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I have been creating character concepts and toying around with fighting styles and came across some issues regarding crossbows. Most of the feats for ranged seem to be primarily for bows, with implied use for crossbows. Since the loading action is different that bows(requiring an action, except with crossbow mastery), some of the feats seem unclear as to how it will effect crossbows.
One example is rapid shot. This feat is firing 2 shots in succession but does not take into account the loading action for crossbows. This would then have an implied pre-req of rapid reload (especially with a heavy crossbow). Many Shot uses the word bow in it but does not say specifically that crossbows are disallowed. Many Shot and Crossbow Mastery are assumed to be the same tree position by the description of the fact that a Ranger can take one of these two at level 6. What would be useful is having separate versions and descriptions for each ranged type.
What thoughts does do you have on this? Trying to get clarity on this since from a character flavor aspect, I really like having my characters with a crossbow over a bow.
I would take a different path with crossbows. Instead of trying to duplicate the bow feats do something new.
I would like to see crossbows to bows more like the difference between two weapon fighting and two-handed weapons.
Try making feats to use and load large mighty crossbows. Instead of a a cloud of arrows one massive bolt that will pin a man to the wall.
The problem with that approach would be it is largely a mechanical operation. So it would be more a matter of equipment than feats. I would still like to explore it though.
I would take a different path with crossbows. Instead of trying to duplicate the bow feats do something new.
I would like to see crossbows to bows more like the difference between two weapon fighting and two-handed weapons.
Try making feats to use and load large mighty crossbows. Instead of a a cloud of arrows one massive bolt that will pin a man to the wall.
The problem with that approach would be it is largely a mechanical operation. So it would be more a matter of equipment than feats. I would still like to explore it though.
Going with Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Great Crossbow) from Races of Stone and taking Deadly Aim would duplicate this quite readily. Within 30 feet Point Blank Shot is also nice. If you are a Fighter, taking Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization is also very nice.
A 4th level Human Fighter can pick up EWP (Great Crossbow), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Weapon Focus & Weapon Specialization (Great Crossbow).
This would allow you to shoot a single bolt that does 2d8 +7 points of damage at a range of 30 feet with no penalty to hit due to Deadly Aim because it is offset by Point Blank Shot and Weapon Focus. (I'd say that 9-23 points of damage could pin someone to a wall)
One example is rapid shot. This feat is firing 2 shots in succession but does not take into account the loading action for crossbows. This would then have an implied pre-req of rapid reload (especially with a heavy crossbow).
'Rapid Reload' would also implied/required for 'Shot on the Run' while using a crossbow.