Kio'oukath Spearbearer: Male goliath hoplite/arbalestier [please critique]

[Darkwolf71]

Yup, the PRC is not designed for use with the great crossbow. In fact, it's also not designed for use with repeating crossbows, of any type, because of obvious balance issues. It actually states that right in the product. As for the crits stacking, normally I would agree that is absolutely broken and powergamey. However, the whole point behind the arbalestier is that you only get one shot per round, and you have to make the most out of that shot.

For example, the iconic NPC offered in the product is a 13th level character, and his ranged attack line looks like this: +1 distance seeking heavy crossbow +21 (3d6+6/15-20/x3). That's a potent shot, but compare that to a 13th-level archer, who can get off 4 shots per round, with a Strength bonus to damage, or fire 3 arrows with a single shot; again, with a Strength bonus to damage, and I think the arbalestier’s powerful single shot is pretty balanced.

Darkwolf, I do not cater to powergamers. Balanced rules and mechanics are incredibly important to me when I design. However, like Kayn said, when you start adding in all the other stuff and bending the rules a bit, things can get unbalanced in a hurry.

I do like JiCi’s write-ups, but I would like everyone to bear in mind, they’re not exactly what I envisioned when I was creating these prestige classes. Although, I still think they’re a lot of fun to read. =]

BD

Apologies. I couldn't tell from the build your intent.

You're actually right, for a one-shot build it is quite nice. Sorry to have passed judgment on your product. :embarrassed:

 

[BLACKDIRGE]

Apologies. I couldn't tell from the build your intent.

You're actually right, for a one-shot build it is quite nice. Sorry to have passed judgment on your product. :embarrassed:

No worries. I can see how it might have looked pretty broken with all the other stuff in the build. That's why I felt the need to clarify.

BD

 

[JiCi]

Ok, you guys really got me on this one.

I know that stacking doesn't work if the bonuses come from the same source, but in this case, one is a feat and the other is a magical enhancement. The thing is that for Rapid Reload, the time required for you to reload your chosen type of crossbow is reduced to a free action (for a hand or light crossbow) or a move action (for a heavy crossbow). Reloading a crossbow still provokes an attack of opportunity. However, the Quick-Loading enhancement kinda treats the great crossbow, a weapon equivalency for the heavy crossbow, as a light crossbow in terms of reloading time. Thus, it ends up to reload as a free action.

Ok, here's the deal, if that doesn't work, I'll just take out the Quick-Loading enhancement and 2 feats in order to sqeeze in Endurance and Steadfast Determination.