Best way to make a Crossbow-focused Warrior?

[Chengar Qordath]

Topic is what it says; what's the best way to set up a full-BAB class that uses the Crossbow as it's primary weapon?

I've always had a fondness for the crossbow, and been vaguely annoyed by the fact that it's treated like a poor relation in D&D and Pathfinder. So, I'd like a way to make a crossbow wielder who can at least match a longbow user for ranged damage.

So far, I haven't had much luck though. Crossbows have to pay a feat tax to make iterative attacks, can't be made Mighty like normal bows, and don't really get anything that you can't pick up in a standard archer build. The Crossbowman archetype for fighters in the APG also didn't impress me.

So, am I missing any options for making an effective crossbow-user, or is it just a case of Pathfinder continuing D&D's legacy of hating the crossbow?

[Reynard_the_fox]

Well, a crossbow IS limited by its firing mechanism. You can get really good at aiming it and reloading it, but it makes sense that your damage is capped.

I think your only chance besides the Fighter is to build a Ranger using the Crossbow set of combat feats, or make a crossbow-using Rogue. Maybe if your DM allows it you could be a Crossbow Arcane Archer - that would be a pretty crazy take on the class.

I'm sure there's a 3.5 prestige class that fits the bill.

[Remco Sommeling]

Aside from GM intervention (houserules/homebrew) the crossbow is inferior to the bow though as long distance weapons go it has a good crit range and pretty decent base damage for vital strike feats for instance.

I allow characters to exchange heavy armor, medium armor and/or shield proficiency for 'bonus feats' with the understanding that they can not later gain these feats by dipping another class :

Dodge, mobility, weapon focus in a simple weapon, skill focus, improved unarmed strike, endurance, two weapon fighting, great fortitude, lightning reflexes, iron will.

Possibly might include some crossbow and other feats too, these are supposed to be 'less than optimal' feat choices that can be selected from level 1, promoting some variation in characters. I did not include weapon finesse since it is a bonus feat for everyone in my campaigns.

I do like the idea for a crossbow arcane archer, thematically it works better for dwarves and gnomes imo.

[Name Violation]

an inquisitor is just about the only class that can make x-bows awesome IMHO

really i'd suggest use gunslinger and reflavor it to be a crossbow

[HaraldKlak]

It is pretty hard to make crossbows awesome.

My best suggestion would be trying out an urban barbarian going vital strike and furious finish, and using a double crossbow...

[pobbes]

Made my own thread about this not too long ago... Basically, I said grab the double crossbow with the crossbow archetype and ready actions to vital strike against touch AC. The fact vital strike applies to both bolts can make some sick combos when you factor in potions like gravity bow. Magic weapon properties also double up so stack up on those enchanted crossbows and bolts.