My character concept is ruined by the Rules!

[pathfinderq1]

Yeah, it looks like this calls for a rogue (if you want to stay with the crossbow idea), or an invoker (wielding a rod or staff implement reskinned as an elephant gun- or perhaps a Boomstick...)

 

[malraux]

Not all character concepts are going to work with D&D. Maybe loosen up on the concept some.

An important corollary is that not every class works with ever concept. If you find your concept and class in conflict, before condemning the entire system, try another class.

 

[The Little Raven]

If you find your concept and class in conflict, before condemning the entire system, try another class.

Indeed. The fact of the matter is that his choice (Avenger) ruined the execution of his concept, not the rules.

 

[Asmor]

As has been said ad infinitum, avenger was the wrong choice of class.

Now on a bit of a tangent, I take issue with your use of the term 'atheism.' Note that I'm not offended per se, no more than I'd be if someone had written "should of" instead of "should've" or "should have."

Atheism is a lack in belief of god. Atheist literally translates to "One without belief in god." An atheist god hunter doesn't work as a serious concept because, well, what kind of person dedicates their life to hunting something they don't even think exists?

And of course this is to say nothing of the absurdity of being an atheist in the first place in many fantasy worlds where the existence of gods is not just a matter of fact, but their existence is proven on a reasonably frequent basis. Playing an atheist in such a world would be like playing a character who doesn't believe in elves, despite the fact that the cleric who keeps saving his ass has pointy ears and enjoys hugging trees in her spare time. There are exceptions, of course (notably Eberron, where the existence of the 'real' deities is entirely a matter of faith), but for the most part an atheist in a typical fantasy setting is just absurd.

 

[tomBitonti]

I think you could translate "athiest" as "one who does not believe in the divinity of gods".

Lots of interesting philosophy to be had if your atheist denies the concept of gods.

In any case, you could believe that the "gods" -- as most common folk in your campaign call them -- are all pretenders, and not worthy of the adoration they are given. You could accept their power without granting it your worship. Curiously, your character would be placing themself as a higher moral authority than the gods.

I do think the concept will be difficult as a player character concept, since your fundamental outlook and goals will be quite opposed to the other characters. A GodHunter to works as a divine agent and who opposes Gods who have broken some fundamental rule or agreement between the gods (who would very definitely not be an athiest), that I can see working.

On the other hand, as a NPC, a pure non-believer, athiest god hunter would work very well as a campaign-long antagonist.

 

[Inyssius]

Atheism is a lack in belief of god. Atheist literally translates to "One without belief in god." An atheist god hunter doesn't work as a serious concept because, well, what kind of person dedicates their life to hunting something they don't even think exists?

Probably the same sort of person who can manage to deny their existence in the first place. A snark-hunter. You'd have to be a bit of an odd duck, but we are talking about zombie Theodore Roosevelt here.

In any case, you could believe that the "gods" -- as most common folk in your campaign call them -- are all pretenders, and not worthy of the adoration they are given. You could accept their power without granting it your worship. Curiously, your character would be placing themself as a higher moral authority than the gods.

Now, that would be interestingly tricky theological ground--any learned man would see this as a de facto declaration of alliance with the Elemental heresy, and rightly so!

 

[Byronic]

You could always just use basic ranged attacks before going in, if you're the Dex variant Avenger that should work nicely.

Or go as a Hybrid Avenger/Ranger. They both use Wis and Dex and you can have half of your powers be ranged powers.

 

[Pierson_Lowgal]

[Side note: in order to get along with Clerics/Paladins in the group, the character would work with them until they led him to their deity. Then he would kill both the deity and the follower. A very gentleman like agreement....]

Have you run this by your GM? To me, fundamental lying in anticipation of cold-blooded murder is not a good way to maintain a party, but your game might be different than mine.