Would a halfling sniper rogue with the swift as shadows trait and the other one (theres a feat i think) that reduces sniping penalties be a reasonably viable character?
Any advice on how to make it better?
Sniper halfling ninja.
If you want a character who is great at thievery, no problem. If you want to excel at combat, it will be tough. It's not hard to make a halfling that's exceedingly good at sniping, and you'll hit all the time, but you'll never deal much damage. One hit per round, minimal crit chance, small base damage dice, mostly you're just dealing sneak attack dice once per round.
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Lvl |Damage
1&2 | 7
3&4 | 11.5
5&6 | 15
7&8 | 19.5
9&10| 24
If you want a character who is great at thievery, no problem. If you want to excel at combat, it will be tough. It's not hard to make a halfling that's exceedingly good at sniping, and you'll hit all the time, but you'll never deal much damage. One hit per round, minimal crit chance, small base damage dice, mostly you're just dealing sneak attack dice once per round.
.
Lvl |Damage
1&2 | 7
3&4 | 11.5
5&6 | 15
7&8 | 19.5
9&10| 24
That's a shame. I think it's a cool idea.
Greater invisibility is a 4th level spell, and the easiest ways to get multiple sneak attacks in a row. It doesn't use the "sniping" mechanic, but it will get you a full-attack worth of sneak attacks.
I'm a fan of building characters in coordination with other players. If you coordinate closely with a wizard or sorcerer willing to cast Greater Invisibility on you in exchange for bodyguard duties, you could get the buff before major fights.
Halfling Sniper
Halfling Rogue (Sniper) 8
CG Small Humanoid (halfling)
Init +6; Senses Perception +19
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Defense
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AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 19 (+6 armor, +6 Dex, +1 size, +1 natural, +1 deflection)
hp 59 (8d8+16)
Fort +6, Ref +15, Will +7; +2 vs. fear
Defensive Abilities evasion, improved uncanny dodge (lv >=12)
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Offense
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Speed 20 ft.
Melee +1 Shortsword +12/+7 (1d4+1/19-20/x2) and
. . Unarmed strike +11/+6 (1d2/x2)
Ranged +2 Darkwood Composite shortbow (Str +0) +14/+14/+9 (1d4+3/x3)
Special Attacks accuracy, deadly range (50 ft), sneak attack +4d6
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 14
Base Atk +6; CMB +3; CMD 22
Feats Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Finesse
Traits Blade of the Society, Indomitable Faith
Skills Acrobatics +19 (+15 jump), Appraise +5, Bluff +13, Climb +7, Diplomacy +13, Disable Device +19, Escape Artist +17, Fly +8, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +5, Knowledge (local) +5, Perception +19, Sense Motive +12, Sleight of Hand +10, Stealth +23, Swim +5; Racial Modifiers +2 Perception, swift as shadows
Languages Common, Goblin, Halfling
SQ fearless, rogue talents (bleeding attack +4, deadly range, fast stealth, sniper's eye)
Combat Gear Cat burglar's boots (1/day); Other Gear +2 Mithral Chain shirt, +1 Shortsword, +2 Darkwood Composite shortbow (Str +0), Amulet of natural armor +1, Belt of incredible dexterity +2, Cloak of resistance +2, Eyes of the eagle, Ring of protection +1, Thieves' tools, masterwork, 595 GP
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Special Abilities
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Accuracy (Ex) Halve all range increment penalties with a bow or crossbow.
Blade of the Society You gain a +1 trait bonus to damage rolls from sneak attacks.
Bleeding Attack +4 (Ex) Sneak attacks also deal 4 bleed damage/round.
Cat burglar's boots (1/day) Has pocket to hold thief tools. Reroll a failed Acrobatics/Climb/Stealth check.
Deadly Range (50 ft) (Ex) Ranged sneak attacks may be made within 50 ft.
Deadly Range +10' (Ex) A ninja with this ninja trick increases the range at which she can deal sneak attack damage by 10 feet. A ninja can take this trick more than once. Its effects stack.
Evasion (Ex) If you succeed at a Reflex save for half damage, you take none instead.
Fast Stealth (Ex) You may move at full speed while using the Stealth skill without penalty.
Fearless +2 racial bonus vs Fear saves.
Improved Uncanny Dodge (Lv >=12) (Ex) Retain DEX bonus to AC when flat-footed. You cannot be flanked unless the attacker is Level 12+.
Point Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Precise Shot You don't get -4 to hit when shooting or throwing into melee.
Rapid Shot You get an extra attack with ranged weapons. Each attack is at -2.
Sneak Attack +4d6 +4d6 damage if you flank your target or your target is flat-footed.
Sniper's Eye (Ex) Can use ranged sneak attack vs. targets with concealment.
Swift as Shadows Reduce the penalty for Stealth while moving by 5 and reduce the penalty for sniping by 10.
This is a well-rounded rogue, who should deal about 36 DPR with Greater Invisibility.