Help me build this archer

[Curtington Foo]

So I came up with a character concept that involves an assassin archer. Kind of like a sniper assassin.

Problem is, its a core only game and we are starting at level 3. Do I go ranger or rogue? Or multiclass? Help!

Ps. This is meant to be a simple character for my wife.

[RuyanVe]

Greetings, fellow traveller.

I'd go ranger. As it is a Core only campaign, Treantmonk's Guide for the Ranger (Google doc) should give you all the information needed.

Ruyan.

[coldvictim]

Whilst it is obvious to look at ranger or rogue, don't discount straight forward fighter. It's easier to concentrate on archery and, for someone who is new and maybe doesn't want all the extraneous rogue talents or ranger pets/spells etc. can offer a few advantages.

[666bender]

The problam with non zen archer or ranger is the lack of imp. Precise shot.
Most attacks will suffer cover.

Ranger has the advandage of a mount , even a flyer.
Monk has the plus side of many many many attacks .

[The Dragon]

Sniper is a bit of a hard concept to do, because arrows generally aren't very lethal, except in big amounts.

Maybe get her some poisoned arrows or something?

[666bender]

well.... my DM allowed me to use oversized weapon (-4) for a large heavy X-bow - 2d8 base with vital strikes - it aint that bad...

[666bender]

but also :
zen archer can boost the single attack rolling 3 times and using monk unarmed as base damage - with vital strike it aint that bad.

a rogue with shot on the run and hide in plain sight CAN be OK.

[coldvictim]

From the original post I would be concerned that a lot of builds may be too complicated.

I would be tempted to ask the player in question whether she would prefer to have something that had a range of options or that did one thing well and then build around that.

[Curtington Foo]

Well, she has been playing for quite a long time, but enjoys the roleplay side much more and does not want to get bogged down with all the details (last game got slow and tedious with all the magic and stuff). I said I would make her a character based on her description.

Main focus is stealthy archer. Poison arrows are a good idea thankyou.

And thankyou everyone for the help!

[Imbicatus]

I would recommend a Ranger for a core archer. Ranged sneak attacks are almost impossible to make work in core only, and the sniping rules leave much to be desired. You can make a character like Green Arrow or Robin Hood quite easily with a ranger, and still be viable in melee if something closes with you.

[Curtington Foo]

Acrobatic quick and nimble stealthy archer. Should be easy now that I think about it. Thankyou for all the help!