D&D 5E (2024) Ranged Builds Thread

[FrogReaver]

The future DM just told me that we all get a free feat and start with level 5.

I'm hesitant to build the dual hand crossbow champion, because a critical hit just adds 1D6

Does anybody have another idea?
Maybe an eldritch knight with the free feat as +2 INT?
And Assimar to fly above an enemy and shoot him dead?
Orc better an orc, to increase the range I can see at night since it is an Innistrad inspired world (gothic horror with vampires, werewolves etc).

STR 15+1
DEX 13+1
CON 12

INT 14+2+2
CHA 8
WIS 10

Guard: +2 INT +1STR & Alert
Free feat: +2 INT
Fear at level 4: Crossbow expert

The problem is that the multi attack cannot yet be combined with true strike

The party will have a cleric and the third will be either a barbarian or a monk or a bard (depending on what I take).

Would the piercer feat help?

 

[FrogReaver]

@CptMetal

Have you considered a battlemaster using your dual hand crossbows? Eventually take a dip into Ranger for Hunters Mark?

Menacing attack option gives you some nice control options.

By the time you factor in vex, action surge and superiority die damage you'll have good ranged DPR. You can pick up sharpshooter at 6. For level 7 i'd take a single level dip into ranger. Access to 4x casts of hunter's mark will skyrocket your damage. Then continue on in fighter. At fighter 8/ranger 1 you'll pick up mage slayer which finally maxes your dex. Feels like you'll be a powerhouse with an occasional control option from battlemaster.

 

[CptMetal]

Which maneuvers would you suggest?
I would take menacing attack, pushing attack and evasive footwork.

And isn't hunters mark a trap? I need to forfeit a bonus action attack to set it up and move it.
But if it is good, maybe even invest in two Ranger levels to get Stealth expertise?

Wood elf: perception

Criminal: sleight of hands & stealth & thieves tools
Feat: alert

4 levels in Fighter: acrobatics & athletics
Level 4 feat: crossbow expert
1 level in ranger: survival

Free house rule feat: Sharpshooter

STR 12
DEX 15+2+1+1
CON 13+1

CHA 8
INT 10
WIS 14

So I could just keep on taking fighter levels.

I wonder if the piercer feat for a champion build would be better. Hm... but less options!

you guys recon, that some rogue levels could give the champions more options?

 

[FrogReaver]

Which maneuvers would you suggest?
I would take menacing attack, pushing attack and evasive footwork.

Ambush for the initiative bonus, especially if you have alert.
Menacing for the fear

I can see arguments for Pushing, Trip, Precision and Maneuvering.

Specifically for a group with a cleric which I think you mentioned I would do Maneuvering
Maneuvering - allowing allies to move off turn, like a cleric with spirit guardians is insanely good.

And isn't hunters mark a trap? I need to forfeit a bonus action attack to set it up and move it.
But if it is good, maybe even invest in two Ranger levels to get Stealth expertise?

Well I was initially thinking you didn't need the bonus action to attack, but you do. No nick mastery. As such it's not as good as I first envisioned, but it's not terrible to have for bosses either. With 2 attacks and a bonus attack it will add nearly the damage of your single bonus attack back on the first turn. Then any subsequent turns you hit before needing to move it again will let it pay for itself.

Wood elf: perception

Criminal: sleight of hands & stealth & thieves tools
Feat: alert

4 levels in Fighter: acrobatics & athletics
Level 4 feat: crossbow expert
1 level in ranger: survival

Free house rule feat: Sharpshooter

yea. I forgot the free feat. Even better for you!

STR 12
DEX 15+2+1+1
CON 13+1

CHA 8
INT 10
WIS 14

So I could just keep on taking fighter levels.

I wonder if the piercer feat for a champion build would be better. Hm... but less options!

Are you assuming a champion with elven accuracy? If so, I'll crunch some numbers later.

you guys recon, that some rogue levels could give the champions more options?

Rogue is a solid addition on any ranged fighter build. Sometimes having the bonus action dash is better than the bonus action attack. The sneak attack damage adds up nicely. But going out of fighter for more than a level is tough to justify unless it's like level 12+.

 

[Zardnaar]

Which maneuvers would you suggest?
I would take menacing attack, pushing attack and evasive footwork.

And isn't hunters mark a trap? I need to forfeit a bonus action attack to set it up and move it.
But if it is good, maybe even invest in two Ranger levels to get Stealth expertise?

Wood elf: perception

Criminal: sleight of hands & stealth & thieves tools
Feat: alert

4 levels in Fighter: acrobatics & athletics
Level 4 feat: crossbow expert
1 level in ranger: survival

Free house rule feat: Sharpshooter

STR 12
DEX 15+2+1+1
CON 13+1

CHA 8
INT 10
WIS 14

So I could just keep on taking fighter levels.

I wonder if the piercer feat for a champion build would be better. Hm... but less options!

you guys recon, that some rogue levels could give the champions more options?

Our go to for BM is precision, prone and menacing. If player is new menacing maybe replaced with push or disarm

 

[FrogReaver]

One other cool thing. With a hand crossbow you can also use a nick thrown weapon in place of your bonus action hand crossbow attack. Any time you bonus action move hunters mark this could be an option.

 

[CptMetal]

[...]

Are you assuming a champion with elven accuracy? If so, I'll crunch some numbers later.

Champion? i thought we were talking about the battlemaster.
But of course I'm always interested in the champion.

 

[FrogReaver]

Champion? i thought we were talking about the battlemaster.
But of course I'm always interested in the champion.

But you specifically asked about it on a champion build in that very post…?

 

[Zardnaar]

But you specifically asked about it on a champion build in that very post…?

Others bought up Battlemaster?

Champions good from level 3. Battlemaster beats it probably. Champion +alert origin feat just saying

Level 10 though with vex and elven accuracy a champion is beautiful to see. Tested that one.

Battlemaster ranged I want menacing strike probably dont want prone.

Even shortbow is looking tempting.

 

[CptMetal]

But you specifically asked about it on a champion build in that very post…?

First I was talking about the champion. But I'm also interested in the battle master.

Primarily I'm trying to build a non full caster ranged build for an Innistrad inspired campaign.