Crossbow Cohort

[Calybos1]

A paladin in my home game is getting a cohort via Leadership, so I need to make up a level 7 human fighter with the Crossbowman archetype. Any suggested feats or equipment assuming a 20-point buy and average character wealth?

[Corbynsonn]

Calybos1 wrote:

A paladin in my home game is getting a cohort via Leadership, so I need to make up a level 7 human fighter with the Crossbowman archetype. Any suggested feats or equipment assuming a 20-point buy and average character wealth?

Overwatch Style works well with a Crossbow Fighter, to make the best out of Deadshot/Improved Deadshot.

To that end:

1st Level: Rapid Reload (Light Crossbow), Weapon Focus (Light Crossbow), Point Blank Shot.
2nd Level: Rapid Shot or Precise Shot
3rd Level: Rapid Shot or Precise Shot
4th Level: Overwatch Style
5th Level: Overwatch Tactician

After all that grab whatever floats your boat on the final two feats, personally would pick from:
Iron Will/Improved Initiative/Weapon Specialization/Advanced Weapon Training/Improved Bravery/Deadly Aim.

For a bit more feat intensive an approach you could try a Human Crossbowman (VMC Rogue) to take advantage of both Improved Deadshot and Quick Sniper. In any case as the character continues to level have a look at Burrowing Shot/Overwatch Vortex/Improved Critical to really make best use of the build/weapon.

[Alexandros Satorum]

I guess Corbynsonn already nailed it. But, can I ask why the crossbowman archetype?

[Calybos1]

The cohort was originally met as part of a city guard unit. Short swords and crossbows.

[Imbicatus]

Maybe you could build him as a Bolt Ace Gunslinger to actually be effective?

[Calybos1]

If it were a fighter archetype, sure. No gunslingers of any type allowed in this game.

[Imbicatus]

In that case, I'd go no archetype fighter or weapon master instead of crossbowman. Advanced weapon training is much more useful than dead shot, and crossbowman weapon training replacement doesn't count as weapon training.

[Sah]

I know it's your campaign, and I'm not gonna try to change your mind on that, I just thought the main point of that archetype was for games that don't allow guns. Like I said, not trying to charge your mind, just found it curious.

But besides that yeah, overwatch style outs the most effective I've seen any crossbowman build, as for stats, I'd prioritize dex, and con, maybe a little strength since the guards you mentioned also use swords. Wis for saves, the last two shouldn't need to be of much concern.