Mobile ranged character?

[Flamephoenix182]

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to make a mobile ranged character who effectively kites enemies. The campaign is at level 6. The party is not hugely optimized so I'm not worried too much about not doing the "turret archer" to keep up.

Anyone have any experience building something like this? I'm not really sure how to do it. outside of maybe just doing the vital strike chain than using my move to keep moving around the battlefield and staying away from enemies. I'm not even sure what class would be best for this

[Kenjishinomouri]

Flamephoenix182 wrote:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to make a mobile ranged character who effectively kites enemies. The campaign is at level 6. The party is not hugely optimized so I'm not worried too much about not doing the "turret archer" to keep up.

Anyone have any experience building something like this? I'm not really sure how to do it. outside of maybe just doing the vital strike chain than using my move to keep moving around the battlefield and staying away from enemies. I'm not even sure what class would be best for this

I'm pretty sure the Luring cavalier archetype is decent at what you are trying to do.

A rogue scout could be pretty cool aswell, at 8th level they get sneak attack to damage when they move 10ft.

Also if you go zen archer you could utilize the extra speed monks get to stay more mobile.

[Flamephoenix182]

Hmm the luring cavalier definitely seems like what I'm looking for. Thanks. Looks like I could even combine it with beast rider for some cool effects. Thanks

[Chillsabre]

There definitely is the scout (Rogue archetype) which is a good mobile fighter. There is also the shadowdancer which has a good mobility with interesting perks.

You may also want to consider feats like spring attack or using a mount. If you can do the cavalier or the fell rider archetype to overrun your ennemies with ride-by-attack you can maximize your damage very quickly with a lance.

I found the halfling (or any small race) nature oracle with a companion mount can dish out decent damage as well and it allows you to take the lame curse to prevent your own speed from falling further.

A few levels in monk and/or barbarian can increase your speed as well.

If you want to wear armor heavier than light armor, you may have to go with a fighter and/or one of its archetype to get the removal of armor reduction speed with armor training.

The dwarf starts with less movement but slow and steady is a good perk to consider as well.

[Satchmo]

Ranger with the archery path riding a camel (for the spit attack) taking boon companion so the camel can survive.

[rorek55]

mounted archers are the best for this, but if you want a foot archer.

I suggest zen archer with vital strike tree.+ shot on the run.

[Reynard_the_fox]

I would go Ranger. They make great archers, get skills and magic, and most importantly have an animal companion. Luring Cavalier has some nice stuff, but the lack of bonus feats and other nice class abilities make him inferior to Ranger at archery.

[Imbicatus]

If you want someone on foot, then you want crossbows. Crossbowman fighter, Vital Strike tree, Using ready vs movement actions. You won't do as much damage as a full attacking archer, buy you will do respectable damage, and you will be able to move and attack to kite.

[rorek55]

or musket master. this can work well as well.

[Flamephoenix182]

I thought vital strike could not be used with shot on the run? Or was I mistaken. The zen archer could work as well. give me lots of mobility. Though I don't know how useful shot on the run is if I'm using something long range like a long bow. Couldn't I just shoot then move after? I'm not sure I see the benefit with the heavy feat investment it requires

[rorek55]

shot on the run IS more for musket master for weaving into that touch AC range.