Building Archers (my players stay out)

[Drawmack]

Hello original poster here Just allow me to adress a few things that have been said so far.
The goblins will have improved initiative no matter what configuration I go with because my rogue and my investigator both have that and I want to get the jump on them. This is the missing feat most people were talking about, I think I forgot to mention it.

Soverien Stone's Class: Thank you for the input and idea but I rule that if I don't own the book the player's cannot use anything from it. Since I do not own that book this would be a bit cheesy of me and so is not a viable option.

STR bonus is not added to bow attacks.

Shortbow over Cross bow for two reasons. The first is reload time. The second is portability. If the goblins need to go out the window and climb to the roof they can simply sling a short bow on their backs whereas a crossbow would need to be holstered. Difference between a free action and an MEA.

Ring of jumping would be too cheesy since it's a low magic game and none of my PCs have any magic items except the monk and she doesn't know it yet.

As far as goblins caring about their allies. These goblins could be the next ones sold into slavery if they don't care so I think they have a personal motivation not to shoot their employers.

Weapon specialization will not work at the range the fight is going to start at. The area is 80 feet across with the allies in the center so they are at least 35 feet from the goblins in the first, most important, round. I want to get 12 shots off in the first round that 2 at each PC. Chances are at least one will hit them which drives home the two fronts issue.

As far as tactics, my wizard will keep the party's wizard busy, my monk will keep the monk busy, my ranger will keep the party's ranger busy. The goblins are there for the rogue, inveestigator and druid. The druid will most likely be using his spells on the building rather then the goblins. The goblins will be on the third story of three story buildings hidding behind shutters closed enough to make arrow slits and the buildings are made from carved stone with wooden floors which gives the druid some cool options for his spells. If anyone has the freeport book the battle will be taking place in the dead end of Dreaming Street.

It seems that most are suggesting I go with the straight fighter. However, I think you may have overlooked that I want the sneak attack for if the archers hear their opponent coming down the hall and can prepare. In that case the player runs through the door and gets hit with a readied action sneak attack from the bow. I was actually thinking that adding the rogue level made them a bit better in hand to hand combat without sacraficing too much on their archery abilities.

 

[Wicht]

It seems that most are suggesting I go with the straight fighter. However, I think you may have overlooked that I want the sneak attack for if the archers hear their opponent coming down the hall and can prepare.

If you are sold on the rogue, consider that the BAB for a Rog3/Ftr1 is +3 and the BAB for a Ftr3/Rog1 is +3. Extra feats are nice but that extra sneak attack damage is not to be sneezed at (not to mention evasion and uncanny dodge). (As I shamelessly push for my version )

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Yes, but if Drawmack said the encounter opens at ranges >30' (weapon specialization won't work), then neither will a ranged sneak attack. No one will be flatfooted by the time the range is closed.

Stick to Fighter.

If you want goblins to get senak attacks, they're going to have to do it by flanking in melee, which is a different topic entirely from the original one asked.

 

[Saeviomagy]

If all you want the improved initiative for is to get the jump on two PC's (who probably have much better dex than the goblins and will proabably win anyway) give it up. Far better to add on some other feat, and just have the goblins hide and sneak.

 

[Broken Fang]

From the description of the combat it sounds very unlikely that the Goblins will ever get within sneak attack / weapon specialization range for either to be effective. If they start shooting while the party is in the middle it just gives their position away. The party would then be "on their toes" if they even decided to venture after them in the towers.

Could your Wizard, Monk, and Ranger lure the PC's nearer a building or two, where the Goblins could then get some cross-fire sneak attacks going? This would force the party into acting. If the other three stay and attack from range the Goblins just shoot back since they are in cover. If they come after them...see below:

If I were a Goblin and thought some big guy might be coming through a door to get me I would also TRAP the heck out of the door, if not the whole building (depending on how much time I had). Trip wires, hornets nest or snake in a bag on a door - ready to fall open, etc...simply fast easy stuff that gives me time and warning! Escape plan...out the window, rope already tied off and waiting to be tossed out very quickly!