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Greetings All,
I have this certain problem with a player of my group.
Having played Dragonage 2 and falling in love with a certain Dwarf Rogue he decided to create a Dwarf Sniper-Rogue (see APG).
So far everything was good, gained proficiency with a double crossbow at third level asked several npc's to help him craft it and name it "Negra"(???)
The problem appeared a few days ago when he asked me to be able to carry an oversized heavy crossbow namely a Large one. I informed him that since he the weapon isn't sized for him it will penalize his attack rolls with it not to mention that it will be really hard to reload it.
So he told me that he intents to install a bipod in front and a monopod at the stock in order to remove the penalties at the attack rolls and that he doesn't care about the extra reloading time since he intends to use it as a Sniping weapon (kinda like a .50 cal of the fantasy realm).
How legitimate his idea can be?
What suggestions you have in the whole concept.
Thx in advance.
Although the player's reasoning does not fit the d20 RAW/I line of logic, I'd allow it just because it sounds badass. So while there is no written rule anywhere that the mechanical supports (bipod/monopod) he wants to install will negate the attack penalty, he's being creative and it suits the character well. I for one wouldn't penalise my players for being creative.
Edit: obviously, it would require a lot of work to really pull it off because it would be unwise to drag along a 6-foot crossbow behind you (unless it's a Japanese anime-themed game, ha) so the character will have to set up an ambush point beforehand- not unlike like how a real sniper does things.
Also, the fact that he doesn't care about the reloading time tells me his idea of using the weapon isn't too far from what I've suggested above- this is not to be his primary damage-dealing weapon of choice on a round-by-round basis of combat, but as a combat opener, something that can only be used probably once per combat limited by the efficiency (well, the lack thereof) though.
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I would allow it. A crossbow is not a really powerful weapon in the game and I doubt that this thing will unbalance anything.
Mechanically I would require 1 move action to set up the contraption in firing position and maybe allow it to fire only in a 60° degree arc without using another movement action to set it up differently.
The weapon in itself don't seem too be much different from the heavy crossbows used by the defenders during sieges.
How legitimate his idea can be?
What suggestions you have in the whole concept.
By RAW, you can't use a crossbow that is too large for you, at all. Light weapons become one-handed weapons, one-handed weapons become two-handed weapons, and two-handed weapons (such as crossbows) can't be wielded at all.
That said, it sounds like a really cool idea. And, it being a crossbow, it'll never outperform a longbow, anyway. I'd certainly allow it, and even write up some special rules for it (such as rules for the bipod and whatever).
Ultimately, it's a GM call if you will allow it. You are within your right, as supported by the rules, to say no. But if you think it sounds cool, by all means!
(also, my crossbow-focused fighter is really jealous now :p)
How legitimate his idea can be?
What suggestions you have in the whole concept.
By RAW, you can't use a crossbow that is too large for you, at all. Light weapons become one-handed weapons, one-handed weapons become two-handed weapons, and two-handed weapons (such as crossbows) can't be wielded at all.
That said, it sounds like a really cool idea. And, it being a crossbow, it'll never outperform a longbow, anyway. I'd certainly allow it, and even write up some special rules for it (such as rules for the bipod and whatever).
Ultimately, it's a GM call if you will allow it. You are within your right, as supported by the rules, to say no. But if you think it sounds cool, by all means!
(also, my crossbow-focused fighter is really jealous now :p)
You draw a heavy crossbow back by turning a small winch. Loading a heavy crossbow is a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity.
Normally, operating a heavy crossbow requires two hands. However, you can shoot, but not load, a heavy crossbow with one hand at a –4 penalty on attack rolls. You can shoot a heavy crossbow with each hand, but you take a penalty on attack rolls as if attacking with two one-handed weapons. This penalty is cumulative with the penalty for one-handed firing.
You can shoot a crossbow with one hand. Now, you take a -2 for using a weapon larger then normal, and the -4 above for "one-handing" the crossbow (which takes you two due to size) for a total of -6. But a large heavy crossbow does 2d8 damage with a 19-20x2 crit range. How much credit you want to give for a bipod and brace is up to the GM, but -2 or -4 might not be to far out of line.
You can shoot a crossbow with one hand. Now, you take a -2 for using a weapon larger then normal, and the -4 above for "one-handing" the crossbow (which takes you two due to size) for a total of -6. But a large heavy crossbow does 2d8 damage with a 19-20x2 crit range. How much credit you want to give for a bipod and brace is up to the GM, but -2 or -4 might not be to far out of line.
Well, all right. You can fire but never reload a large sized crossbow (as long as you're medium sized) which I take as a pretty significant part of general use. Again, I wouldn't have a problem ignoring RAW for this particular weapon (I mean, what's a ballista if not an oversized crossbow? :))
If you are concerned with the balance of a weapon like this, try writing up some scenarios and see how it performs against, say, a mighty composite longbow.
Doesn't some D&D book have stats for a Great Crossbow (as an exotic weapon)? It sounds like he might be satisfied with that.
Doesn't some D&D book have stats for a Great Crossbow (as an exotic weapon)? It sounds like he might be satisfied with that.
Races of Stone
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You can shoot a crossbow with one hand. Now, you take a -2 for using a weapon larger then normal, and the -4 above for "one-handing" the crossbow (which takes you two due to size) for a total of -6. But a large heavy crossbow does 2d8 damage with a 19-20x2 crit range. How much credit you want to give for a bipod and brace is up to the GM, but -2 or -4 might not be to far out of line.Well, all right. You can fire but never reload a large sized crossbow (as long as you're medium sized) which I take as a pretty significant part of general use. Again, I wouldn't have a problem ignoring RAW for this particular weapon (I mean, what's a ballista if not an oversized crossbow? :))
If you are concerned with the balance of a weapon like this, try writing up some scenarios and see how it performs against, say, a mighty composite longbow.
Thx all for your responses.
I run a couple scenarios with this monstrosity of a weapon a 5/10/15/20 possible levels of his character, considering a possible multiclass of Sniper 13/Crossbowman 7 (Rogue/Fighter) build.Results of such a weapon under the last build:
One full round action to setup the Large Heavy Crossbow (more like a Ballista)
Taking a Ready Action vs appearance of possible target/victim
Catches opponent without Dex to his AC even if he has been detected due to the Crossbowman special ability (forgot its name :S )
Using "Greater Vital Strike" as an Attack action and sneak attacking him at a range of 50~70ft (unless he has Sniper Goggles)
Damage Rating 8d8+(half Dex bonus)+7d6 sneak attack damage if eligible and possibly each d6 will have minimum result of 3 with "deadly sneak" advanced talent
Damage ~=32+(3*)+21=56 ,without adding other feats or possible enhancements and assuming a +6 modifier from his Dexterity at 20 levels.