Gunslinger vs. Crossbowman Archetype


Gunslinger Discussion: Round 1


Previously in the game I'm running I introduced a character who used firearms, but was using the crossbowman archetype from the APG, but replacing all instances of 'crossbow' with 'firearm'.

I'm curious as to what people think of potential comparisons between this class vs. the simple alteration of the archetype. For example, the crossbowman gets to add half his Dex mod to damage when he readies an attack with any crossbow at 3rd level. The gunslinger gets his full Dex bonus with a specific firearm at 5th level, without the need to ready the attack. Crossbowmen get their full Dex bonus to damage at 11th level. Gunslingers get to attack against a touch AC. Crossbowmen, when readying, can deny their opponent their Dex bonus to AC at 7th level. At 13th level crossbowmen no longer provoke an AOO when using a crossbow. Gunslingers spend grit to accomplish the same, provided they've taken the feat.

Etc., etc. Thoughts? If you don't have access to the APG, the pertinent information is here.


Dirlaise wrote:

Previously in the game I'm running I introduced a character who used firearms, but was using the crossbowman archetype from the APG, but replacing all instances of 'crossbow' with 'firearm'.

I'm curious as to what people think of potential comparisons between this class vs. the simple alteration of the archetype. For example, the crossbowman gets to add half his Dex mod to damage when he readies an attack with any crossbow at 3rd level. The gunslinger gets his full Dex bonus with a specific firearm at 5th level, without the need to ready the attack. Crossbowmen get their full Dex bonus to damage at 11th level. Gunslingers get to attack against a touch AC. Crossbowmen, when readying, can deny their opponent their Dex bonus to AC at 7th level. At 13th level crossbowmen no longer provoke an AOO when using a crossbow. Gunslingers spend grit to accomplish the same, provided they've taken the feat.

Etc., etc. Thoughts? If you don't have access to the APG, the pertinent information is here.

Crossbowmen don't have to spend 11 gold per shot to use their attacks, early on this is a major factor. One low level encounter I spent a lot more in GP than I got from the encounter.

Crossbowmen don't have to worry about replacing a 1000 gp pistol if it explodes due to cruddy die rolling. Again at low levels is a major factor.

Crossbowmen get the full range of fighter feats, Gunslingers have much fewer feats to work with.

Anyone can make a snap judgement but until you put it on the game table and give it a shot you don't really know.

Even though I spent a crap load of gold during my playtest the Gunslinger was fun to play was to allowed to shine where he was good but did not steal anyone elses thunder.

He did real well against things that were armored but had problems with the little dex mongers. I felt it balanced out pretty well.

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