Question on a Deepwood Sniper build [Archive] - Wizards Community

Question on a Deepwood Sniper build [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Arminel
06-03-07, 03:29 AM Currently, my character is a Human Ranger 3/Fighter 1. I want to make him into a Deepwood Sniper. He already has Weapon Focus (Longbow), Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, and Precise Shot. I have a single level left before I can start taking levels in Deepwood Sniper. That being said, which would be the best course?

Ranger 3
Fighter 2
Deepwood Sniper 10

Ranger 4
Fighter 1
Deepwood Sniper 10

Ranger 4
Fighter 2
Deepwood Sniper 10

First off, my DM has allowed the Distracting Shot alternative feature for Ranger. A single level of Ranger gives me that, the ability to cast a single Lv1 spell per day, +1 Fort/Will, and more skills. The extra level of Fighter gives the feat, +1 Fort. My DM has said that you need a roleplaying reason for the class you take, and so far the only three I'd qualify for is Ranger, Scout, and Fighter.
The_Shaman
06-03-07, 05:02 AM I would take option 3, and build on it. Scout might be good for skirmishers, but I don't think it ties so well to the role of a sniper. Ideally, ranger 6/fighter 4 (more ranger bonus feats, weapon specialization -> ranged weapon mastery) is imo a good progression before you go into the PrC.

For a more PrC-focused build, fighter 2/ranger 4 or ranger 2/fighter 4 and 4 levels of Peerless Archer (silver marches) could also be worth it.
Arminel
06-03-07, 03:09 PM Ranger 6/Fighter 4/Deepwood Sniper 10 was my idea for an end build. All I need is a Ring of Levitation and hope that nobody decides to look up ^^;

I'll have to look at Silver Marches then, I've heard some good things about the Peerless archer. Are there any threads on sniper-type or ranged specialist builds? I've looked through pages of threads, but haven't found much of late.
The_Shaman
06-03-07, 05:53 PM Or get a flying mount, ideally with mounted combat, mounted archery, and natural bond to boost your ranger level. Dire eagles (races of stone) are imo quite decent.

If not, a flying carpet or broom can serve in a pinch. In fact, I would not be surprised if it could be made to levitate on the spot, alleviating some of the penalties for mounted archery.
Arminel
06-04-07, 04:18 AM Eww. Checked out the Peerless Archer. Really didn't like it, at all. Also, is Improved Mounted Archery worth it? Is Manyshot? I was thinking of getting Manyshot, if only as a pre-req for Improved Rapid Shot.

Also, what are some of the better level 1 Ranger spells? Hunter's Mercy (swift-action spell, auto-crit on next hit) looked good, as did Hawkeye (+50% range increment, +5 spot, 10min/level), and Arrow Mind (1min/level, no AoO when firing in melee, threaten squares next to you for AoOs, immediate action spell).
The_Shaman
06-04-07, 12:12 PM Manyshot... it depends. It can be useful, as a way to launch several arrows without a full attack action. Also, Greater Manyshot (XPH, not psionic) is considered classical for several builds relying on precision damage. Well, if you can get it for free, I'd say you can use it. Improved mounted archery... Well, if you're going to be riding, maybe. With the right PrC, for example, it could be very good. For a deepwood sniper... somehow I doubt it fits, at least conceptually. Mechanically, it might be a nice way to pick off anything underneath while flying at high speed and altitude, and let your crits do the talking.

For longer range, I would consider the Peerless useful for its power attack-ish ability and for making enhanced arrows. A pity, as the sneak attack is one of the better features it gets. Then again, sometimes you may have to make point-blank shots, too. All in all, though, it is a bowslinger first, marksman second, with a strong focus on close-range archery.

As for spells, rangers can find great use for their Exacting Shot spell; together with Hunter's mercy they make a killer combo against favored enemies. There are a few nice spells in Dragon magic that give you uncanny dodge or IUD if you have more than one at the same time (primal X, iirc).
Arminel
06-05-07, 02:15 PM I believe my buddy has the Expanded Psionics Handbook, I'll check that out. Also, my Wisdom is 16, and since I'm only getting 4 levels of Ranger, I need to know the overall best single spell to have in a day. I looked at getting a Pearl of Power, but that would be the same spell twice per day.
The_Shaman
06-05-07, 05:58 PM Hm, I think Hunter's Mercy would probably be the best. It and a few others almost warrant you getting a crafting feat and, say, make a wand of it or some such.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Arminel 06-03-07, 03:29 AM	Currently, my character is a Human Ranger 3/Fighter 1. I want to make him into a Deepwood Sniper. He already has Weapon Focus (Longbow), Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, and Precise Shot. I have a single level left before I can start taking levels in Deepwood Sniper. That being said, which would be the best course? Ranger 3 Fighter 2 Deepwood Sniper 10 Ranger 4 Fighter 1 Deepwood Sniper 10 Ranger 4 Fighter 2 Deepwood Sniper 10 First off, my DM has allowed the Distracting Shot alternative feature for Ranger. A single level of Ranger gives me that, the ability to cast a single Lv1 spell per day, +1 Fort/Will, and more skills. The extra level of Fighter gives the feat, +1 Fort. My DM has said that you need a roleplaying reason for the class you take, and so far the only three I'd qualify for is Ranger, Scout, and Fighter.
The_Shaman 06-03-07, 05:02 AM	I would take option 3, and build on it. Scout might be good for skirmishers, but I don't think it ties so well to the role of a sniper. Ideally, ranger 6/fighter 4 (more ranger bonus feats, weapon specialization -> ranged weapon mastery) is imo a good progression before you go into the PrC. For a more PrC-focused build, fighter 2/ranger 4 or ranger 2/fighter 4 and 4 levels of Peerless Archer (silver marches) could also be worth it.
Arminel 06-03-07, 03:09 PM	Ranger 6/Fighter 4/Deepwood Sniper 10 was my idea for an end build. All I need is a Ring of Levitation and hope that nobody decides to look up ^^; I'll have to look at Silver Marches then, I've heard some good things about the Peerless archer. Are there any threads on sniper-type or ranged specialist builds? I've looked through pages of threads, but haven't found much of late.
The_Shaman 06-03-07, 05:53 PM	Or get a flying mount, ideally with mounted combat, mounted archery, and natural bond to boost your ranger level. Dire eagles (races of stone) are imo quite decent. If not, a flying carpet or broom can serve in a pinch. In fact, I would not be surprised if it could be made to levitate on the spot, alleviating some of the penalties for mounted archery.
Arminel 06-04-07, 04:18 AM	Eww. Checked out the Peerless Archer. Really didn't like it, at all. Also, is Improved Mounted Archery worth it? Is Manyshot? I was thinking of getting Manyshot, if only as a pre-req for Improved Rapid Shot. Also, what are some of the better level 1 Ranger spells? Hunter's Mercy (swift-action spell, auto-crit on next hit) looked good, as did Hawkeye (+50% range increment, +5 spot, 10min/level), and Arrow Mind (1min/level, no AoO when firing in melee, threaten squares next to you for AoOs, immediate action spell).
The_Shaman 06-04-07, 12:12 PM	Manyshot... it depends. It can be useful, as a way to launch several arrows without a full attack action. Also, Greater Manyshot (XPH, not psionic) is considered classical for several builds relying on precision damage. Well, if you can get it for free, I'd say you can use it. Improved mounted archery... Well, if you're going to be riding, maybe. With the right PrC, for example, it could be very good. For a deepwood sniper... somehow I doubt it fits, at least conceptually. Mechanically, it might be a nice way to pick off anything underneath while flying at high speed and altitude, and let your crits do the talking. For longer range, I would consider the Peerless useful for its power attack-ish ability and for making enhanced arrows. A pity, as the sneak attack is one of the better features it gets. Then again, sometimes you may have to make point-blank shots, too. All in all, though, it is a bowslinger first, marksman second, with a strong focus on close-range archery. As for spells, rangers can find great use for their Exacting Shot spell; together with Hunter's mercy they make a killer combo against favored enemies. There are a few nice spells in Dragon magic that give you uncanny dodge or IUD if you have more than one at the same time (primal X, iirc).
Arminel 06-05-07, 02:15 PM	I believe my buddy has the Expanded Psionics Handbook, I'll check that out. Also, my Wisdom is 16, and since I'm only getting 4 levels of Ranger, I need to know the overall best single spell to have in a day. I looked at getting a Pearl of Power, but that would be the same spell twice per day.
The_Shaman 06-05-07, 05:58 PM	Hm, I think Hunter's Mercy would probably be the best. It and a few others almost warrant you getting a crafting feat and, say, make a wand of it or some such.