I'm making a Golin Musket master for a new game and I'd like advice on the build and what types of mounts I should be choosing.
Level 1 build:
Race Goblin
Class: gunslinger Musket Master
Stats after mods: STR 10, Dex 22, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 6
Traits: Reactionary (+2 init), Highlander (Stealth always a class skill and +1 to stealth, +2 in hilly or rocky terrian)
Feats: Goblin gunslinger
Ac: 19 (leather) touch 17, ff 13
Init +8
Saves: F2, R8, W4
Weapon: Medium musket, +8 atk 1d12 dmg; Great axe, +2 atk 1d10 dmg
Skills: Craft Alchemy +5, Handle Animal +2, Perception +7, Ride +14, Stealth +19, Survival +7
With the free +4 to ride, I'd like to have a mount, but I don't need a super tough mount as I'll primarily use it for mobility and carrying capacity. (I'll have a pack animal too) First level I'm limited to a pony or goblin dog if I can afford one, but what should I be looking for around level 5 and higher?
Also, using a mount effectively in combat requires a couple of feats as I see it. Mounted Combat and probably Mounted Archery, Trick Riding and Mounted Skirmisher. Of course that is feat intensive and takes away from some of the other feats I'll want as a gunslinger.
Looking for ideas on how to continue this build, and on how the build looks so far.
I wouldn't suggest a mount with any class that does not gain one through it's class features. At low level your mount will stand on it's own, but will soon become ridiculously weak against your foes, and your feats would just be lost. Sadly, most firearm archetypes from other classes trade the mount or animal companion :/
If you are not against homebrew, you may switch/nerf one significant deed per step (gunslinger's dodge, gunslinger's initiative...) to select a mount leveling up with you instead. Some kind of "Bandido", "Cow-boy" or "Mounted Thunder".
I think all the gunslinger archetypes for cavalier and ranger give up animal companions. Maybe dip a level of Fighter (dragoon) for the mounted feats. Ues your traits to get Animal Handle and Ride.
Then, buy your mounts: riding dog, hippogrif, pegasus, etc.
Thank you all for the advice. The archtypes with guns usually do lose their mount. The cavaleer oneis a musketeer and it gets a gun instead of a mount.
I was thinking about getting different mounts at different levels. I'm a ranged combatant so I hope to keep my mount away from melee but may still have to deal with archers etc...
I'm prepared for an occaisonal mount death, but if the GM kills my mount every fight, I will punch him in the head. He's my friend so I can do that. Plus he'll be happy I didn't throw a volkswagon at him. (it's what they accuse me of)
I'm not very familiar with mounts, but i like the idea. I could always get a mount through leadership, but thats another feat I wouldnt be able to use for shooting people inthe face.
So, for those of you familiar with the beastiary, baring leadership, what mounts do you suggest at various levels?
Thank you all again for the advice. I think I'm going to take a dip in fighter (dragoon) at fourth and sixth level. This will give me 2 extra feets I want and skill focus ride as icing. Sadly, I'll miss out on the level 19 abilities.
I've altered this build a bit. My character is currently 3rd level and took the deadly aim feat. I'll keep leveling gunslinger untill 5 for the dex damage, and take PBS for the feat.
At level 6 I want to cross class to dragoon for 1 level, and then at 7 cross class to sohei.
Those two levels will give me mounted combat, skill focus ride, mounted archery for the sohei bonus feat, and rapid shot for the level 7 bonus feat. I'll also gain Wis to AC, the ability to always act in the surprise round, a possible +1 to initiative, and a boost to saves from the monk level.
Eight more levels of gunslinger (musket master) after that to get the misfire immunity.
I'll buy or capture and train my mounts as I level. (are there rules for riding and breaking a wild animal or magical beast)?
Let me know if you spot any weaknesses or have thoughts on the build.
