I'm a relative newbie looking for optimized ideas and builds for a Glass Cannon build. The ranged archer we all know and love who can deal out ungodly damage with their bow. Certain feats are more or less obvious, but what about race, class, multiclass- the juicy bits. Please note that our group seldom goes over 12th Level and I'm limited to core Pathfinder. Thanks in advance.
Are you looking for a ranger and/or archer build then? It would make sense to post that since I am not aware of the term "glass cannon".
Well, the ranger is hardly a glass cannon. this term usually refers to classes that are much squishier and armed with artillery-like firepower, like the sorcerers and wizards.
I used the 'glass cannon,'a pejorative, to designate an archer build whose primary combat role is the ranged support guy sniping away during the melee. The iconic figure would be Legolas of 'Lord of the Rings' fame. Typically these guys are a bit squishy (thank you Zmar)however we could go with reinforced glass if you think a Ranger or Fighter would do best. I doubt that a Sorcerer or *gasp* Wizard would do with scorching rays or whatever, but would love to be proved wrong.
Ray mages are the very definition of glass cannon. Able to pump out ungodly amounts of damage, but they can be taken out by a stiff breeze or angry thought.
Any character who's primary job is to deal damage, but is not made to take attacks like a Tank is a "glass cannon". I think I can speak with authority on the subject :)
Blaster Wizards, Archers, TWF Rogues, Most "Gish" types, etc - all are "Glass Cannons".
As for a Ranger Archer build - I made a GUIDE
A particularly scary Glass Cannon is an archery Paladin.
See my post on this thread:
http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderR PG/general/anArcherFighterSGTToIllustrateAPoint&page=2#67
Feat Progression:
Deadly Aim
Point Blank Shot
Rapid Shot
Many Shot
Improved Critical
Leadership
(Leadership can wait until 11th level, see the post for why.)
You may never get to use this if your DM sees that post.
Check out the Arcane Archer prestige class.
A particularly scary Glass Cannon is an archery Paladin.
See my post on this thread:
Feat Progression:
Deadly Aim
Point Blank Shot
Rapid Shot
Many Shot
Improved Critical
Leadership(Leadership can wait until 11th level, see the post for why.)
You may never get to use this if your DM sees that post.
Treantmonk:
I read your Ranger guide and loved it. But I noted that you gave the double threat Ranger 4 stars while his archer counterpart got only 3 stars. Doesn't mean he's not effective, but I'm hoping we can do better.
AdAstraGames:
You got the feat chain down, and I hadn't thought about a Palidin before. Nice trick.
Squeakmaan:
You can't be right. Really. If casters can outdo melee types at being the artillery barrage when that style is considered sub-optimal for casters, then there's simply no justice and I'll go off in a corner and cry.