too. so...here it is: Bowman i kno, not original Abilities: Dexterity is important to a Bowman because of his precision with the ranged weapon and his tendency to wear light or no armor. Strength is important to a Bowman due to the need to provide enough power to pull back the string of a bow and provide enough force to get the arrow (in the case of a bow) to its destination. Alignment: Any. Hit Die: d6 Incapable of cross classing with following classes: Barbarian nor Monk Class Skills The Bowman's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (bowmaking) (Int), Hide (Dex), Knowledge (geography) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex). Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) x 4 Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier The BAB, Fort, Ref, and Will saves progress as does a Ranger does. Special: [list=1] Point Blank Shot, Stealthy Precise Shot Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus(*) Zen Archery Weapon Specialization(*)(**) Many Shot Shot on The Run Greater Weapon Specialization(*)(**) Far Shot Improved Critical Improved Precise Shot [/list=1] (*) These apply to ranged weapons only. (**) The Bowman, at the appropriate level, is treated as having the feat even if she does not have the prerequisites for it, but only when she is wearing light or no armor. Class Features Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A Bowman is proficient with all simple weapons, and all bows (shortbow, longbow, mighty and composite versions of both), and with light armor but not with shields. thats about all i have. lol. i dont kno if this is balanced as is or wat. doubt it is. help would be greatly appreciated. ideas for the rest of the lvls is welcome. as for the current lvls....im not lookin for any suggestions (except that if they are good points, i have to accept them). just suggestions made to make this core class balanced. and i kno that its probably slightly (or more) overpowered as it stands...thnx for ur help...
Pixieboy 01-18-04, 02:41 PM	Oooops.. An archer fighter who gets feats every level instead of every other..
Pixieboy 01-18-04, 02:42 PM	I'd say you'd have to take half of that off and THEN look whether it's balanced or not, but then again that's just my opinion.
AlGhoul 01-18-04, 03:49 PM	i changed it....now wat do u think? for those of u who didnt see the original...just ignore this post....except for, "wat do u think?"
mercurywyrm 01-18-04, 04:12 PM	What is this stealthy class feature, or any of the other ones, describe them better please. Also, the fighte could do this better in everything except the skills department by doing it a bit earlier. If you wan't to be a great archer, be an elf wizard fighter multiclass and then go arcane archer, or a human fighter at first level with point blank shot, rapid shot, and precise shot or weapon focus longbow. The fighter can get you the feats faster and skills can be accessed by multiclassing ranger (which is also nice with three levels for endurance, track, and point blank shot). Think about this, three levels ranger, and the rest fighter for your idea. Or elf wizard who becomes a ranger and then an arcane archer. edit: what I am saying is this is underpowered... alot...
AlGhoul 01-18-04, 04:20 PM	Originally posted by mercurywyrm What is this stealthy class feature, or any of the other ones, describe them better please. Also, the fighte could do this better in everything except the skills department by doing it a bit earlier. If you wan't to be a great archer, be an elf wizard fighter multiclass and then go arcane archer, or a human fighter at first level with point blank shot, rapid shot, and precise shot or weapon focus longbow. The fighter can get you the feats faster and skills can be accessed by multiclassing ranger (which is also nice with three levels for endurance, track, and point blank shot). Think about this, three levels ranger, and the rest fighter for your idea. Or elf wizard who becomes a ranger and then an arcane archer. edit: what I am saying is this is underpowered... alot... Thanks for the comment. wat i really needed was ways to balance it out...not just go a different route altogether. there are so many people on the board but so few who will speak lol....plz, everyone is invited for suggestions and constructive criticism. thnx... edit: basically....wat do i need to add, subtract, and/or rearrange to make it more balanced?
Jell_Moo 01-18-04, 04:21 PM	I think the biggest problem you've got going on is the fact that this class is very bland. All you've done is tacked on feats, no unique class abilities. It's pretty much just a fighter that has had it's feats selected for him, has more skill points, and an extra good save, while having a lot fewer hit points, and fewer starting weapon and armor profs. And your feat layout confounds me. Why even have Zen archery? Why would this class have a higher Wis then Dex? Why wait to 16th level for Far Shot? Why 18th for Improved Crit? Why 20th for Improved Precise Shot? What your class needs are exclusive class features. Don't feel bad if you steal them from PrCs or other Archer homebrews you see on the boards. Dishing out nothing but feats just doesn't cut it I'm afraid. As it stands now, I would take this class until 5th level, netting me 5 feats in the process, and then jump to something else. Is it balanced? Not really. Overall it's rather underpowered. For the first five levels you give quite a bit, but it's pretty much all downhill from there. A fighter who picked his feats well would far outshine this class at archery. I'll say it once more: Unique Class Features!
AlGhoul 01-18-04, 06:21 PM	Bowman still needs help Abilities: Dexterity is important to a Bowman because of his precision with the ranged weapon and his tendency to wear light or no armor. Strength is important to a Bowman due to the need to provide enough power to pull back the string of a bow and provide enough force to get the arrow (in the case of a bow) to its destination. Alignment: Any. Hit Die: d8 Incapable of cross classing with following classes: Barbarian nor Monk Class Skills The Bowman's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (bowmaking) (Int), Hide (Dex), Knowledge (geography) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex). Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) x 4 Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier The BAB, Fort, Ref, and Will saves progress as does a Ranger does. Special: [list=1] Point Blank Shot, Stealthy Precise Shot, Bowman Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus(*) Alertness, Far Shot Weapon Specialization(*)(**), Bludgeoning Arrow Many Shot, Improved Critical Improved Precise Shot Greater Weapon Specialization(*)(**) Whistler Arrow Volley of Arrows Death Shot [/list=1] (*) These apply to ranged weapons only. (**) The Bowman, at the appropriate level, is treated as having the feat even if she does not have the prerequisites for it, but only when she is wearing light or no armor. Class Features Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A Bowman is proficient with all simple weapons, and all bows (shortbow, longbow, mighty and composite versions of both), and with light armor but not with shields. Bowman Prerequisites: Proficiency with any bow. Benefit: You get a +2 bonus on all Craft (Bowmaking) checks and Spot checks. Bludgeoning Arrow (Ex) As a full round action, the Bowman may fire one arrow per round, no more than 1/2 the Bowman's class level (rounded down) times a day. The arrow does bludgeoning damage rather than peircing damage. Right before the arrow is fired, the Bowman must make a concentration check to stun creature 1d4+1 rounds (DC 15) or to knock creature unconcious for 1d4 hours (DC 20). While unconcious, the creature is prone to coup de graces as normal. Whistler Arrow (Ex) Three time per day, the Bowman, as a standard action, may fire an arrow (concentration check DC 20) through the air and attempt to strike a target in a limb (if a limb can be discerned). The arrow whistles through the air to the target and strikes a disabling blow. The head may not be targeted for the purpose of this attack. An attack to the either arm results in 1d4-1 Strength damage. An assualt to either leg results in 1d4-1 Dexterity damage. These effects last only 1d4 days. Ability score damage is added on top of normal damage and minimum ability score damage is 1. An attempt of hitting a limb and missing still counts to the maximum amount of times a Bowman may use this extrordinary ability. Volley of Arrows (Ex) As a full round action, the Bowman may dicard her normal attacks to attack a number of enemies within bow range equal to 1/2 the Bowman's class level rounded down. Each attack uses the Bowman’s primary attack bonus, and each enemy may only be targeted by a single arrow. Death Shot (Ex) Once per day, the Bowman may use a full round action to fire an individual arrow that always hits its target unless fully concealed or fully covered. This is automatically a critcal hit. any improvement? is this flavor enough? is it underpowered still? let me kno, thnx....
fractal 01-18-04, 06:36 PM	Just a quick thought, but why have some levels with multiple abilities, and other, adjacent levels, with no abilities at all? Also, rather than having different numbers of uses for each of your special attacks, why not have some general number of "special arrows" per day, class level/3 or something (like Bardic Music or Barbarian Rage). Then the use of one of the special abilities, would cost one or more "special arrows".
AlGhoul 01-18-04, 06:52 PM	thats wat i sorta meant when i said: "no more than 1/2 the Bowman's class level (rounded down) times a day" and "Three time per day, the Bowman, as a standard action, may fire an arrow (concentration check DC 20) through the air and attempt to strike a target in a limb (if a limb can be discerned)." but im not an expert with words or anything. also, this class purposely doesn't have a way to make the arrows. otherwise u could just make tons of each and use em all up then make more before the day is up. i dont kno how i would limit the ability to make these arrows so it cant be completely obused. i just made it be a extraordinary ability that he can use his experiences and utilize the arrow in which he has...this is all just a way to limit "munchkin-ism" and by all means, if u wish to copy the class and change it to where it can have that ability of just using an arrow....then go ahead. it would be extremely powerful for u and u should enjoy it greatly....good luck with it if u do. i was tryin to give the little common feats (that u can find in the PHB 3.5) that could help this class's role: such as alertness for plus to listen and spot and bowman for plus to craft (bowmaking) and spot and so on. these feats dont seem to be worth using a character level bonus feat opportunity for them, so i felt like just giving it to them cuz an archer would need them anyway. i also felt that they werent good enough by them selves. i mean come on....would u wanna earn Bowman (see previous post by me for description) as a class feat and that be it? or even use ur own bonus feats from leveling the char on such a "luxury" feat (meaning not completely necessary for chars)? so thats y i did it that way...i dont kno if it makes it balanced or unbalanced, but ill see with more opinions arriving.....thnx all
fractal 01-18-04, 07:12 PM	No, what I meant was, smooth out the bonus feats, so that you don't alternate levels with 2, and levels with 0. It would be better to get one each level, instead. As far as special abilities go, I meant that there should be a single total number of remaining uses to keep track of. You could then use that for Bludgeoning Arrows, Volley of Arrows, or whatever you needed.
AlGhoul 01-18-04, 10:22 PM	Bowman name still needs help Abilities: Dexterity is important to a Bowman because of his precision with the ranged weapon and his tendency to wear light or no armor. Strength is important to a Bowman due to the need to provide enough power to pull back the string of a bow and provide enough force to get the arrow (in the case of a bow) to its destination. Alignment: Any. Hit Die: d8 Incapable of cross classing with following classes: Barbarian nor Monk Class Skills The Bowman's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (bowmaking) (Int), Hide (Dex), Knowledge (geography) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex). Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) x 4 Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier The BAB, Fort, Ref, and Will saves progress as does a Ranger does. Special: [list=1] Bludgeoning Arrow, Bonus Feat Weapon Focus(*) Precise Shot Rapid Shot, Far Shot Whistler Arrow Weapon Specialization(*)(**) Bonus Feat Many Shot Volley of Arrows Improved Critical Greater Weapon Specialization(*)(**) Improved Precise Shot Death Shot Bonus Feat [/list=1] (*) These apply to ranged weapons only. (**) The Bowman, at the appropriate level, is treated as having the feat even if she does not have the prerequisites for it, but only when she is wearing light or no armor. Class Features Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A Bowman is proficient with all simple weapons, and all bows (shortbow, longbow, mighty and composite versions of both), and with light armor but not with shields. Bludgeoning Arrow (Ex) As a full round action, the Bowman may fire one arrow per round, no more than 1/2 the Bowman's class level (rounded down and no less than one) times a day. The arrow does bludgeoning damage rather than peircing damage. Right before the arrow is fired, the Bowman must make a concentration check to stun creature 1d4+1 rounds (DC 15) or to knock creature unconcious for 1d4 hours (DC 20). While unconcious, the creature is prone to coup de graces as normal. Whistler Arrow (Ex) Three time per day, the Bowman, as a standard action, may fire an arrow (concentration check DC 20) through the air and attempt to strike a target in a limb (if a limb can be discerned). The arrow whistles through the air to the target and strikes a disabling blow. The head may not be targeted for the purpose of this attack. An attack to the either arm results in 1d4-1 Strength damage. An assualt to either leg results in 1d4-1 Dexterity damage. These effects last only 1d4 days. Ability score damage is added on top of normal damage and minimum ability score damage is 1. An attempt of hitting a limb and missing still counts to the maximum amount of times a Bowman may use this extrordinary ability. Volley of Arrows (Ex) As a full round action, the Bowman may dicard her normal attacks to attack a number of enemies within bow range equal to 1/2 the Bowman's class level rounded down. Each attack uses the Bowman’s primary attack bonus, and each enemy may only be targeted by a single arrow. Death Shot (Ex) Once per day, the Bowman may use a full round action to fire an individual arrow that always hits its target unless fully concealed or fully covered. This is automatically a critcal hit. I rearranged some things, what do you think of it now?
AlGhoul 01-19-04, 12:19 PM	BUMP still need opinions on whether the class is balanced or not....please give me ur opinions now.....thnx...
niko718 01-19-04, 12:39 PM	am typing something as we speak
niko718 01-19-04, 02:03 PM	With regards to feats that are normally available, I recommend them to be removed from the list altogether and instead replace them with Bonus Archery feat and have an ability description that list them…with the exception of point blank shot which is a requirement for all other archer feats and should stay as a first level feat. The reason for the generalization of such ability is that it allows for the DM to make another Bowman for or against your party and still make that character unique. It also helps balance as any such "feat" would still have requirement to satisfy before it can be taken. Stealthy, I really don't think that is a good ability to have for a bowman...as they tend to stand up and use their weapon. What I guess I am really trying to say is that you already gave them hide and move silently as class skills to this core class, but by adding the stealthy ability you really are invading upon the rogue's territory. You can allocate more skills to the individual skills if you want to make this class stealthy...remove that ability from the list. Regarding other special abilities. Bludgeoning Shot: this ability honestly does not make sense…an arrow is a piecing weapon. The only way it can be made to do bludgeoning damage is to craft arrows that do this. Actually, in previous D&D and AD&D versions, such arrows exist. I really can't recommend this ability as written. Death Shot: This is more or less the Uncanny Accuracy ability found in the Epic level book. This ability is too powerful. Looking at the Uncanny Accuracy ability (which is this more or less) the following were the requirements: Epic Character, DEX 21+, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Spot skill 20+. As you can see, it is only available to a character who have over 20 levels, Volley of Arrows The concept to this ability is fine albeit that is a lot of attacks. Even my 20th level ability hail of arrows isn’t that powerful. Personally, I would have made this ability more dexterity dependent, e.g., 3 + dex. modifier or something similar. Regardless, I would word it as: If the Bowman forfeits all other attacks, he can make a single attack using his highest BAB against an equal number of targets as he has half his bowman level (rounded down). Note that only a single arrow can be fired at each target using this ability. Whistler Arrow I don’t like this ability as you have allowed a character to hit a target without making a BAB attack. Thus, technically, the bowman can hit a target with an armor class rating of 200 just by making a concentration check. In addition, there is no indication that the target can be missed even though it may have a 100% concealment or coverage. As a last question, why the whistling aspect to this ability? Why not just give the character the ability to do normal bow damage and the target must make a fortitude save (DC = the Bowman’s BAB) the bowman’s dexterity modifier as strength damage (if target is hit in arms) or dexterity damage (if target is hit in arms) for an equal number of rounds as he or she has bowman levels. If you decide to do this, then I suggest, this ability be a 20th level ability and it requires that the Bowman make a full attack action (foregoing all attacks). Well anyway, this is my feedback on your special abilities….for other suggestions you can look at my peerless archer…(the fourth post) of this thread: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=160791 By the way, a wounding type of ability would work nice as well.
Mr. Fahrenheit 01-20-04, 02:47 AM	Mind explaining the multiclass restrictions?
AlGhoul 01-20-04, 06:28 AM	im posting the "updated" version of the bowman lol, and it is long....i still need help with the name....Bowman seems bland lol.....give me ur opinion on the new one...thnx Mind explaining the multiclass restrictions? no, i dont mind. Barbarians arent advanced enough to calmly hold, aim, and fire a bow. Barabarians are prone to rages and having a bow would only hinder that rage. they arent of the type to be a Bowman. Monks are known for their numerous unarmed combative ways. yes Monks can have weapons but most of their abilities focus on unarmed or melee....not ranged. if this seems inaccurate for me to say....then please correct me and ill change it on the class. Bowman Abilities: Dexterity is important to a Bowman because of his precision with the ranged weapon and his tendency to wear light or no armor. Strength is important to a Bowman due to the need to provide enough power to pull back the string of a bow and provide enough force to get the arrow (in the case of a bow) to its destination. Alignment: Any. Hit Die: d6 Incapable of cross classing with following classes: Barbarian nor Monk Class Skills The Bowman's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (bowmaking) (Int), Hide (Dex), Knowledge (geography) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex). Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) x 4 Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier The BAB, Fort, Ref, and Will saves progress as does a Ranger does. Special: [list=1] Point Blank Shot Bludgeoning Arrow Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Whistler Arrow Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Volley of Arrows Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Bowman Bonus Feat(*) Bowman Bonus Feat(*) [/list=1] (*) See below for special rules. Class Features Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A Bowman is proficient with all simple weapons, and all bows (shortbow, longbow, mighty and composite versions of both), and with light armor but not with shields. Bludgeoning Arrow (Ex) Once per day, the Bowman crafts special arrows with blocked heads unlike a normal arrow, which has a pointed head. This process takes one hour for crafting 1+Dex modifier arrows (Craft (bowmaking) check DC 20). The arrow does bludgeoning damage rather than peircing damage due to its block head. After rolling attack but before rolling damage, the Bowman must make one concentration check to either stun the target 1d4+1 rounds (DC 15+target's Dex modifier, negative modifiers are ignored) or to knock the target unconcious for 1d4 hours (DC 20+ target's Dex modifier, negative modifiers are ignored), if the attack is successful. While unconcious, the creature is prone to coup de graces as normal. Only one arrow may be fired a round. If the arrow misses the target, the arrow is still used up and non-salvagable. The Bowman must choose which result he is attempting before the attack is made, only one or the other can be done at one time. Whistler Arrow (Ex) Three times per day, the Bowman, as a standard action, may fire an arrow through the air and attempt to strike a target in a limb (if a limb can be discerned). The arrow whistles through the air to the target and strikes a disabling blow, if it indeed hits. The head may not be targeted for the purpose of this attack. An attack to either arm results in 1d4-1 Strength damage (Fortitude save 20 to avoid ability score damage). An assualt to either leg results in 1d4-1 Dexterity damage (Fortitude save 20 to avoid ability score damage). These effects last for 1d4 days. Ability score damage is added on top of normal damage and minimum ability score damage is 1. An attempt of hitting a limb and missing still counts to the maximum amount of times a Bowman may use this extrordinary ability. Attack and damage rolls are to be done normally. Volley of Arrows (Ex) As a full round action, the Bowman may forfeit his normal attacks to attack a number of targets equal to 3+Dex modifier within the Bowman's Point Blank range. Each attack uses the Bowman’s highest Base Attack Bonus and each enemy may only be targeted by a single arrow. Attack and damage rolls are to be done normally for each target. Bowman Bonus Feat (*) A Bowman may take the following feats as bonus feats as long as they meet the prerequisites: Combat Reflexes, Coordinate Fire, Dead Aim, Defensive Shot, Disarm Shot, Far Shot, Improved Far Shot, Improved Initiative, Improved Precise Shot, Improved Rapid Shot, Increased Precision, Lay Down Fire, Many Shot, Mobile Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Ranged Disarm, Ranged Threat, Rapid Shot, Sharp Shooting, Shot on the Run, Supressive Fire, Taught Tug, Weapon Focus, Zen Focus, Zen Shot. A Bowman may also take the following feats so long as a Bowman has all the prerequisites, excluding the prerequisite for being fighter of a particular level (Bowman has to be fighter level number plus 2 to take the following feats): Weapon Specialization, Improved Weapon Focus, Improved Weapon Specialization. (Example, a Bowman may take Weapon Specialization at 6th level while a fighter can take it at 4th level.) The following feats the Bowman may ignore the prerequisites of a feat that pertain to melee feats (such as the Mounted Combat feat required for the Mounted Archery feat may be ignored) but all other prerequisites are required: Mounted Archery, Improved Mounted Archery, Power Shot Coordinate Fire [General] Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Point Blank Shot, +6 Base Attack Bonus, Lay Down Fire Benefit: When firing a ranged weapon at an opponent, you gain +1 to attack for each ally that also fired on that opponent this round. Danger Sence [General] Prerequisites: Alertness, Wis 15+ Benefit: When you would be surprised, make a Wis check DC 15 to avoid being surprised. Dead Aim [General] Prerequisites: Wis 13+, Point Blank Shot, Far Shot Benefit: If you take a full round action to line up your shot, you get a +2 circumstance bonus on your next attack. You can not move (not even a 5-foot step) during this round and you lose this bonus if you are jostled or attacked. Also, if you deal sneak attack damage at a range, you may do so even if this attack is outside the normal range limit. Defensive Shot [General] Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Dodge Benefit: When firing a weapon while within a threatened area, you can take a -2 to attack. If you do so, you do not trigger an attack of opportunity from one opponent of your choice that threatens you. Special: Fighters may take this feat as one of their bonus feats. Disarm Shot [General] Prerequisites: Weapon Focus Benefit: When you make a disarm attempt with a ranged weapon that you have Weapon Focus with, you do not suffer the -4 penalty to hit. Improved Far Shot [General] Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot, Far Shot Benefit: Your penalties due to range are halved. This mean -1 per range increment instead of the normal -2. Improved Rapid Shot [General] Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, +2 Base Attack Bonus Benefit: When using the Rapid Shot feat, you may ignore the -2 penalty on all your ranged attacks. Increase Precision [General] Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Extreme Range Benefit: The range at which you can use Point Blank Shot and Sneak Attack is increase by one range increment. Special: This feat may be taken up to 3 times. Lay Down Fire [General] Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Point Blank Shot, +3 Base Attack Bonus Benefit: You give allies +6 AC (instead of +4) when you provide them cover fire. The penalty on opponents when you lay down suppressive fire is increased to -6. Mobile Shot [General] Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Dodge, Mobility Benefit: +4 dodge bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity caused when you make a ranged attack while threatened. Ranged Disarm [General] Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, +5 Base Atack Bonus Benefit: You can preform a disarm action with a single type of bow that you are proficient with. Special: This feat may be taken multiple times (each with a different weapon). Power Shot [General] Prerequisites: Str 13+, Point Blank Shot, Power Attack, +5 Base Attack Bonus Benefit: Whenever you reduce an opponent to zero or less hit points by using a missle weapon, the missle passes through and you get another attack at the same base attack bonus against whoever is behind the original target. Ranged Threat [General] Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot Benefit: Your ranged attack threatens within 20 feet as if you had reach. you can flank, sneak attack, and deal attacks of opportunity within this area. Supressive Fire [General] Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot, Combat Reflexes Benefit: As a standard action, you can designate a straight line of squares. You can use attacks of opportunity on opponents moving through those squares. This benefit ends as soon as you move. Special: Fighters may take this feat as one of their bonus feats. Taught Tug [General] Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot Benefit: By taking a -5 initiative, you pull your bow string extra hard and your arrows deal +2 damage this round. Zen Focus [General] Prerequisites: Wis 13+ Benefit: when making a ranged attack, reduce the concealment bonus to the opponent's AC by half. Zen Shot [General] Prerequisites: Wis 13+, Zen Focus, +4 Base Attack Bonus Benefit: When making a ranged attack, ignore concealment bonuses. (edit: changed 1st and 2nd feats)
AlGhoul 01-20-04, 01:41 PM	bump.... wat do you guys think of it now? i hope its balanced enough...lol this is extensive....thnx....
danielinthewolvesden 01-20-04, 02:00 PM	See "Ranger" with bow focus. No need for this, and certainly no need for any class with well over a dozen "special" feats. In theory, any type that is so specialized in one weapon should be a PrC, not a base class. Next- it is too powerful, too many bonus feats. If given- PB shot needs to be lvl 1, not lvl2. Note that with a "volley of arrows"- it wouldn't be too hard for a "bowman' to get of 11 shots in a round. That's so munchkin & broken, it almost invalidates the class all by itself. And, other than just plain munchkinism, there is no reason for Tumble as a Class ability. Several of the class skills make no sense, as with them, this is just another Ranger- but WAY more powerful, and who gives up a HP per level. Now, if someone wrote up a REAL archer- like what the English Longbowmen were during the Medieval period, that might be useful. It'd be pretty easy- it'd be another fighter but with the bonus feats pre-selected, and a couple of class abilites thrown in to make up for that.
niko718 01-21-04, 02:12 PM	Originally posted by danielinthewolvesden See "Ranger" with bow focus. No need for this, and certainly no need for any class with well over a dozen "special" feats. In theory, any type that is so specialized in one weapon should be a PrC, not a base class. I disagree with you in these two comments. I believe that when a character specializes in a single weapon, then this character is a good if not better option to be a core class. I say this with one purpose in mind. If my character specialized in a bow, why would he take core class skills as a fighter first? Doing so has the following drqwbacks which takes away with the theme. A fighter would be able to use all other weapons (BAB) just as effectively as the bow...that should not be the case as he would really be concentrated in that one weapon. This is the predominant issue I have about it not being a core class, secondly as with the bow using character, there are way too many archery related feats that could be applied to a character specializing in the bow which can't be handled by a prestige class. That being the case, why shouldn't the character be similar to a core class fighter but with a feat list that is geared towards archery? It would allow the character to focus on the bow, show his limitations by taking feats only relating to it and continue to progress without having to worry about level penalties and the like. As a final thought, why shouldn't the core class that specialize on the bow have spot as a class skill? The fighter does not have this, but for an archer, that skill and perhaps a few others like it (e.g., concentration, search, listen) would actually be good for thematic purposes (hitting a target based on the sound it makes rather then seeing the target at the dead of night, etc.) Having said this, I do tend to agree that some of the abilities are overpowering.
AlGhoul 01-21-04, 02:31 PM	it makes perfect sense to have a core archer class....or any other core class that specializes....yes somethings can make it over powering but with most cases, only overpowering or underpowering will work...its ur choice which u want...