Mounted Archer

[Felnar]

i'm looking for suggestions for a mounted archer build (or mounted slinger/thrower)
specifically as a halfling at low levels (1-8) (eberron talenta plains if that matters)

thanks

 

[Darklone]

Sling? Then you need Rapid Reload... Low levels? Crossbow sniper (you don't get that many shots either).

Maxx your dex, get 4 ftr levels for WS. Rogue or scout don't hurt, Deadeye shot doesn't really fit a mounted archer but should work.

Skiprocks don't exist anymore, right?

 

[VonRichthofen]

Scout is a bad idea.

Skirmish doesn't work while mounted, extra land speed is wasted, special movement modes don't transfere to the mount... just don't do it.

Otherwise, Weapon Spec/Ranged Weapon Mastery as mentioned might not be your worst bet, since your damage output will possibly be somewhat lacking.

If you can manage Rapid Reload & Rapid Shot, you can have the same fire rate as an archer, and you can indeed apply half your Dex to damage with Crossbow Sniper.
Mounted Archery (name?) might be another feat to consider.

Thus, your basic damage output should be about right. (In case of a Dex 18/Str 8, you'd be around "weapon damage +7 at close range")

IF your DM allows, you might want to have a look at the Dragon feat "Dead Eye" (D 309? not entirely sure) - it allows for your full Dex to add to damage when within 30 ft.

Do you want to invest in a special/cohort mount at higher levels?

 

[Legildur]

IF your DM allows, you might want to have a look at the Dragon feat "Dead Eye" (D 309? not entirely sure) - it allows for your full Dex to add to damage when within 30 ft.

I think that feat might have been reprinted in Complete Adventurer (or maybe even PHBII) as Dead Eye Shot.

 

[Felnar]

Scout is a bad idea.

Skirmish doesn't work while mounted, extra land speed is wasted, special movement modes don't transfere to the mount... just don't do it.

Do you want to invest in a special/cohort mount at higher levels?

you dont gain skirmish damage while mounted?
i cant find this in any books

i dont see the campaign going past level 8, so probably no special mounts (unless from druid/ranger levels)

 

[Darklone]

I think that feat might have been reprinted in Complete Adventurer (or maybe even PHBII) as Dead Eye Shot.

Deadeyeshot from PHB2 allows you to ready a shot till someone hits the victim. You shoot, he loses dex to AC. Nice for ranged sneak attacks.

@Felnar:
The Scouts skirmish description states that skirmish damage is dealt "on all attacks made during any round in which she moves at least 10 ft."

Guess that depends on whether the FAQ or the DM or whoever in charge considers moving on a mount as "to be moving".

 

[shilsen]

@Felnar:
The Scouts skirmish description states that skirmish damage is dealt "on all attacks made during any round in which she moves at least 10 ft."

Guess that depends on whether the FAQ or the DM or whoever in charge considers moving on a mount as "to be moving".

Actually, that doesn't matter any more. The errata to Complete Adventurer specifically added a line saying "The skirmish ability cannot be used when mounted."

 

[Machiavelli]

...which is a shame, really. Mounted archery isn't easy to pull off effectively.

As for Crossbow Sniper, you really can ignore the increase to your sneak attack range (30' -> 60') and it's still a decent feat. The feat that gives full Dex to damage on any ranged attack is just... uneeded. I would say even somewhat overpowered. Archers don't need more loving in this game, except for perhaps crossbow archers.


Now, I would think that one very good question would be this: why do you want to be a mounted archer?
The benefits in the game are minimal at best, unless you plan to fight your battles on relatively HUGE battlefields (in D&D terms), as a mass of troops against other masses of troops. Then the ability to race around the battlefield and apply ranged firepower to the enemy nearly at will is a proven battle winner.
Or perhaps you plan to hunt dragons, or other flying creatures prone to retreating when the odds are against them?

Otherwise, seriously, you're better off on foot, on a flying mount with a bow, or mounted with a lance for charges.

 

[Felnar]

oh errata... spoiling my fun (and Ride is even a class skill for scouts)

Now, I would think that one very good question would be this: why do you want to be a mounted archer?

the campaign takes place in the Eberron's Talenta Plains, and conflict with the elves of Valenar (who specialize in mounted combat) will be at the forefront. The party will consist of four halfling dino-herders.

 

[Slobber Monster]

I think a fun build which I have put together as an NPC opponent is Druid 5 / Ranger 2 / Beastmaster n. By 9th level the character is riding around on a Megaraptor animal companion with Longstrider boosting its speed to 70 ft. The archery and supplemental attack magic isn't especially strong, but the huge mobility advantage is fun.