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elonin
2011-02-15, 07:26 PM
Need some advice regarding character building. Our group is 3-4th level with a favored soul, bard, cleric, fighter, wizard, and me. The setting is about regular magic etc but equipment is limited to basic supplies and placed loot for magic items. The stats were done with a 20 point buy.

I'm playing a rogue1, ranger2 with s10, d16, i14, c10, w14, ch14. My low constitution and hit point rolls (14 pts) have put me in the position of archery damage dealer. The problem is that even with maxed out stealth I've found it difficult getting concealment. UMD isn't any help here since the only items available are placed loot from a module.

I'm able to rebuild the character or create a new one. If I stay with the current character 2 stat points can be adjusted, as well as, skills and at least one feat. My first idea for a swap would be reducing charisma and boosting con to help with hit points, dumping UMD skill ranks, and dropping the ranger levels.

[edit]BTW forgot to mention that swift hunter is out.

subject42
2011-02-15, 07:44 PM
Could you dip a level of shadowdancer?

Golden-Esque
2011-02-15, 08:10 PM
Need some advice regarding character building. Our group is 3-4th level with a favored soul, bard, cleric, fighter, wizard, and me. The setting is about regular magic etc but equipment is limited to basic supplies and placed loot for magic items. The stats were done with a 20 point buy.

I'm playing a rogue1, ranger2 with s10, d16, i14, c10, w14, ch14. My low constitution and hit point rolls (14 pts) have put me in the position of archery damage dealer. The problem is that even with maxed out stealth I've found it difficult getting concealment. UMD isn't any help here since the only items available are placed loot from a module.

I'm able to rebuild the character or create a new one. If I stay with the current character 2 stat points can be adjusted, as well as, skills and at least one feat. My first idea for a swap would be reducing charisma and boosting con to help with hit points, dumping UMD skill ranks, and dropping the ranger levels.

[edit]BTW forgot to mention that swift hunter is out.

Why are you so bent out of shape about having concealment? Its not like it triggers your sneak attack or anything; only flanking or denying a creature's its Dex bonus will do that.

As a ranged attacker, there are several feats that will make your life easier more then any class feature you could happen upon in either the Rogue or the Ranger class.

Deadly Aim (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/deadly-aim-combat)
Focused Shot (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/focused-shot-combat)
Rapid Shot (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/rapid-shot-combat---final)

These three feats are the bread and butter of any successful early-level archery build, in my opinion. Also, when picking your class features, I'd focus mostly on Ranger class levels and select Favored Enemies that have either a high-tolerance or complete immunity against your Sneak Attack. Undead and Abominations come to mind, as you're going to want some extra damage for when your sneak attacks fail you. Plus, what DM doesn't use Undead? It's one of the best Favored Enemy choices in the game from a non-roleplaying perspective.

elonin
2011-02-15, 08:21 PM
Really like shadow dancer for more than one level but that is really feat expensive. I could swap feats for the prereqs and take that next level, except that the dm has a house rule regarding precise shot. I've found out the hard way (really during game) that shooting into melee incurs -4 penalty and if that penalty causes you to miss you hit your ally. And those feats are generally a waste.

I could get those feats and rely on flanking for sneak attack, but will not last long as melee type.

Another thing that I didn't mention is that I've got a +1 long bow that can be swapped for another item if I switch strategies.

elonin
2011-02-15, 09:15 PM
Why are you so bent out of shape about having concealment? Its not like it triggers your sneak attack or anything; only flanking or denying a creature's its Dex bonus will do that.

As a ranged attacker, there are several feats that will make your life easier more then any class feature you could happen upon in either the Rogue or the Ranger class.

Deadly Aim (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/deadly-aim-combat)
Focused Shot (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/focused-shot-combat)
Rapid Shot (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/rapid-shot-combat---final)

These three feats are the bread and butter of any successful early-level archery build, in my opinion. Also, when picking your class features, I'd focus mostly on Ranger class levels and select Favored Enemies that have either a high-tolerance or complete immunity against your Sneak Attack. Undead and Abominations come to mind, as you're going to want some extra damage for when your sneak attacks fail you. Plus, what DM doesn't use Undead? It's one of the best Favored Enemy choices in the game from a non-roleplaying perspective.

No but it makes sneak attack possible with a successful stealth check by denying the target their dex. Those feats are good and as you have said will be taken regardless of which class I take.

Is ranger strong enough to compensate for rogue abilities? The strongest reason comes in form of the full bab.

elonin
2011-02-16, 07:54 PM
Just to open this up a bit, how would everyone change this build? Or would you change this up completely? I'd prefer to be some sort of skill monkey but doesn't have to be archery.

Mojo_Rat
2011-02-17, 12:11 AM
Just go pure archer and dont worry about rogue at all.