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New Feat: Deadly Aim

Overpowered, IMO. It is better than Weapon Specialization (up to a +4 or more versus a fixed +2), can be taken at 1st level and has a minimal prereq. With a STR and DEX bonus (and Weapon Specialization, of course), a character using a mighty composite bow with this feat can do a huge amount of damage at low levels.

Many of the feats based on Asheron's Call are imbalanced for most campaigns; if memory serves, this is mentioned in the first article that included them.
 

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Read the intro and didn't catch any warning that they would be high powered compared to the PHB ones. He probably forgot to tone it down *shrugs*
 

First of all, ability score prequisites for feats are always listed using odd ability scores, never even ones.

Second, ranged weapons do not need any more help. They are already very powerful as it is. Hitting someone in a vital spot is what the 'Improved Critical' feat is for.


By itself, Dexterity is already a very powerful ability score:

affects many skills
affects initiative
affects ranged attack rolls
affects AC dodge bonuses
affects reflex saves
 
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From my D&D page:


INSTINCTIVE STRIKE [general, martial arts]

To the astute, brawn is unnecessary. You exemplify this.

Prerequisites: Base attack bonus +8, Weapon Focus, Wis 13+.

Benefit: When using a weapon with which you have Weapon Focus, you may add your Wisdom bonus to your damage rolls in place of your Strength modifier. Unlike your Strength modifier, this bonus to damage is not modified for two-handed melee weapons or off-hand weapons. You do not gain this benefit if the weapon you use does not allow a Strength bonus to damage.

Special: You may take this feat multiple times. Its effects do not stack; each time you take this feat, it applies to a different weapon. You can choose composite bows or “unarmed strike” as your weapon for the purposes of this feat. A mighty bow’s Strength limit doesn’t apply to your Wisdom bonus.
 

My DM and I simply came up with a house rule saying the Damage bonus with Dead Eye does not stack with bonuses from Mighty Bows...

(You know guys, archers are only broken if you allow the abuses to happen, so not every new improvement for the archer means it has to be vetoed, not everyone IS a power gamer.) :)
 


Hong.....

Take a look at the Zen Archery feat in Sword & Fist.

If you are going to add a feat the allows wisdom to determine bonus damage instead of strength when using a weapon.....

Limit its effectiveness with ranged weapons, to a maximum range of 30 ft.
 
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The feat originally posted by Garnfellow is interesting.

I've been into a couple of these types of threads, and in each one I've defended the archer. If the rules let you, go for it. If the rules are abused/broken, house rule. Thats my opinion.

However, this time, I have to say the feat is WAY overpowered. You get two ability bonuses (Str and Dex) added on with a mighty bow. On top of this, seeing as how Dex and Str are arguably the number one and two abilities of most archers, this is nuts. Throw in that many archers are elves, then you are running to the "porcelain alter" to empty stomach contents.

Now then, my idea on fixing the feat. Number one, a thirty foot range limit on the extra damage. Makes sense because most archer damage feats follow this. Next, make dexterity replace any strength bonus to damage. That way the damage increase is minimal. Thirdly (and this is my favourite), make the max Dex bonus equal to the bonus that would be given by a Might Comp Bow for the strenght stat.

Okay, before everyone starts screaming that a MCB requires the strength to draw and that makes the feat a stupid one, then here's what you do: House Rule that Dexterity can be used to use a MCB of a particular plus, but you can only apply the strength bonus you have.

That is, you have an MCB of +3, with a 12 Str (+1), and a 16 Dex (+3). The char can draw the bow but only apply a +1 bonus. This is good for chars who are going to beef up their strength score later and don't want to buy a new MCB every time.

Also, with that house rule, you can use this feat and it's worthwhile taking it, as the archer can focus on beefing Dex and not Str. IMHO this is the best way, though I must admit, it is a tad munchkin-y.
 


Re: Hong.....

Andion Isurand said:
Take a look at the Zen Archery feat in Sword & Fist.

Oh, I'm quite aware of Zen Archery. First, it adds to attack bonus, not damage; second, there's no real reason to take it, unless you intend to become an order of the bow initiate. Which is a class I hate, hate, hate.

Well, there's a SECOND reason to take it, which is if you're a cleric archer. Which is also a concept I hate, hate, hate. :)
 

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