PrC Suggestion: Marksman

[The Lord of Mushrooms]

Eh, archers now aren't completely underpowered and they are interesting to play. I think maybe not work to make them the best of the best but keep them fun for everyone. Winning every fight with a wtfpwn archer doesn't always translate into fun.

[Jayde Moon]

Why should/would a ranged character be going more damage than a melee character?

This concept is likely not suitable for EfU... that said, I still fail to see that it is unbalanced unless you prescribe to what the above quoted statement implies.

Certainly a viable stance, and DnD isn't necessarily meant to be 'realistic'.  Regardless of their statement that HP are abstract, the reality is people have been dropping their level uber characters out of 10 story buildings and surviving off the bounce for years (10d6 HP just doesn't kill most 10th level fighters).

However, to answer the question realistically, why should/would a ranged character be doing more damage than a melee character?  Well, perhaps they wouldn't, hit for hit.  But it seems that a good marksman should be able to put an arrow into someone's eye as easily as a skilled axeman might cleave a person's head from his shoulders.

The former simply isn't included in DnD while the latter is.  This PrC represents an Archer with the skill to do just that.  A Weapon Master of the bow, if you will.  If he gets that aimed shot off, certainly it's gonna hurt.  The trick is making him "Work" for that shot.

I haven't seen many situations in EfU:A where having an ability like this will make you some sort of one man wrecking crew.  Twists and turns in corridors, enemy raned attackers, and the brilliant RI (real intelligence) of other players will severely hamper the ability of someone to use the 'Aimed Shot' Feat.

Anyway, constructive criticism is always welcome.  Like I said, this may not be for EfU:A at all, the DMs work hard at maintaining a good balance all around.  9Lives statement about low reqs and Exile's points about balance are points well received.


[edit: As an aside, defenses are based on not being shown exactly how a concept like this would give this concept some sort of insurmountable advantage against other powerful concepts and not some whacky clinging on to the idea that it's viable for EfU:A]

[9lives]

My point about requirements was more aimed at any roleplay aspects of the class. This is some person that has a steady hand and keen eye, not an unholy master of the Undead, or the disciple of a mighty Wyrm.

[Jayde Moon]

I still assert that your criticism was constructive.

Denial is futile.

[Howlando]

Neat archers and marksmen can certainly receive special loot, but I don't think a prestige class of this kind would be worth doing even if it was possible - which it isn't.

[dragonfire9000]

Overpowered but oh! so awesome. This needs tweakage, but it also ought to happen.

[PanamaLane]

I endorse the idea but not the mechanics. Tone it way down and add specific niche would be my advice.

Also, archers are not underpowered at all, but I do think a few tweaks here and there could make them more fun to play.

[Jayde Moon]

As an interesting post script, the Order of the Bow Initiate PrC in the Complete Warrior's handbook is pretty much along the same lines.  Take away the 'sneak attack', take away the 'penalties' on the Aimed attack and make it a touch stronger (+1d8s instead of 1d6s) ut shorten the range and you just about have it.

So didn't need to make one up.

Thanks to everyone who had input and discussed this with me.  It was thought provoking.

[9lives]

Justice of Weald and Woe.

Shame it's Race/Faction specific.

[Letsplayforfun]

What's so wrong with the traditionnal classes that so many PrCs suggestion arise these days?

[Johannes]

I laughed. Well done.

[Pup]

What's so wrong with the traditionnal classes that so many PrCs suggestion arise these days?

Been wondering myself!

[Jayde Moon]

I was totally jumping on the bandwagon.  It was there, it looked fun, and I hopped on.

Who knows, maybe I had a brilliant idea (which, of course, it is, just for somewhere else ;) ).

[athousandyearsofpain]

Pure archers can actually do a shitload of dmg, and they don't require anything else than a mundane bow >_>

[PanamaLane]

I would consider things like this:

Requirements:

Point Blank Shot
Called Shot
Concentration 8 Ranks (lvl 5)
Dex 16

Bonuses:

1. +1 attack with ranged weapon (Weapon of choice)
2.
3. Improved Crit Feat for Ranged Weapon
4. +1 to attack with ranged weapon
5. +20 to attack with Ranged Weapon 1/day
6.
7. +1 to attack with ranged weapon
8.
9.
10. +1 to attack with ranged weapon, +20 to attack 2/day