Marksman Class idea

Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 6:18 pm

deleted

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 9:48 pm

When I did an "Archer class" back in my 2E days I had them be as awesome with a bow as an other fighter, doubled all ranges, and cut the penalties for those ranges in half, after being doubled. Then at 8th level they could start making magical bows and arrows. Strength adjusted bows started at 3rd level. Arrows of slaying were at 10th level.

Plus I had their "specialization" progress like this:

+1 to H and D at level 1.

+2 at level 5

+3 at level 9

+4 at level 13

+5 at level 17.

I also had them get 2 attacks per round at 8th, and 3 per round at 14th.

Combined with their ability to make magical bows and arrows they were very scary Archers.

They kept the d10 HD and the hit progression and specialization abilities of a fighter, but only with a bow. Any other weapon they were -2 to hit with.

I also had them be a religious order, but that certainly wasn't necessary.

They could not wear anything heavier than a full chain suit.

Just some other ideas to toss around.
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Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:57 pm

I see Archer and Marksman as two different, though related, specialists.

An archer is a bow specialist and nothing more really. Something of a Robin Hood. I do like the craft bow/arrow bit Tree. (kickin self in butt for not thinkin of that myself...though not magical, merely specialized such as acid, fire, cold iron, pile, etc.)

A Marksman is a ranged weapon/trick shot artist and with a bow, takes it to another level from the archer entirely. King of the Rube Goldberg shots.
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Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:22 pm

I caught that they were different, which is why I said they were just more ideas to toss around. One of which caught.
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Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:34 pm

[quote="Treebore"]I caught that they were different, which is why I said they were just more ideas to toss around. One of which caught. [/quote]

Sneaky bugger...ainchya!?!
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Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:38 pm

Go0gleplex wrote:
Sneaky bugger...ainchya!?!

I do exceptionally well playing thieves, if that means anything.
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zombiehands · Post by **zombiehands** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 12:24 am

precise aim seems a bit much.

The Highway Man · Post by **The Highway Man** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 1:16 am

zombiehands wrote:
precise aim seems a bit much.

Agreed. That's extremely powerful, against "tank"-type creatures, in particular.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:08 am

I would not allow the class at my table - it is too powerful. Bonuses to hit that make them superior to the the fighter coupled with bonuses to damage with the only caveat that it can only be used with a specific weapon type, as if that is, somehow, a limitation. RaW, unearthly precision is useless as "DR" doesn't work anything at all like described, and the 10th level ability is severely flawed as well: you might as well just guarantee every attack is an automatic hit. I'd ditch the rogue-like abilities as well. Actually surprised they did not get ranged death attack. Also, and this is not your fault, the XP progression is wrong - there should not be a jump at level 4 like there is in the table; that jumps, which should be higher, comes at 5th from the listing of abilities.

Overall... some good ideas, but I'd have to really warp it to something I'd find acceptable, but I tend to be more of an ass than others.

Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:43 am

Well...that's why it's an idea. *chuckles* Maybe halves armor bonuses then for Precise Aim. While it's harder for a bow...a cross bow in the right hands can be as accurate as a rifle. And as a qualified high expert, I can honestly say, give me time to aim and I don't care what you're wearing short of an armored vehicle.
I'll play with it a bit...
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:07 am

It would be better if there was a stipulation that an aim was, in fact, needed... the way it reads now is that any shot, even trick shots, are so well-placed that it can zone-in on any sliver of weakness. Of course, it would be fun to play a little Sledgehammer....

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing."

Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:10 am

okay...revamped it a lot. Changed the xp, dropped the move silent, switched hide to 4th level (hey...they're snipers too!), revamped the BtH and added a penalty for other than chosen weapons...got rid of unearthly precision as it stood, replacing it with the halved armor bonus of precise aim, and left it at 12th lvl.

the link will bring up the revamped page...or just go to my www link and it's there at the bottom.

It should be marginally more acceptable Serl.
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Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:36 am

[quote="serleran"]It would be better if there was a stipulation that an aim was, in fact, needed... the way it reads now is that any shot, even trick shots, are so well-placed that it can zone-in on any sliver of weakness. Of course, it would be fun to play a little Sledgehammer....

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing."[/quote]

I think the revamp fixes most of that...
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:54 am

It is better, but I might not be seeing where it says "the marksman must actively aim to gain these benefits; aiming requires concentration and steadfast dedication - therefore, when doing so, the marksman never has initiative over an opponent [or something that seems to be a drawback.]" They can simply pickup their chosen weapon, fire it backwards with their hand broken, while blinded, and immediately get all the benefits (assuming they are high enough level, of course.) It's still a little cartoony, but that's not too bad: I like some cartoony.

Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:04 am

The impossible shot is at -6 unless they spend a round aiming, then it drops to -4.
The Precise shot (split off from early version of impossible shot) only halves penalties unless a round is spent aiming, then they get the freebie.

That should help the cartoony feel a lil bit. *chuckles*
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:20 am

Ahh, see, I failed my impossible shot - I have to go and increase my posting Dexterity. Know where I can find a Tome of Puissant Skill at Fingers?

Lord Veighn Yhaull · Post by **Lord Veighn Yhaull** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:12 am

New to the boards here. Thought I'd give my two-sense/cents. I like the idea of the aiming/round penalty between shots. Though that is still a powerful skill. Perhaps a 12th-leve, a 5-to-3 round delay between shots would be needed to balance out the affectiveness of the hit. I.E. fire once, then six rounds later, you can apply the special ability per the class.

I know, for instance, snipers have pills and what not to calm them and help them focus, whereas others learn how to regulate their heartbeat and breathing so any minute movement is lessened so it doesn't throw off the aim. They enter a trance-like state if you will, a higher-sense with such long practice and specialization. Therefore, the ability remains amazing, but the player of said character class would have to do some creative planning to make the ability an effective one during combat.