Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jackpot556 04-13-07, 09:05 PM	I am creating a character who had been serving in an army as a special forces unit. He will have maintained his gear he had been issue serving (including a crossbow attached with a bayonet, some daggers, and a black suit of studded leathers). This is where I need help. I think to myself "Special Forces?" "What class defines a typical SF unit's skill the most" The class that immediately comes to mind is rogue. They have class skills such as hide, move silently, disable device, etc. which all could be considered what SF trains their soldiers in our world today. Not only that they focus on ambushes (sneak attack and traps) which seems to define what SF is good at as well. So right away I want to say rogue is the way for me to go.. however I would assume many others would have different opinions as to what class would define such a unit. (If so plz share ;) ) Ultimately what I want is a character that utilizes the skill & abilities of the rogue, while emphasizing on his marksmanship with the crossbow. I would appreciate any advice because I have run into many problems so far trying to design this character. When looking at the 'Complete Warrior' manual I came across the prestige class "Order of the Bow Initiate". This really appealed to me because the features of the PrC were really what I was looking for (Ranged Precision, Extended Precision) but they didn't allow crossbow users to take up the class. So I could just ask my DM to allow for Cross Bow users to take this up. But the thing is this... While progressing the 10 lvls in this my sneak and hide (as well as my other very important rogue skills) would not be leveling up. Not only that I don't wish for this character to shoot his crossbow in melee combat. Instead I want him to be able to utilize the bayonet attached to his crossbow (see Complete Scoundrel) as a spear in melee. I am struggling to discover what exactly will fit my needs here.. anyone have suggestions? :confused:
Prom 04-13-07, 10:58 PM	Hi Jackpot556, This is not a request for help on a character background as such, but a character optimization forum question. Might do better to shift the post. Prom
Jackpot556 04-13-07, 11:16 PM	essentially im giving the background and asking which class defines that background and a character of that background. im thinking rogue but was just curious if others had different opinions. the fact that I want my character to use a crossbow and bayonet is something that probably doesnt belong in the post i agree but i thought it was neccesary to share because it was the reason why i thought maybe rogue wasnt the right decision.. i dunno thx for replying though
Fithero 04-14-07, 12:09 AM	To me, a scout or ninja would make a better special forces, hell even a ranger, but in the end its up to you. Im just praying that your not going to be a 1st lvl character.... who used to be in the special forces... peace
Prom 04-14-07, 06:27 AM	Hi Jackpot556, Not trying to give you a hard time about the post, ok. :) I agree with Fithero. An ex-special forces character at level one is going to be strange and scout my work. Prom
BlackWeasel 04-14-07, 10:01 AM	I'd say scout, rogue or ranger. Ranger would probably be more of a tracker type though
Westbound 04-14-07, 10:19 PM	Ok, you're playing a character that was part of an "elite" combat group. The first thing you have to determine is what was that unit's primary mission? Take the United States Army Special Forces. Their primary missions involve being separated from the main force, sometimes behind enemy lines, for weeks, even months at a time. Their jobs are reconnaissance, develop an insurgency from indigenous populations, infiltration, and sabotage and disruption of enemy operations. The Navy S.E.A.L.s primary job is amphibious infiltration. They're to get in, get on with it and get out. Get it? When they infiltrate a position, they have a variety of missions from there on out that can be done. They can capture enemy positions, assassinate enemy targets, conduct rescues, sabotage key enemy resources. Usually, before a S.E.A.L. operation is conducted, extensive reconnaissance and intelligence gathering of the potential target is done long before a S.E.A.L. puts on his wetsuit. Army Rangers and Marine Force Recon are very similar in most respects. They highly trained infantry that venture out just ahead of the main attack force to conduct reconnaissance, raids, and anything else as needed. You've got to pick a mission for your unit. What do they do, and what kind of role did they play in war, if there was a war? You're best bet is the Ranger class. They favor ranged weapons, and have access to stealth skills that you seem to want. Also, they can be very self-sufficient, and can conduct operations often without support from a party, if he's given a proper mission (recon, sniper, etc).
Terjon of the Blue Rose 04-20-07, 02:21 AM	A lot of special forces teams have multiple specialists. A sapper is best played by an artificer or wizard. A spy by a bard, ninja or rogue. An assassin by a rogue, ninja or bard. A team leader is often best gone through by multiclassing rogue and fighter and focussing on teamwork benefits from PH2. A ranger makes a great tracker and wilderness leader.
jnrhayz 04-20-07, 10:32 AM	I have to agree with Westbound. Ranger seems to fit your desires. Good range combat, good BAB, good skill points, more skills. If you are looking for the trap abilities of a rogue, I would suggest taking a level or two of rogue (1st and 2nd probably). Take able learner (at 1st level) and then go into ranger. Now, since you have *not* stated a level, I will assume you are not starting at 1st level and a good background would be a thief/scoundrel kid who was captured and forced to serve in the military as his punishment. You met some kind of father figure who brought you into the "special forces" of the military. You then began your training in the ranger class. Once your punishment was up you decided to stay in the military (explains increased levels after 1st ranger level). Eventually mentor retires or is killed (i prefer retired) and you decided you were ready to move on with your life or you can start the game as part of the military depending on what the DM wants. Now, this isn't optimized, but it would be an effective build, with the background you would like.
Daxen 04-20-07, 06:43 PM	I would go with Ranger/Scout. If you go with Ranger for 4 or more levels take the Distracting Shot option out of PHB2. Shoot from cover, then move in and gut things. Favoured enemy whoever the War was against. I would assume an ex military spec op man to be somewhere in the 5th level range. Scout 3/ Ranger 2 should do pretty well. That's my two cp on the matter
Relic 04-22-07, 10:12 PM	For something interesting I would give Psychic Warrior a try. With the Able Learner feat you would be able to pick up some of the critical skills (Hide, Move Silently, Survival). And with the Psychic Warrior powers you would be versatile as well as capable of being self-sustaining. If manifester levels were not that much a concern I'd multiclass with either Ranger, Scout, or Monk.
BlackWeasel 04-23-07, 04:53 AM	I'd say it depends on what sort of special forces. if you are te type that stays behind enemy lines for long periods probably ranger or scout but if you move in quickly, take out the objectives and pull back then scout, ninja or rogue