krunchyfrogg
Explorer
Hey guys. I have been thinking about building an archery based character for an upcoming game. We will start at first level.
I have a few ways to go, and a few ideas. Please let me know what you think.
First, allow me to start with a question though: In a Fighter build, where all weapons are available, what's a better weapon, a Longbow or a Crossbow (and why)?
Anyway, what I think will end up being the most powerful, is the Fighter build. Most number of attacks, tons of versatility (choose any target and get the same damage, if a bow isn't optimal, will still be good with any weapon). With the Sharpshooter feat, the damage can really add up when you get more attacks than anybody. While you'll probably have a high DEX stat, you do have the option to wear heavy armor if you want to.
There's also Rogue builds. They can't use the Heavy Crossbow or the Long Bow (unless you choose to be an Elf, which is a pretty darn good choice). These guys can get sneak attacks in quite often. That will add up to quite a bit of damage. Unfortunately, you won't always be able to make a sneak attack roll, and sometimes you'll have to choose between a sneak attack or a regular attack against an opponent you'd rather attack.
I suppose one could choose a Ranger as well, as they can choose the Archery fighting style at 2nd level. I have very little experience with Rangers and can't really make an assessment.
The one thing I think I'll say is this: should I decide to make my archer a Rogue, I think I'll be dipping into Fighter for at least one level (or Ranger for two). That +2 to hit is pretty big, especially when your first feat just has to be Sharpshooter. You have to help offset that -5 to hit in any way you can.
What do you guys think makes the best archer? What is a better weapon for an archer, the crossbow or longbow?
I have a few ways to go, and a few ideas. Please let me know what you think.
First, allow me to start with a question though: In a Fighter build, where all weapons are available, what's a better weapon, a Longbow or a Crossbow (and why)?
Anyway, what I think will end up being the most powerful, is the Fighter build. Most number of attacks, tons of versatility (choose any target and get the same damage, if a bow isn't optimal, will still be good with any weapon). With the Sharpshooter feat, the damage can really add up when you get more attacks than anybody. While you'll probably have a high DEX stat, you do have the option to wear heavy armor if you want to.
There's also Rogue builds. They can't use the Heavy Crossbow or the Long Bow (unless you choose to be an Elf, which is a pretty darn good choice). These guys can get sneak attacks in quite often. That will add up to quite a bit of damage. Unfortunately, you won't always be able to make a sneak attack roll, and sometimes you'll have to choose between a sneak attack or a regular attack against an opponent you'd rather attack.
I suppose one could choose a Ranger as well, as they can choose the Archery fighting style at 2nd level. I have very little experience with Rangers and can't really make an assessment.
The one thing I think I'll say is this: should I decide to make my archer a Rogue, I think I'll be dipping into Fighter for at least one level (or Ranger for two). That +2 to hit is pretty big, especially when your first feat just has to be Sharpshooter. You have to help offset that -5 to hit in any way you can.
What do you guys think makes the best archer? What is a better weapon for an archer, the crossbow or longbow?