Rogues with Crossbow

[Nathan]

Hi!

In our group we have a human rogue which likes to specialise somewhat in the crossbow. Do you have any ideas what Feats/PrCs/Classes she can take? Is there any possibility to make the crossbow as good as an ordinary bow?

Currently, she's a 10th level Rogue with the following feats:

Quick Draw, Improved Initiative, Rapid Reload, Precise Shot, Point Blank Shot.

Thank you in advance,

Nathan

 

[Hygric]

I guess one suggestion would be 4 levels of fighter, get three fighter bonus feats, say weapon focus, far shot and weaopn specialisation. At 12th level, maybe pick up something like alertness. When she gets to 15th level, her BAB will be high enough to get improved crit in the x-bow.

Another option would be to go with exotic wp: repeating crossbow.

 

[johnsemlak]

Just my opinion, but I would try to discourage taking a new class just to improve the use of a weopon. To me, taking a new class should have a more serious reason at this point (meaning the rogue is level 10).

If you can't find a PrC (an option I also dislike personally), you might create a feat or otherwise modifiy the rules to allow the rogue to improve their ability.

I like the idea of the rogue taking a repeating crossbow as an exotic weapon feat.

I don't have rules infront of me so I can't say much more. Search for useful feats the rogue might be allowed, perhaps in the splatbooks.

When I played 2e, we allowed non fighters a lesser degree of weapon specialization, so they could improve the tohit/damage roles but not get the extra half attack per round.

 

[fett527]

OK

I'm not as familiar with the supplements, but if we're looking at base stuff from the PHB then I have a question. You list 5 feats the rogue has taken and she is 10th level. I assume she is human which means 1st-2, 3rd, 6th and 9th. What did she take at 10th level for a special ability? Remeber the Rogue can take a feat in place of the special ability, so if she really wants to she can take another feat associated with the crossbow at 10th. I would certainly take improved crit as soon as you can, which should be 12th level. The reapeating crossbow would be good as well, combine that with rapid shot. Also, I'm not sure what the prereqs are, but you should take a look at the Deepwood Sniper from the Master's of the Wild-if it fits the character. If I remeber right that PRC gets sneak attack damage.

 

[Mercule]

Just my opinion, but I would try to discourage taking a new class just to improve the use of a weopon. To me, taking a new class should have a more serious reason at this point (meaning the rogue is level 10).

Depends on the choice. If this is really a combat oriented rogue and really wants to master the x-bow, then I think a few levels of fighter make great sense. Now, picking up one level of ranger to get Track, TWF, and Ambidexterity, that I have a problem with.

Besides, multiclassing into fighter is a significantly better option that prestige classing. The designers stated (and I tend to agree) that you shouldn't use a PrC for anything you could do with multiple base classes.

 

[darkbard]

the Magic of Faerun sourcebook describes a magical property applicable only to crossbows: quick-loading. this makes reloading a hand or light crossbow a free action. the cost equals a +2 bonus.