Getting the most out of the Scout class

[johnsemlak]

I've just started playing a scout class character from CV. I'm trying to figure how best to use the Scout's Skirmish ability, which allows the char to do extra damage similar to the sneak attack damage on any round where the character moves 10 feet. It also gives the character a bonus to Armor class.

The key limitation of the class is that since I must move 10' to use the skirmish ability, It's impossible to use the full attack option. First, is there any ability somewhere that allows a character to extend their 5' step to a 10' step? That woud be a very nice (if not unbalanced) ability in this case.

Otherwise, it seems to me that the best thing is to maximise the single attack I have when skirmishing. I figure that Manyshot would be a good feat. Are there any other useful feats/abilities?

Tumble is naturally essential since a Scout needs to move around a lot in combat.

Any other suggetions?

 

[hazmat]

Mounted Combat. Move and full attack?

 

[Jdvn1]

I was considering making a Scout/Order of the Bow Initiate. Lots of damage on one hit.

 

[FireLance]

Scout synergizes well with the Dervish PrC as it allows you to move your speed and still make a full attack.

 

[Gez]

Oriental Adventure is a very good sourcebook for skirmishers.

In its "New uses for old skills" part, you get the "make a 10-ft.-step as a 5-ft.-step with a Tumble DC 40", which lets you move 10 and full attack.

In its Prestige Class chapter, you have the Bladedancer which gives you, at first level, a +10 competence bonus to Tumble (and Balance, and Jump). Bonus which may progress to +20, and finally +10, if you take 5 or all 10 levels of the class. (Plus, you also get to double, and eventurally even triple, your base speed.)

You may also be interested in the Singh Rager which gives you Pounce, eventually.

If you don't want to multiclass, even for just two levels (you'll need to be able to cast first level arcane or divine spells), then you have a less rewarding and feat-intensive way to get a +10 bonus on Balance, Jump and Tumble checks with one of the martial art mastery.

And in Races of the Wild (or is that Races of Destiny?) there's an alt.-Dodge feat that's better suited for scouts than the normal Dodge.

 

[Shin Okada]

Spring Attack is nice for a Scout. You can move, attack, and then go back. You can attack only once/turn. But your opponent can't make full melee attack on you, too. It is advantageous when fighting against full-BAB class as they have more attacks than you have. It is a nice tactics against monsters with multiple attacks, too.

Use Longspear or other reach weapon. Now, if your opponent does not have reach, you make an attack, opponent comes to you and provoke an AoO, then makes only one attack.

Take Combat Reflex if possible, then buy Steadfast Boots (in Arms and Equipment Guide). That combination works really well, especially against dumb beast types who charge recklessly.

 

[Daermon]

Another option is Shot on the Run. Essentially the same as Spring Attack, only with a bow.

 

[brehobit]

Halfing outrider (CW PrC) is really handy with a scout. Really handy.

 

[Yeoman]

Greater Manyshot is the ideal feat for a single classed archery focused scout. For multiclassing, Order of the Bow Initiate is great for archers, and Dervish is great for melee scouts.

 

[Mistwell]

Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed/Evolved has a good feat called Speed Burst that gives you an extra move a certain number of times per day (right now my character can do it 5 times a day). That allows a full attack plus a move.