Sniper [3.5 Base Class]

[FireInTheSky]

***Version 3.5*** (discussion for this version starts here)

SNIPER

Photo Credit: Zarory (deviantart)

”One Shot, One Kill”
            -Famous Sniper Axiom

A Wisdom-based Archer.

MAKING A SNIPER
Abilities: Wis>Dex>Con=Int>Str=Cha
Races: Any.
Alignment: Any.
Starting Gold: as Rogue.

Class Skills
The Sniper's class skills are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (Dungeoneering, Geography, Nature)(Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Rope (Dex).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (6+IntMod)x4
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 6+IntMod

Hit Die: d8

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Special
1st	+0	+0	+2	+0	Aim, Precise Shot, Trackless Step
2nd	+1	+0	+3	+0	Close Quarters Ranged Combat, Light Step, Rangefinder, Trick Shot
3rd	+2	+1	+3	+1	Keen Perception, Light Step (Spider Climb), Practiced Shooter
4th	+3	+1	+4	+1	Rangefinder, Trick Shot
5th	+3	+1	+4	+1	Fast Aim, Improved Snipe
6th	+4	+2	+5	+2	Darkstalker, Trick Shot
7th	+5	+2	+5	+2	Cunning Veil, Light Step (Water Walk)
8th	+6/+1	+2	+6	+2	Rangefinder, Trick Shot
9th	+6/+1	+3	+6	+3	Powerful Aim
10th	+7/+2	+3	+7	+3	Greater Snipe, Trick Shot
11th	+8/+3	+3	+7	+3	Hide in Plain Sight, Veteran Shooter
12th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+4	Rangefinder, Trick Shot
13th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+4	Accelerated Aim
14th	+10/+5	+4	+9	+4	Light Step (Fly), Trick Shot
15th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+9	+5	Superior Snipe
16th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+5	Rangefinder, Trick Shot
17th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+5	Mighty Aim
18th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+11	+6	Sudden Aim, Trick Shot
19th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+11	+6	Fire All
20th	+15/+10/+5	+6	+12	+6	One Shot Kill, Trick Shot

Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: A Sniper is proficient in all Simple and Martial Weapons, the Hand Crossbow, the Boomerang, the Greatbow, and the Composite Greatbow, and with Light Armor.

Aim (Ex): When a Sniper uses a full-round action to make a full attack with any ranged weapon (including thrown weapons), she adds her Wisdom Modifier as a bonus to her attack rolls (on top of her Dexterity Modifier). In addition, these attacks each deal 1d4 additional damage for every 2 Sniper levels (rounded up). This damage increase is not considered Precision Damage for the purposes of creature immunities, and it also is multiplied in the case of a successful critical hit. If she does not take a full attack, a Sniper does not gain these bonuses. This ability counts as Point Blank Shot for the purposes of prerequisites.

Precise Shot: A Sniper gains Precise Shot as a bonus feat. In addition, if a Sniper's target is in a grapple, on a successful attack roll, she always hits her target, and does not need to roll to determine which grappler is hit.

Trackless Step (Ex): A Sniper leaves no trail in any surroundings and cannot be tracked. She may choose to leave a trail if she so desires.

Close Quarters Ranged Combat: Snipers trust their lives with their ranged weapons, and have trained to use them in any situation. Beginning at 2nd level, a Sniper does not provoke an Attack of Opportunity by using a ranged weapon in melee.

Light Step (Ex/SpL): A Sniper of 2nd level can move through difficult terrain at her normal speed without incurring any penalties. In addition, she may move at her full speed with no penalty to Hide or Move Silently, and only takes a -10 penalty while running or charging. At 3rd level, a Sniper can use Spider Climb once per day per Sniper level, with a caster level equal to her class level. At 7th level, a Sniper can use Water Walk once per day per two Sniper levels, with a caster level equal to her class level. In addition, she gains Climb and Swim speeds equal to half her base speed. At 14th level, a Sniper can use Fly once per day per three Sniper levels, except with a duration of 10 minutes per level, and with a caster level equal to her class level. In addition, her Climb and Swim speeds increase to be the same as her base speed, and she takes no penalty to Hide and Move Silently while running or charging. Uses of Spider Climb, Water Walk, and Fly may target willing allies in addition to the Sniper, and are spell-like abilities. All other benefits of Light Step are extraordinary.

Rangefinder (Ex): Shots at any range may be attempted; a ranged weapon's maximum range limit does not apply to a Sniper. At 4th level, the range increment of all ranged attacks is doubled. For example, a longbow's range increment becomes 200 feet instead of 100, a -2 penalty applies from 200 to 400 feet, and so on. At 8th level, the range increment is tripled, and at 12th level, the range increment is quadrupled. 
  At 16th level, a sniper may attack anyone she can see with no range penalty, and no maximum range. This does not allow a Sniper to attack between planes (i.e. Scry to another plane), ignore Cover or Concealment, or shoot through solid objects without the appropriate Trick Shots.
 
Trick Shot: Starting at 2nd level, and again at every even level after that, a Sniper may select a Trick Shot from the list below.

Keen Perception: Beginning at 3rd level, a Sniper adds 1/2 of her Sniper level as an Insight bonus to her Listen and Spot checks.

Practiced Shooter (Ex): By 3rd level, a Sniper has put enough practice shots downrange to know how best to conserve ammunition. All non-magical ammunition from a failed attack is recoverable. In addition, magical ammunition from a failed attack has a 75% chance of being recoverable.

Fast Aim (Ex): At 5th level, a Sniper may make a single ranged attack with her Aim bonuses as a Standard Action.

Improved Snipe (Ex): At 5th level, a Sniper who has successfully Hidden may make a single ranged attack and then immediately Hide at a -10 penalty. A full attack incurs a -20 penalty as normal.

Darkstalker: A Sniper who reaches 6th level gains Darkstalker as a bonus feat.

Cunning Veil (Ex): A Sniper of 7th level may apply her Wisdom modifier as a bonus to her Hide check.

Powerful Aim (Ex): At 9th level, the damage dice from the Sniper’s Aim ability increase to d6’s.

Greater Snipe (Ex): At 10th level, a Sniper who has successfully Hidden may make a single ranged attack and then immediately Hide at no penalty. In addition, if a Sniper who has successfully hidden uses a full-round action to attack with a ranged weapon, the penalty to the subsequent Hide check is decreased to -10.

Hide in Plain Sight (Ex): A Sniper of 11th level can use the Hide skill even while being observed. She can hide herself from view in the open, without anything to actually hide behind. 

Veteran Shooter (Ex): At 11th level, all of a Sniper’s ammunition from a missed attack is recoverable. In addition, magical ammunition from a successful attack has a 50% chance of being recoverable. Non-magical ammunition is still destroyed in a successful attack.

Accelerated Aim (Ex): A Sniper of 13th level can make a single ranged attack with her Aim bonuses as a Move Action.

Superior Snipe (Ex): At 15th level, a Sniper who has successfully Hidden may take a full attack action (as long as all are ranged attacks), and then immediately Hide at no penalty.

Mighty Aim (Ex): At 17th level, the damage dice from the Sniper’s Aim ability increase to d8’s.

Sudden Aim (Ex): At 18th level, a Sniper can make one ranged attack with her Aim bonuses as an Immediate Action.

Fire All (Ex): A Sniper of 19th level, once per encounter, may take a Full-Round Action to make a single Aim attack at her highest base attack bonus against all opponents she can see.

One Shot Kill (Su): A Sniper of 20th level has become a master of taking down her targets with a single blow. She may make a single ranged attack, with her Aim bonuses, as a standard action. If this attack hits, it deals damage normally, and the target must make a Fort save or die. The DC for this save is equal to 10 + 1/2 the Sniper’s class level + her Wisdom Modifier. The Sniper must declare that she is using this ability before the attack is rolled.

[FireInTheSky]

Alternate Class Feature: Demoralizing Shot
Replaces: Light Step class feature.
Benefit: At 2nd level, any enemy the Sniper hits with a ranged attack must succeed on a Will Save, DC 10 + 1/2 CL + WisMod, or be Shaken for the next round. In addition, the Sniper gains a +4 bonus to resist Fear effects. At 3rd level, all enemies within 10’ of the target are subject to the same effect (each person rolls their own save). At 7th level, all who would be Shaken on a failed Will save are instead Frightened for the next round, and are unaffected by a successful save. In addition, the Sniper becomes immune to Fear effects. At 14th level, even enemies who are successful on their Will saves are still Shaken for the following round. Also at 14th level, enemies who are immune to Fear effects are affected by this ability, but are only Shaken on a failed save, and suffer no effects on a successful save. If a creature is already affected by a Fear effect of the same strength or greater, these abilities have no effect. All Demoralizing Shot abilities are Supernatural.


Trick Shots

Trick Shot Distance Marksman Distracting Attack Energetic Shot Lights Out Martial Shot Oh, Were You Walking There? Penetrating Shot Sharp Focus    Called Shot    Critical Shot    Deadeye Shot    Dread Shot    Weak Spot Sneak Attack Stay Riiiight There Thread the Needle    Skip Shot       Dimensional Shot          Improved Dimensional Shot            Perfect Dimensional Shot       Phase Shot Two Birds With One Arrow Vital Shot Whites of Their Eyes    Double Jeopardy       And Your Little Dog Too You Don’t Need That

Prerequisites Precision Damage from Class Feature - BAB +8 - Sniper Level 4 - - - Sharp Focus Sharp Focus Sharp Focus BAB +5, Demoralizing Shot ACF, Sharp Focus Sharp Focus - - - Thread the Needle Skip Shot, BAB +8 Dimensional Shot, BAB +10 Improved Dimensional Shot, Sniper Level 16 Skip Shot, BAB +8 - Precision Damage from Class Feature - Whites of Their Eyes Double Jeopardy -

Description Increase Precision Damage Range Flank From Distance Ranged Attacks Count As Energy Types Make a Ranged Stunning Attack Martial Study adapted for Sniper Make a Ranged Trip Attack Ignore Damage Reduction Increase Critical Threat Range Auto-Threaten Crits Crit Normally Immune Creatures Increase Critical Multiplier Increase Critical Multiplier vs. Frightened Creatures Normal Attacks Become Touch Attacks Increase Sneak Attack Damage Make a Ranged Grapple Attempt Ignore Cover, Lower Miss Chance Ignore Total Cover Ignore Force Effects, Attack Incorporeal Attack Ethereal Attack Across Planes Shoot Through Solid Objects Hit Multiple Targets With One Attack Auto Sneak Attack Threaten Squares With Ranged Weapon Threaten Targets At Range Threaten Squares At Range Make a Ranged Disarm Attempt

(click to show/hide)

And Your Little Dog Too:
Prerequisites: Whites of Their Eyes, Double Jeopardy
Benefit: This trick allows a Sniper to threaten any squares threatened by creatures she hit in the previous round. If anyone moves through those squares, the Sniper may make an Attack of Opportunity against them with her ranged weapon.
Special: This does not allow a Sniper to take more than one Attack of Opportunity per round unless she has some other ability granting this (e.g. Combat Reflexes).

Called Shot:
Prerequisites: Sharp Focus
Benefit: A number of times per encounter equal to the Sniper’s Class Level or Wisdom Modifier, whichever is smaller, a Sniper may designate a ranged attack as a “Called Shot.” This attack is an automatic critical threat (make one attack roll; if the roll is successful, deal damage as a critical hit). A use of this ability must be declared before the attack roll is made, and the use is expended regardless of the result.
Special: This trick does not allow a Sniper to make a critical hit against a creature that is normally immune to such hits. This trick can only be taken once.

Critical Shot:
Prerequisites: Sharp Focus
Benefit: A Sniper may make a critical hit with a ranged attack against creatures that are normally immune (or partially immune) to such attacks, regardless of the source of that immunity.
Special: If the Sniper has a source of precision damage (such as Sneak Attack), this Trick Shot allows her to apply that damage to creatures normally immune to such damage. The target must still be in a situation where precision damage would normally apply.

Deadeye Shot:
Prerequisites: Sharp Focus
Benefit: The critical multiplier of a Sniper’s ranged attacks increases by 1.
Special: This effect stacks with all other multiplier increases, but is added last. This trick can only be taken once.

Dimensional Shot:
Prerequisites: Thread the Needle, Skip Shot, BAB +8
Benefit: A Sniper’s ranged attacks ignore Force effects. In addition, a Sniper may attack Incorporeal creatures at no penalty and with no Miss Chance. The Sniper must be able to see or otherwise sense the Incorporeal creature to attack it.

Distance Marksman:
Prerequisites: Precision Damage from a Class Feature (e.g. Sneak Attack, Sudden Strike, Skirmish)
Benefit: The maximum range at which your Precision Damage can be applied is equal to one Range Increment of your chosen weapon.

Distracting Attack:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: Any opponent a Sniper hits with a ranged attack is considered to be flanked for the subsequent round.

Double Jeopardy:
Prerequisites: Whites of Their Eyes
Benefit: This trick increases the area a Sniper threatens to one range increment of her ranged weapon, or 30', whichever is smaller. In addition, a Sniper threatens any square (or squares) occupied by creatures she hit in the previous round. If anyone moves through those squares, the Sniper may make an Attack of Opportunity against them with her ranged weapon.
Special: This does not allow a Sniper to take more than one Attack of Opportunity per round unless she has some other ability granting this (e.g. Combat Reflexes).

Dread Shot:
Prerequisites: BAB +5, Demoralizing Shot ACF, Sharp Focus
Benefit: Your Critical Multiplier increases if attacking a creature suffering from a fear-related condition. If targeting a Shaken creature, your critical multiplier increases by +1. If targeting a Frightened creature, it increases by +2. If targeting a Panicked or Cowering creature, it increases by +3.
Special: This effect stacks with all other multiplier increases, but is added last. This trick can only be taken once.

Energetic Shot:
Prerequisites: BAB +8
Benefit: Choose one of the following energy types: Acid, Cold, Electricity, Fire, Sonic. Half of the damage dealt by all of your ranged attacks is considered to be of that energy type.
Special: This trick can be taken multiple times. Each time it is taken, choose an additional energy type and divide the damage an additional time. For example, if Energetic Shot is taken twice, with Electricity and Sonic types chosen and dealing 60 points of damage, 20 points are Electricity damage, 20 points are Sonic damage, and 20 points are normal damage.

Improved Dimensional Shot:
Prerequisites: Thread the Needle, Skip Shot, Dimensional Shot, BAB +10
Benefit: A Sniper can attack Ethereal creatures while on the Material Plane. The Sniper must be able to see or otherwise sense the Ethereal creature to attack it.

Lights Out:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: A number of times per encounter equal to her Wisdom modifier, a Sniper may substitute a Ranged Touch Attack for a normal ranged attack. If this attack succeeds, instead of dealing normal damage, the target must make a Fortitude Save or be stunned for 1d4 rounds. The Save DC for this ability is 10 + 1/2 Class Level + Wisdom Modifier. A use of this ability must be declared before the attack roll is made, and the use is expended regardless of the result.
Special: This trick does not affect creatures normally immune to Stunning. This trick only works on creatures with discernible anatomy. Using this trick does not count against uses of the Weak Spot trick.

Martial Shot
Prerequisite: Sniper Level 4
Benefit: Choose one of the following martial disciplines: Diamond Arrow, Falcon's Eye, Falling Star, Heaven's Arc, Solar Wind, Striking Eagle, or True Arrow. Select one maneuver from the chosen discipline for every 4 Sniper levels (round down), ignoring all prerequisites except Initiator Level. Sniper levels count as full Initiator Levels for the purposes of maneuvers gained with this Trick Shot only. You can use each of these maneuvers once per encounter. If you later gain levels in a class granting a maneuver recovery mechanism, that mechanism cannot be used to recover maneuvers gained with this Trick Shot.
Special: This Trick can be taken multiple times, each time choosing a different discipline. Maneuvers learned with this trick may be used to satisfy prerequisites.

Oh, Were You Walking There?:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: A number of times per encounter equal to her Wisdom modifier, a Sniper may make a Trip attempt with her ranged attack.  She makes a normal ranged attack.  If the attack hits, it does normal damage.  In addition, the Sniper makes a trip attempt using her Wisdom instead of her Strength, and with a bonus equal to 1/2 CL.  This attack does not provoke an attack of opportunity.  The target may not make an attempt to trip you if your attempt fails.  You may attempt to trip targets of any size.  A use of this ability must be declared before the attack roll is made, and the use is expended regardless of the result.
Special: This trick can be used in conjunction with the Sniper’s Aim ability.

Penetrating Shot:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: With this trick, a Sniper’s attacks become harder to resist.  All of a Sniper’s ranged attacks ignore 2 points of Damage Reduction.  In addition, choose two of the following Special Qualities: Adamantine, Bludgeoning, Chaotic, Cold Iron, Evil, Good, Lawful, Magic, Piercing, Silver, Slashing. All of a Sniper’s ranged attacks are considered to have the chosen qualities for the purposes of overcoming Damage Reduction.
Special: This trick can be taken multiple times. Each time it is taken after the first, ignore 2 additional points of damage reduction and choose one additional quality. In addition, you may change one of the qualities previously selected to a different one from the same list.

Perfect Dimensional Shot:
Prerequisites: Thread the Needle, Skip Shot, Dimensional Shot, Improved Dimensional Shot, Sniper Level 16
Benefit: A number of times per day equal to her Wisdom modifier, a Sniper can attack a creature who is on a different Plane. The Sniper must be able to see or otherwise sense a creature to attack it.

Phase Shot:
Prerequisites: Thread the Needle, Skip Shot, BAB +8
Benefit: With this trick, a Sniper can shoot through solid objects. The maximum thickness through which a shot can pass is 5 feet for every 2 Sniper levels. If a shot reaches the maximum distance without exiting the solid object, it stops, and remains inside the object. The shot can exit a solid object and enter another in its path as long as the total thickness does not exceed the maximum. The Sniper must be able to see or otherwise sense the creature on the other side of a solid object to attack it.

Sharp Focus:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: The critical threat range of a Sniper’s ranged attacks increases by 1.
Special: This trick may be taken multiple times, and its effects stack with all other effects that increase threat range, but are added last.

Skip Shot:
Prerequisites: Thread the Needle
Benefit: This trick allows a Sniper’s ranged attacks to ignore Total Cover.
 
Sneak Attack:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: This trick grants +1d6 Sneak Attack Damage.
Special: This follows all of the normal rules for Sneak Attacks. This trick may be taken multiple times, and its effects stack with all other sources of Sneak Attack. If the Sniper has the Skirmish or Sudden Strike abilities, she may instead choose to apply this damage increase to that ability. This damage is independent of the bonus damage from the Sniper’s Aim class ability (under the correct circumstances, both apply).

Stay Riiiight There:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: A number of times per encounter equal to her Wisdom modifier, a Sniper can perform a ranged grapple attempt against an opponent by pinning it to a nearby surface. The target must be within 5' of a wall, tree, or other surface in which a projectile can be stuck.  She must succeed on a ranged attack (not a ranged touch attack) – which deals damage normally – and then win an opposed grapple check using the Sniper’s Wisdom modifier instead of Strength modifier (your size modifier and the target's size modifier still apply). To break free, the victim must make a Strength check or an Escape artist check (DC 15 + Wisdom mod + 1/2 CL) as a standard action. A use of this ability must be declared before the attack roll is made, and the use is expended regardless of the result.
Special: This trick can be used in conjunction with the Sniper’s Aim ability. This trick counts as the Ranged Pin feat for the purposes of prerequisites.

Thread the Needle:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: This trick allows a Sniper’s ranged attacks to ignore anything less than Total Cover. In addition, if the Sniper’s target has a Miss Chance, the Miss Chance is decreased by 10%. Any creature whose Miss Chance is reduced to 0% is considered to not have Concealment.
Special: This trick can be taken multiple times, and its effects stack.

Two Birds With One Arrow:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: A Sniper may use this trick to make an attack against multiple opponents at the same time. The maximum number of opponents attacked this way is equal to the number of iterative attacks the Sniper has, plus 1. All opponents must be in a direct line from the Sniper. The Sniper rolls one attack at a -4 penalty. The attack may hit any, all, or none, depending on each target’s AC. Damage and critical confirmations are rolled separately for each target.
Special: This trick can be used in conjunction with the Sniper’s Aim ability. Aim damage is applied to all successful attacks.

Vital Shot:
Prerequisites: Precision Damage from a Class Feature (e.g. Sneak Attack, Sudden Strike, Skirmish)
Benefit: A number of times per encounter equal to the Sniper’s Class Level or Wisdom Modifier, whichever is smaller, a Sniper may declare her next single ranged attack roll to be eligible for Precision damage, even if her target is not flat-footed or flanked. A use of this ability must be declared before the attack roll is made, and the use is expended regardless of the result.
Special: This trick can only be taken once. This trick does not allow you to apply Precision damage to creatures which would normally be immune.

Weak Spot:
Prerequisites: Sharp Focus
Benefit: A number of times per encounter equal to the Sniper’s Class Level or Wisdom Modifier, whichever is smaller, a Sniper may make a ranged touch attack instead of a normal ranged attack. A use of this ability must be declared before the roll is made, and the use is expended regardless of the result.
Special: This trick can only be taken once.

Whites of Their Eyes:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: With this trick, a Sniper threatens all squares in her normal reach, and can use her ranged weapon to make Attacks of Opportunity.
Normal: Only melee weapons can be used to make Attacks of Opportunity.
 
You Don’t Need That:
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: This trick allows a Sniper to make a Disarm attempt with her ranged weapon at no penalty, and with a bonus equal to 1/2 CL. This attack does not provoke an attack of opportunity. The target may not make an attempt to disarm you if your attempt fails.
Special: This trick cannot be used in conjunction with the Sniper’s Aim ability. This trick counts as the Ranged Disarm feat for the purposes of prerequisites.

Sniper Feats

Feat Alert Reaction    Improved Alert Reaction Extra Trick Insightful Action Pinpoint Aim Studied Killer

Prerequisites - Combat Reflexes, BAB +8 Trick Shot Class Feature Improved Initiative Precise Shot Int 16, Aim Class Feature

Description # of Attacks of Opportunity = WisMod Make Multiple AoO’s Against the Same Target Learn an Additional Trick Shot Add 1/2 x WisMod to Initiative Roll Ignore size modifiers Replace WisMod with IntMod for all Sniper CFs

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Alert Reaction
Prerequisites: None
Benefit: You may make a number of additional attacks of opportunity equal to your Wisdom bonus. You may also make attacks of opportunity while flat footed. You can still only make one attack of opportunity per opportunity.
Special: This feat counts as Combat Reflexes for the purposes of prerequisites. This feat does not stack with Combat Reflexes; only one ability modifier may be used to determine extra attacks of opportunity. This feat does not allow you to threaten any areas or make attacks of opportunity with a ranged weapon.

Extra Trick
Prerequisites: Trick Shot Class Feature
Benefit: You learn an additional Trick Shot
Special: This feat may be taken multiple times. The Sniper must meet all prerequisites of a Trick Shot to learn it.

Improved Alert Reaction
Prerequisites: Combat Reflexes, BAB +8   
Benefit: You can make a number of attacks of opportunity against the same target for one opportunity equal to the number of iterative attacks you have. This feat does not allow you to make more attacks of opportunity per round than you would otherwise be able. For example, your Wisdom (or Dex) modifier is +2, so you get 3 attacks of opportunity per round, and your BAB is +9, so you get 2 iterative attacks. Two creatures move through the area you threaten. You can make 2 attacks of opportunity against one creature, and one against the other.
Special: This feat does not allow you to threaten any areas or make attacks of opportunity with a ranged weapon.

Insightful Action
Prerequisites: Improved Initiative
Benefit: A Sniper adds 1/2 times her Wisdom modifier as an Insight Bonus to her initiative roll. If the modifier is an odd number, round down if the Wisdom score is even, up if it is odd.

Pinpoint Aim (courtesy of Garryl)
Prerequisites: Precise Shot
Benefit: When making a ranged attack, you may ignore your size modifier to attack rolls (if negative) and your target's size modifier to AC (if positive).

Studied Killer
Extensive analysis has provided the Sniper with intimate knowledge of all types of bodies, and their weak points.
Prerequisites: Int 16, Sniper's Aim ability.
Benefit: All of a Sniper's class abilites based on Wisdom are instead based on Intelligence.

*Suggestions for other Feats or Trick Shots are welcome.

[EjoThims]

Pretty awesome one level dip, trackless step and not slowed by terrain? Not too powerful, but makes the dip pretty much mandatory for any scout/skirmisher type in a campaign that such things actually matter in.

And the progression of light step is interesting (though limited /day uses blow, especially for high level of abilities) but don't make much sense with the rest of the class.

Untyped permanent dex boost solely from levels in base class, stacking with and at twice the rate you get them from character levels, and the first one kicks in when you're gaining +1 dex anyway??? Not really the standard realm of class abilities...

Ranged Sneak Attack is... Well, the 16th level wording is problematic... As because it is a specific class ability, it technically could be read to allow you to bypass sneak attack immunities. And the stepping for it seems kind of odd, jumping from potentially less than two range increments up to any distance... Base it on range increments, with the first boost lifting it to one range increment.



Overall this will suffer from all the main problems with fighter, is overspecialized, and doesn't prevent interesting options in combat; there's not even an actual bonus to sniping anywhere in the class.

[dman11235]

Yeah, I'm gonna echo Ejo on the dex thing and the SA thing.  Try having the range be at 1 range increment.  As for the dex, just get rid of it, that sort of thing doesn't belong in a class.  Figure out what you want the dex to apply to, and boost that.

This class is too specialized as is.  It would work better as a rogue PrC.

Now, I need to adress the ranged sneak attack problem: ranged attacks with SA suck.  Period.  You can only get one attack per round, as you need to be hidden to get the bonus.  In order to get that one attack/round, you need to be hidden, attack, then use the sniping hiding rules, which applies a -20(!) penalty to the hide attempt.  So here's what needs to happen: either a class focused on ranged sneak attacks needs to do a LOT of damage (a full-attack's worth) with a single attack and a boost to the hiding ability (or other method of increasing likelyhood of getting it on subsequent turns), or they need an ability that lets them get the bonus on every attack in the round (Greater Manyshot does do this).  For a sniper, I'd lean towards the single powerful shot, a la the sniper variant of the scout (though make it better).

[RobbyPants]

I'll third the suggestion of removing the flat Dex bonus. This is half a flavor thing (this sort of thing isn't typical for a base class) and half for game reasons (You shouldn't need huge RNG boosts like this).

I don't mind the Sneak Attack ranges so long as it's spelled out that you still have to meet the other requirements for Sneak Attack.

I'd suggest throwing in some other SLAs as well. Freedom of Movement could be a very nice one to have.

Personally, I think Hide in Plain Sight should be available somewhat earlier, given what the class does. Also, you may want to grant some sort of improved sniping ability at low level (by level 3 or so). Perhaps reduce the Hide penalty for sniping down form -20 to -10, or something. Perhaps remove it all together.

Also, you could consider adding Knowledge (The Planes) to their skill list. This is more of a personal preference of mine, but I tend to see Knowledge (The Planes) as sort of the "epic" version of Knowledge (Nature). By "epic" I mean that by 9th level, the party will likely have access to Plane Shift and Teleport, so the game feels kinda epic by that point, and what seems "natural" to the group fundamentally changes. Again, this is more of a personal preference on my part.

[dman11235]

My problem (and I think Ejo's as well) with the Sneak Attack ranges for this class was how poorly paced it was.  It went every 5 levels double, double, INFINITE.  That why we both suggested a range increment dependent one, so at level 1 (for a class like this, level 1 would be important) it would be out to 1 increment, then at level x it's 2, then at 2x it's 3 increments, etc.  This makes it so that at level 1 you already have an imporved range capacity on the SA, and it goes up steadily, up to a max of you entire range increment set at 20 (5 increments, I'm thinking at every multiple of 5 level you get the boost).

As for the SLAs...why?  I'm thinking at this point, you might as well start setting out a spell list.  or rather just give (ex) abilities that mimic these spells, if only to boost the power.  I've got two things for the author of this class to check out, two things that I've made that already do these sorts of things (snipe, the movement thing).  Well, one.  But I can describe the other, until I actually post it on these boards.  My , for the movement aspect, and my Deepwood Sniper and Scout sniper variant.  The scout sniper variant I made had the scout not move and make a single attack as a standard actoin to get +1d6/class level, as long as you were more than 30' away.  You'll note that it's 1d6/level, not /3 levels, and that I right away make it a "use this from long ranges" deal.  The Deepwood Sniper adds a sniping bonus, by taking a move action to aim, and then gradually removes the penalty for hiding after a ranged attack.  It also makes single attacks more power, increasing crit probability and damage.

[RobbyPants]

My problem (and I think Ejo's as well) with the Sneak Attack ranges for this class was how poorly paced it was.  It went every 5 levels double, double, INFINITE.  That why we both suggested a range increment dependent one, so at level 1 (for a class like this, level 1 would be important) it would be out to 1 increment, then at level x it's 2, then at 2x it's 3 increments, etc.  This makes it so that at level 1 you already have an imporved range capacity on the SA, and it goes up steadily, up to a max of you entire range increment set at 20 (5 increments, I'm thinking at every multiple of 5 level you get the boost).

Well, it's not functionally infinite. You still have a maximum range on your bow (with a -20 penalty to hit!) and rules for Spot checks and distances, but it could work by just adding distances or range increments in some fashion.

I just don't have a problem with it because it's 16th level. Casters can totally out pace that type of ability while actively trying not to pull out any of the stops.

As for the SLAs...why?  I'm thinking at this point, you might as well start setting out a spell list.  or rather just give (ex) abilities that mimic these spells, if only to boost the power.

Any of those could work. The idea was just to fill in some gaps in capability, and also some new dead levels if the +2 Dex abilities are removed.

[dman11235]

I know, I was being a tad hyperbolic.  But the point remains that up until then you are still effectively capped at 1 range increment.  You have 60 feet at level 6, and 120 at level 11, as a sniper.  So you basically aren't a sniper as a Sniper until you get to level 11, and aren't a good (re: long range) one until level 16.  60' is only 20 yards, btw.  That's nothing.  40 isn't much either.  Modern day small arms are capable of being accurate at 20 yards, easily.

On the SLAs, that "why" was more directed at the author, not you, sorry for the confusion.  I agree with you on that front.

[RobbyPants]

I know, I was being a tad hyperbolic.  But the point remains that up until then you are still effectively capped at 1 range increment.  You have 60 feet at level 6, and 120 at level 11, as a sniper.  So you basically aren't a sniper as a Sniper until you get to level 11, and aren't a good (re: long range) one until level 16.  60' is only 20 yards, btw.  That's nothing.  40 isn't much either.  Modern day small arms are capable of being accurate at 20 yards, easily.

I guess we could focus on what actually happens in games.

In my experience, extreme range encounters are quite rare, and often are set up deliberately from one side or the other. It seems that most fights are within the first two range increments of an archer's bow. It's certainly true that you could theoretically set up a situation where you get a thousand feet away and then perforate the opposition (especially with Air Walk), I'm not sure how much it actually comes up.

I see your point about the stark jump, but really, casters get some pretty stark jumps too, when they get new spell levels available (particularly 3rd to 4th level spells).

[dman11235]

Actually, I rarely see encounter beyond 60', and most happen within 30, especially when one character uses precision damage.  But what I was saying about ranges was more a RL spin on things.  A 100 yard shot is a decent length, but hardly difficult, and begins the sniping range.  20 yards (the 60 feet) is nothing for small arms, and pistols are really hard to aim.  Now, since this is for precision, not just hitting, things get more complicated.  But still, I think that for a class called a Sniper, not being able to hit hard from further than 30' away is a problem, and having to wait until level 11 to get a full range increment for a primary class feature to be featured is just ridiculous.  Casters, well, yeah they get a jump every other level, but I find that that's a problem as well.

[RobbyPants]

Oh. I was totally mis-reading your intent. Yeah, ranged SA should improve at a lower level. That is for sure.

Given the first 1d6 comes at 2nd level, that seems like a good level to improve the range (to a minimum of 60 feet, but possibly out to the first increment). It makes the class semi-dippable, but I don't have a huge problem with that.

[sirpercival]

In terms of a single massive-damage shot (like a modern-day sniper), how about increasing the critical multiplier in steps?

It also might be interesting to take this idea in a completely different direction.  Being a sniper is all about patience and biding your time, setting up the perfect shot with the perfect timing.  That sounds like more Int or Wis than Dex.  How about, instead of turning this into a variant rogue or scout, you make it a Wisdom-based archery class?

Class feature ideas:
~Zen Archery as a bonus feat at level 1
~Make Concentration checks to increase the critical multiplier on a given attack (EDIT: Or Spot, since this is Wisdom-based)
~Give 4-level spellcasting like a ranger (maybe just use the Ranger list), make sure they get Hunter's Mercy because it's necessary

[EjoThims]

just give (ex) abilities that mimic these spells, if only to boost the power.

This would be best, imo, and they shouldn't be limited /day.

Casters can totally out pace that type of ability while actively trying not to pull out any of the stops.

Yea, the range wasn't the issue; it was the slate intro and the jerky pace of it.

I'm personally fine with giving Distant Shot by level 16, max, to a class like this, and even allowing sneak attacks with it too, but the current progression is just terrible and doesn't actually give any bonuses to long-ranged attacks (other than the out of place dex boosts).

In my experience, extreme range encounters are quite rare, and often are set up deliberately from one side or the other.

True indeed, but if a class called "Sniper" doesn't actually have the capabilities to deliberately set up an extreme range encounter, the class fails miserably.

It makes the class semi-dippable, but I don't have a huge problem with that.

Neither does the author apparently, judging by the first couple of levels here... Only ones worth taking at all, really.

Also... Just nix the 'bonus feat list.' It is stupid and boring.

Grant abilities that roll the benefits of one or two the 'necessary' feats into one class ability for the weaker feats and just outright grant certain bonus feats for the ones that are actually a bit powerful.


And for gods' sake... Add a class ability that actually makes it easier and/or more effective to use the snipe action!

[FireInTheSky]

I haven't made any changes yet b/c I just saw all the comments.  Thanks for all the input!  I have to mull everything over, but I'm definitely going to make several changes.  I do like the idea of making it a WIS based archer. 

[FireInTheSky]

Wholesale changes.  Better?

[EjoThims]

Wholesale changes.  Better?

Much. But it's still a little bumpy.

For example, not sure how I feel about the massive buff to crit multiplier... Even at only 18 Wis you're giving +7 on top of everything else... So at least 56d6 SA on crits, which all your attacks should be SAs by this point...

And HiPS comes super late for a class that relies on hiding so much.

Also, you should change "Finally, at 19th level, the maximum range at which a Sniper can make a sneak attack with no range penalty is Line of Sight, regardless of the weapon they are using" to something more like "Finally, at 19th level, the Sniper can make a sneak attack against any target she can hit, regardless of range."

[Prime32]

Ranged Sneak Attack (Ex): At 3rd level, the maximum range at which a Sniper can make a Sneak Attack is 30ft, or a single range increment for the weapon they are using (i.e. A Sniper using a thrown dagger can make a ranged sneak attack at 30ft. with no distance penalty, and a Sniper using a composite longbow can make a ranged sneak attack at 110ft. with no distance penalty).  At 7th level, the maximum range increases to 60ft. / two range increments.  At 11th level, the maximum increases to 90ft / three range increments, and again at 15th level to 120 ft / four range increments.  Finally, at 19th level, the maximum range at which a Sniper can make a sneak attack with no range penalty is Line of Sight, regardless of the weapon they are using.

Improved Sneak Attack (Ex): A Sniper of sufficient level can make Sneak Attacks against creatures which would normally be immune to such attacks.  At 4th level, a Sniper can make sneak attacks against Undead.  At 8th level, a Sniper can use sneak attacks against Elementals.  A Sniper of 12th level can sneak attack Constructs, and at 16th level, a Sniper can make sneak attacks against Oozes and Plants.

I'd suggest changing these to:

Ranged Sneak Attack (Ex): At 3rd level, when making a ranged attack a sniper may treat any target within one range increment as being 30ft away for determining effects based on distance (such as sneak attack, coup de grace and Point Blank Shot). This has no effect if the target is closer than 30ft.

Horizon Eye (Ex): At 7th level, when making a ranged attack a sniper may treat her target as being one range increment closer for all purposes (including attack penalties, maximum attack distance, and her Ranged Sneak Attack ability). At 11th level she may treat her target as being two range increments closer, and at 15th level she may treat her target as being three range increments closer. At 19th level she may attack any target within line of sight as if they were within one range increment.

Improved Sneak Attack (Ex): At 4th level, a Sniper can make Sneak Attacks against creatures which would normally be immune to such attacks, but the damage dice are reduced to d2s. At 8th level these become d4s, and at 16th level she may apply her full sneak attack damage.

This way there's increased compatibility with other precision-based effects.

Trackless Step should come later. At lv1 I'd add an "Aim" ability which lets you take a move action to gain a damage bonus on your next ranged attack within 1 round equal to your Sniper level + your Wis modifier, along with halving its penalties for sniping. I'd say aiming is a more fundamental skill for a sniper than hiding your tracks, especially when the woodsman class doesn't get it that early.

Also, double spaces after a punctuation mark? Ew.

[EjoThims]

Horizon Eye (Ex): At 7th level, when making a ranged attack a sniper may treat her target as being one range increment closer for all purposes (including attack penalties, maximum attack distance, and her Ranged Sneak Attack ability). At 11th level she may treat her target as being two range increments closer, and at 15th level she may treat her target as being three range increments closer. At 19th level she may attack any target within line of sight as if they were within one range increment.

I would actually disagree with this one, myself... It means she has no penalty at all for attacks at any distance... The 19th level version is essentially setting your range increment to infinite as well as allowing sneak attacks.

I agree on the scaling SA dice against SA-immunes instead of granting by type though.

[Prime32]

I would actually disagree with this one, myself... It means she has no penalty at all for attacks at any distance... The 19th level version is essentially setting your range increment to infinite as well as allowing sneak attacks.

And that's supposed to be a bad thing in the crazy-powerful world of lv19s?

[FireInTheSky]

For example, not sure how I feel about the massive buff to crit multiplier... Even at only 18 Wis you're giving +7 on top of everything else... So at least 56d6 SA on crits, which all your attacks should be SAs by this point...

I'll have to change the wording a little.  That wasn't meant as WISMod on top of the previous increases.  It was instead of.  So with an 18 Wis, the crit mult buff is +4, not +7.

EDIT: Also, if you can sneak attack elementals (for example), does that imply that you can crit them?  Or - since that's the effect I want - should I state that outright?

MORE EDIT:  Would it be too much to give both Point Blank Shot and Zen Archery at 1st level?  It doesn't make sense to me for a "WIS-based archer" to wait for Zen Archery to 2nd, so I could switch those, but Point Blank Shot also seems necessary since it's the pre-req for everything else.  AND, should I give Precise Shot as a bonus, or figure that people will take that immediately anyway?