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I have tried to create a character that closely represents a modern infantry soldier. Primary combat abilities revolve around the use of a ranged weapon that can be used at point blank range.
The fighter class seems to be built around feat selection. What feats would you choose for the first 5 or so levels? Some assumptions I am going with: Human (for the extra feat at first level), using Pathfinder Society creation rules (20 point buy), STR 14, DEX 19, CON 13, INT 11, WIS 10, CHA 8, +2 to strength for human. Also assuming I will need prereq's for Crossbow Mastery [APG 157]. Using a Heavy Crossbow, buckler and light melee weapon (rapier?).
Starting with Point Blank Shot, Rapid Reload (reload Heavy Crossbow as a move action) and Rapid Shot (to meet prereq for Crossbow Mastery which I will take at level 2). After level 2 the character will be able to make full attacks with the heavy crossbow (chosen weapon), reload the weapon as a free action and not provoke attacks of opportunity while attacking with the heavy crossbow in melee. Taking Precise Shot at 3rd level.
All of the above can be done without using the Crossbowman alternate class features [APG 104] which sacrifice the fighter's Armor and Weapon training for crossbow-focused class features. Is this a good option? My thoughts are that since the character is more Dex than Str focused, heavier armor might be too limiting anyway. The idea is to have the heavy crossbow as the main all-purpose weapon with a light blade as a backup.
Let me know what you think.
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A high int, high dex crossbowman with a low strength could be very dangerous with the Focused Shot feat, firing from stealth and adding int to the damage on the readied actions as well as 1/2 dex (IIRC) that the crossbowman fighter allows to be dealt. Such a character could specialise in disrupting spellcasters with high initiative and high damage readied actions.
I'd recommend changing the ability scores to: 12 Str, 18 Dex (16 +2), 14 Con, 14 Int, 10 Wis, 8 Cha (possibly 12 Wis, 7 Cha); this allows use of Focused Shot (+2 damage from Int within 30 ft), more skills, and more hp. I also second the use of a large heavy crossbow (2d8 damage, -2 attack rolls). For feats at 1st level, I'd go with Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, and Rapid Reload (Heavy Crossbow); take Focused Shot as your 2nd level bonus feat, Deadly Aim as your 3rd level feat, Rapid Shot as your bonus 4th level feat, Crossbow Mastery (Heavy Crossbow) as your 5th level feat, and Vital Strike as your bonus 6th level feat.
I'd also look at Dodge, Mobility, Shot on the Run, and Parting Shot. This feat chain (with Crossbow Mastery) will increase your battlefield mobility. At some point, you probably want to take Improved Vital Strike, Iron Will, and Weapon Finesse, as well.
For skills, I'd focus on Perception, Stealth, and Survival. Other useful skills include Acrobatics, Climb, Craft (Weapons), Heal, Intimidate, Knowledge (Dungeoneering), Knowledge (Nature), and Swim.
Starting equipment: studded leather (25 gp), buckler (15 gp), large heavy crossbow (100 gp), 20 large bolts (4 gp), short sword (10 gp), light hammer (1 gp), dagger (2 gp); 157 gp total, plus other gear. Eventually, try to obtain a mithral chain shirt or a mithral breastplate and boots of striding and springing.
How are you not going to be provoking AoO's after 2nd level? I understand that crossbow mastery will prevent the AoO for loading the crossbow but until you can take Point Blank Master at 5th level how are you not provoking an AoO for firing in melee?
I'd recommend changing the ability scores to: 12 Str, 18 Dex (16 +2), 14 Con, 14 Int, 10 Wis, 8 Cha (possibly 12 Wis, 7 Cha); this allows use of Focused Shot (+2 damage from Int within 30 ft), more skills, and more hp.
Double-checking the carrying capacity values on Table 7-4 (Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook, pg. 171), 14 Str and 12 Con (favored class bonus in hp) is probably better, since the gear I listed weighs 20+5+16+4+2+2+1=50 lbs.
Also, 1-4 levels of rogue (Sniper) may be worth considering; especially if you take rogue talents that give you bonus feats (Combat Trick, Finesse Rogue, Weapon Training) or provide other benefits (Fast Stealth, Snap Shot, Sniper's Eye, Surprise Attack).
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How are you not going to be provoking AoO's after 2nd level? I understand that crossbow mastery will prevent the AoO for loading the crossbow but until you can take Point Blank Master at 5th level how are you not provoking an AoO for firing in melee?
Good call on this one. I missed that Crossbow Mastery only prevents AoO when reloading.
Point Blank Master at 5th level would accomplish that, and the Crossbowman class feature at 13th level (Safe Shot)accomplishes the same goal.
I have a question about using a Large Heavy Crossbow as a medium size character. The Heavy Crossbow requires two hands to operate and is neither light, one handed or two handed. Looking at the rules for inappropriately sized weapons (Core Rulebook 144), states that the size category is altered by one step. The closest I can come up with (how I would rule as a DM) is that the heavy crossbow is a two handed weapon since you take penalties to shoot it with only one hand. Therefore I would think that you couldn't wield a Large Heavy Crossbow as a medium size character.
"If a weapon's designation would be changed to something other than light, one-handed, or two-handed by this alteration, the creature can't wield the weapon at all."
What do you all think?
1) By RAW, you can't use a two-handed weapon (of your size category) one-handed at all (double-weapons being a special case).
2) Per the description of the heavy crossbow, you can fire the weapon in one hand (just at a penalty), however it takes two hands to load.
A medium character firing a large heavy crossbow must use two hands to do so. If you wanted to impose a greater restriction on this, you could apply the one-handed firing penalty on top of the inappropriately sized weapon penalty. However, considering how powerful an archer with a composite longbow built for Str and Manyshot/Rapid Shot is, why prevent the crossbowman from being able to be nearly as effective?