So I've been wanting to build a Gunslinger character ever since I learned they had decent support for alchemy and bombing [two of my favorite mechanics in the game], but I've been struggling to devise a fun sounding build that takes advantage over those feats while also being a badass gunner. In short, I planned on her being a member of a demolitionists squad who fought as a mid-ranged fighter.
I assume Vanguard with a Jezail is probably the best fit for the type of character, but I'm still pretty inexperienced so I was wondering if there was any better loadout I could try.
If you like the idea of throwing bombs, don't disregard build options that seem too short range.
I've never played gunslinger, but at a glance, it looks like Vanguard might be rather unfriendly to your bomb-desire.
To use bombs, you will want to make use of the free Regrip that happens when you Reload a 2-H weapon. This lets you Shoot, drop a hand, do stuff like Quick Draw a bomb throw, then Reload to get both hands back on the gun w/o spending a Regrip action.
The special shove-Reload has wielding the 2-H weapon as a prerequisite, being incompatible w/ that strategy.
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I do like the idea of a mixed combat routine of bombs and shots, especially with the debuff options. Especially if you are savvy enough to plan around / between turns.
The auto-on-hit bomb debuffs usually expire "at the start of your next turn" but if you Throw --> Reload --> Shoot w/ a Bottled Lightning, you can get that -2 AC from Off-Guard as a way to pseudo agile your 2nd Strike (while helping out your whole party).
To be clear, the Munitions Feats that are raw Gunslinger are kind of better than going for an Alchemist Dedication. W/ just 2 Feats you will get Lvl - 3 bombs, while you will need more Feats that will lag behind longer if you go for the full Alchemist sub (but that will be all Alchemy options, not just bombs and shots).
IMO, especially with slow crafting getting easier, you can use the free Alchemical Crafting of the Munitions Feats to make any non-bomb thing you want during downtime, and those can be on-level w/ your character.
This would free up your Archetype choice to be anything you'd want.
I'd recommend giving both Investigator (if you like the idea of foreseeing an attack roll) and Rouge Dedications a quick read as baseline options to compare against.
Rouge Dedication is kinda nuts good. Enhance dmg via Sneak Attacker, good Reaction via Nimble Dodge, and even something as amazing as Cast a Spell + any 2 cantrips via a L2 Feat. Like, wtf, lol. A little something for everyone.
To be clear, the Munitions Feats that are raw Gunslinger are kind of better than going for an Alchemist Dedication. W/ just 2 Feats you will get Lvl - 3 bombs, while you will need more Feats that will lag behind longer if you go for the full Alchemist sub (but that will be all Alchemy options, not just bombs and shots).
IMO, especially with slow crafting getting easier, you can use the free Alchemical Crafting of the Munitions Feats to make any non-bomb thing you want during downtime, and those can be on-level w/ your character.
This would free up your Archetype choice to be anything you'd want.
I'd recommend giving both Investigator (if you like the idea of foreseeing an attack roll) and Rouge Dedications a quick read as baseline options to compare against.
Rouge Dedication is kinda nuts good. Enhance dmg via Sneak Attacker, good Reaction via Nimble Dodge, and even something as amazing as Cast a Spell + any 2 cantrips via a L2 Feat. Like, wtf, lol. A little something for everyone.
Thanks for the insight. I somehow missed that Vanguard requires 2-handed weapons, I thought I was outsmarting the system by using a Jezail lol. As for dedications, I was planning on Demolitionist or Firework Engineer. Demolitionist because I figured if there was no way to make bomb-lobbing a fun gameplay loop, I could at least set explosives. Investigator is interesting though.
As MEATSHIELD said though, I think Pistolero may be the perfect fit, though I didn't plan on a Charisma based character, so I may pick Sniper.