Article-At-A-Glance
- The Gun Machine[1] guide showcases a path to a devastating Gunslinger build in Pathfinder 1E.
- Strategically combines feats and skills for versatile gameplay and combat supremacy.
- Covering role playing elements and tactics for immersive character storytelling.
- Provides a rich blend of rules mastery for creating formidable Pathfinder characters.
Click on the level for more information
The Gun Machine[1] build starts as an Android Gunslinger with an armor focus. Utilizing the Gun Tank archetype, this character begins with Point-Blank Shot for aiming accuracy. Focusing on Dexterity enhances shooting precision and mobility. Starting armor is crucial, preferring something that optimizes armor class without sacrificing too much speed. Knowledge skills and Craft are key to reducing ammo costs.
Stat Block Level 1:
Gun Machine[1]: genderless, Android Gunslinger 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (android); HD 1d10; hp 14; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +1; Grp +1; Atk Light Pistol (+4 ranged, 1d8/×4) or Warhammer (+0 melee, 1d8/×3); Full Atk Light Pistol (+4 ranged, 1d8/×4) or Warhammer (+0 melee, 1d8/×3); SA Deadeye, Gunsmith; SQ Constructed, Exceptional Senses, Nanite Surge; AL Chaotic neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Engineering) +4, Knowledge (Local) +4, Perception +6, Craft (Ammunition) +4; Point-Blank Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Deadeye (reduce range increment penalty by 1), Gunsmith (proficiency with firearms), Constructed (partially immune to poison, sleep, paralysis);
Possessions: Leather Armor (initial armor for better mobility), Light Pistol (starting firearm), Warhammer (secondary weapon).
A heavily armored ranged machine, the level 5 Gun Machine[1] excels at blasting enemies from afar while boasting high AC with the Gun Tank and Techslinger abilities. Armed with a musket or blunderbuss, the character can deliver devastating attacks, especially aiming for precision shots. This build is durable, combining the endurance of a Stalwart Defender with technological innovation, making our pathologist a true mechanical warrior at range.
Stat Block Level 5:
Gun Machine[1]: genderless, Android Gunslinger 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (android); HD 5d10+10; hp 50; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk Musket +9 ranged (1d12/x4) or Blunderbuss +9 ranged (1d12/x4, scatter 15-ft. cone); Full Atk Musket +9 ranged (1d12/x4) or Blunderbuss +9 ranged (1d12/x4, scatter 15-ft. cone); SA Gun Training 1; SQ Armor Training 1, Gunsmith, Reactive; AL Neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +3; Str 14, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge(Engineering) +8, Knowledge(Local) +8, Perception +10, Craft (Ammunition) +8, Acrobatics +5; Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Dodge.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Gunsmith (keeps firearms in pristine condition). Deadeye
Possessions: Modern musket or blunderbuss, Full Plate Armor, assorted ammunition, assorted adventuring gear.
This Gunslinger 10 build focuses on becoming a durable, high damage dealer with impressive defensive capabilities. Built around the Gun Tank and Techslinger archetypes, and characterized by a high Dexterity score, the character is proficient with high-tech firearms. Sporting heavy armor and a variety of firearms options, the build combines the resilience of full plate with the versatility to either take down foes from a distance with guns or withstand melee combat when needed.
Stat Block Level 10:
Robocop: male, android gunslinger 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (android); HD 10d10+20; hp 75; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 26, touch 13, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +10; Grp +10; Atk +15 pistol (1d8+1/x4) or sword +10; Full Atk +15/+10 pistol (1d8+1/x4) or +10/+5 sword; SA None; SQ Armor Training +2, Gun Training, Upgradable Weapons, Defensive Stance, Android Traits; AL N; SV Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Engineering) +15, Knowledge (Local) +15, Perception +15, Craft (Ammunition) +10, Acrobatics +10; Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Dodge, Toughness, Endurance.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
As a Techslinger, all firearms gain the potential for tech enhancements; Defensive Stance boosts AC and fortifies against critical hits.
Possessions: Full plate armor, pistol, Sword, assorted ammunition, useful tech gadgets.
This build at level 15 combines the Gun Tank and Techslinger archetypes with the Stalwart Defender to create a heavily armored, durable firearms expert. Utilizing advanced weapons like tech guns or shotguns and relying on traits like Armor Expert for reduced penalties. They maximize their skills in Knowledge (Engineering) and Craft for tech synergy, and possess feats focused on surviving and maintaining defense in combat. This tactical setup paired with defensive powers like Internal Fortitude and Mighty Resilience makes the character resilient against damage and conditions.
Stat Block Level 15:
Gun Machine[1]: genderless, Android Gunslinger 10/Stalwart Defender 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (android); HD 10d10+5d12+30; hp 150; Init +4; Spd 20 ft.; AC 31, touch 13, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk Single [Blunderbuss] (+20 atk, 1d8+10 dmg, 20/x4) or [Pistol]; Full Atk with Blunderbuss (Cone attack, touch AC); SA Internal Fortitude, Fearless Defense; SQ Defensive Stance, High Dex in Full Plate; AL Neutral; SV Fort +14, Ref +11, Will +9; Str 14, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Engineering) +15; Knowledge (Local) +15; Craft (Ammunition) +15; Acrobatics +10; Feats: Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Dodge, Toughness, Endurance, Technologist, Armor Focus (Full Plate), Deadly Aim, Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Defensive Stance (Increased AC, resist critical hits), Internal Fortitude (immunity to fatigue, disease), Mighty Resilience (negate crits/sneak attacks once), Intercept (protect an ally), Smash (melee option).
Possessions: Modern Sci-Fi Gun, Full Plate Armor, Tower Shield, assorted tech gear.
The Android Gunslinger wields advanced firearms with the proficiency of a field commander, using superior technology to enhance capabilities. With high Dexterity and resilient defenses, it withstands battles and directs forces with unmatched accuracy. Using weapons ranging from modern pistols to sci-fi guns, this build dominates through sheer firepower and tactical might. High Armor Class and Hit Points ensure lasting power in combat, all while being highly mobile and able to retaliate with unrivaled precision.
Stat Block Level 20:
Gun Machine[1]: Genderless, Android Gunslinger 10/Stalwart Defender 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (android); HD 20d10; hp 200; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 35, touch 17, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +20; Grp +22; Atk +30 ranged (modern firearm) or +30 melee (Power Attack); Full Atk +30/+25/+20/+15 ranged (modern firearm) or +30/+25/+20/+15 melee (Power Attack); SA Deadly Aim; SQ Defensive Stance, Improved Armor Mastery; AL N; SV Fort +19, Ref +15, Will +14; Str 14, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Engineering) +15, Knowledge (Local) +15, Perception +20, Craft (Ammunition) +15, Acrobatics +10; Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Dodge, Toughness, Endurance, Technologist, Armor Focus (Full Plate), Deadly Aim, Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush. Defensive Powers by Level: Internal Fortitude, Fearless Defense, Smash, Mighty Resilience, Intercept.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Defensive Stance (Increased AC, resist critical hits), Internal Fortitude (immunity to fatigue, disease), Mighty Resilience (negate crits/sneak attacks once), Intercept (protect an ally), Smash (melee option).
Possessions: Full Plate Armor, Modern Firearm (Blunderbuss or Pistol), Tower Shield, Technological Enhancements, Riches from starting wealth.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin as a Gunslinger focusing on basic gunplay with Point-Blank and Precise Shot. Prioritize acquiring a Blunderbuss or Pistol. Economic management is important; traits like Rich Parents help acquire good armor early.
- Levels 6-10: Transition into a Gun Tank, strengthening defenses while fostering offensive capabilities. The Stalwart Defender path begins, emphasizing resilience and combat prowess through feats like Dodge and Toughness.
- Levels 11-15: Solidify as a robust Gun-Machine with access to advanced firearms. Armor Focus and Deadly Aim come into play, enhancing defense and damage. Analyze your Technologist ability to innovate with modern weapons and tactics.
- Levels 16-20: Achieve peak performance with a combination of modern firearms and superior defensive features in the Stalwart Defender range. Leverage defensive powers like Smash, Mighty Resilience, and Intercept to maintain control and defense in combat scenarios.
Core Abilities & Features
The Gun Machine[1] build in Pathfinder 1E, blending the Gun Tank and Techslinger archetypes with a Prestige Class of Stalwart Defender, creates a terrifyingly efficient battlefield presence. You become a mechanical wonder with the Android race. This choice amplifies the unique Techslinger advantage, making your build thematically sound and thrilling to play. The combination of 10 levels each in Gunslinger and Stalwart Defender optimizes both offensive and defensive capabilities.
The 15-point, 20-point, or 25-point buy setups all prioritize Dexterity, crucial for enhancing ranged attack capabilities. Dexterity facilitates both quick firing and high armor class (AC) when in full armor, thanks to the Gun Tank’s advantages. Traits like Armor Expert and Rich Parents complement these abilities by reducing armor penalties and securing top-tier armor early on. Mastery in Knowledge (Engineering) and Knowledge (Local) reinforces your character’s thematic essence, while maximizing Perception and Craft Skills saves on ammunition cost.
The feat progression is meticulously chosen to blend combat optimization with necessary prerequisites. While Point-Blank and Precise Shot establish the foundation for ranged superiority, feats such as Dodge, Toughness, and Endurance ensure you meet the criteria for Stalwart Defender. The Technologist feat unlocks advanced weapon options, crucial for making the Techslinger aspect shine. Defensive Powers like Internal Fortitude and Mighty Resilience cement this build’s status as a beast of defense, becoming virtually immune to debilitating conditions and able to withstand critical damage.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Blunderbuss | Starting weapon; great for close combat, grants touch attack, consider upgrading to Masterwork ASAP. |
| L6-10 | Modern Pistol or Shotgun | Techslinger upgrade, increases range, damage potential, pick depending on style preference. |
| L11-15 | +4 Dexterity Belt | Enhances your primary attribute, increases attack bonus, helps meet AC requirements. |
| L16-20 | Anti-matter Rifle | Final firearm upgrade, maximum damage, long-range capabilities, epitome of Techslinger arsenal. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Within the dark corridors, the Gun Machine[1] uses its Blunderbuss to attack in a spread, catching sneaky foes hiding behind cover. Moving cautiously while in full plate, the enemy’s surprise attacks are thwarted by the high AC.
- Open Fields:
- In open spaces, the presence of a Techslinger with a modern firearm often means doom for enemies at long range. With Deadly Aim and Precise Shot, the Android swiftly dispatches foes from a distance while moving strategically to avoid becoming a target.
- Ambushes:
- In ambuscades, the Stalwart Defender’s defensive powers keep it composed. Fearless Defense ensures no panic ensues under surprise attacks. Quick reactions allow it to cover allies with its Tower Shield, absorbing blows and returning fire with the Pistol.
- Defensive Stands:
- Dig in with unwavering morale, entering a Defensive Stance. Mighty Resilience shrugs off critical hits while intercepting enemies threatening allies. It uses its Pistol to systematically take down incoming enemies, acting as an unyielding bulwark.
- Urban Encounters:
- Amongst narrow streets, our Gun-Machine excels at tactical positioning. Acrobatics facilitates nimble navigation, taking cover behind urban structures. With the Blunderbuss, it deals with mobs or uses a Rifle for selective target elimination, epitomizing destruction in a concrete jungle.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Charisma | Utilize the ‘Serum of Enhancement (Personality)’ which grants a temporary +2 Charisma bonus for 1 minute. Focus on non-verbal intimidation tactics to compensate. |
| Reduced mobility in Defensive Stance. | Invest in the ‘Boots of Striding and Springing’ which increase base speed by 10 feet without armor penalties. Use positioning strategies to control the battlefield beforehand. |
| Limited melee capabilities. | Carry a ‘Mjolnir Tactical Hilt’ for seamless transition between ranged and melee combat for a +1 to attack and damage rolls. |
| Low Will save. | Equip a ‘Headband of Mental Superiority’ focusing on Wisdom (or Will boost) to improve mental defenses. |
| Armor penalties | Optimize with the ‘Mithral Full Plate’ reducing armor check penalty by 3, making skill checks easier. |
Roleplaying Guide for the Gun Machine
The Gun Machine[1] build offers a rich tapestry for roleplaying, intertwining technology and tradition. As an Android Gunslinger, you’re the embodiment of a futuristic soldier, akin to legends like Robocop or Major. You bring an air of mystique and efficiency to the battlefield, unyielding and precise.
Opportunities for Android Characters:
Your character’s racing thoughts and analytical nature can add depth, showcasing the unique struggle between logic and newfound emotions. You might often find yourself grappling with the human side of warfare–applying empathy in battle. Perhaps your integration into a humanoid culture stirs unexpected emotional conflicts, especially when faced with choices that challenge your programmed directives.
Exploring the Battlefields:
Revel in roleplaying the indomitable fortress on the field. Imagine standing unflinching amidst enemy barrages, your full plate optimizing Dex like no other, directing allies with a calculated precision. Your gunfire is more than a weapon; it’s an extension of your will, delivering justice or execution with clinical exactness.
Themes of Identity and Duty:
The Gun Machine[1] archetype allows you to explore deeper themes of duty and identity. Is your Android nature a tool for bettering humanity, or are you designed for domination? Delve into the exploration of autonomy as you decide when to follow commands and when to lead with human-like intuition.
Ethical Dilemmas:
Consider inner battles over justice versus survival, duty versus autonomy. Your Techslinger abilities grant vast power, and therein lies the temptation to traverse morally gray areas. Roleplaying such dilemmas enriches your narrative, allowing you to portray a character questioning if the mission truly justifies the means.
Blending Action with Strategy:
Embodying strategy on the battlefield can stagger foes and inspire allies. Visualize dexterous movements using acrobatics, relying on rapid decisions to outmaneuver opponents. With a sensor’s precision, you become a beacon of tactical brilliance, the anchor where allies find structure amidst chaos.
FAQ
What Makes the Gun Machine[1] Build Unique?
The Gun Machine[1] build is distinguished by its rapid-fire capabilities. It focuses on maximizing the Gunslinger[2]’s rate of fire with minimal reload time. By using Alchemical Cartridges and advanced firearms, it maintains a constant barrage. Combining this with feats like Rapid Reload and Rapid Shot enhances its efficiency significantly, outpacing most traditional builds in sustained ranged damage.
How Does the Environment Affect the Gun Machine[1]?
The environment plays a crucial role in the Gun Machine[1]’s effectiveness. Open spaces allow for clear lines of sight and maximum attack range. Conversely, enclosed spaces can hinder movement and limit shot angles. Factors like wind can impact bullet trajectory, though advanced technology in firearms reduces these effects. Utilize environmental cover and high ground to improve defensive positions.
What Feats Are Essential for the Gun Machine[1] Build?
Key feats include Rapid Reload, Point-Blank Shot, and Deadly Aim. Rapid Reload minimizes time spent between shots with specific firearms. Point-Blank Shot grants bonuses to near targets, which pairs well with firearms. Deadly Aim increases damage by lowering accuracy, crucial when engaging lesser armored foes.
Why Is Dexterity Important for the Gun Machine[1]?
Dexterity enhances both attack rolls and defensive capabilities. A high Dexterity boosts the Gunslinger[2]’s accuracy and ability to evade attacks. This attribute comes into play with skills like Acrobatics, vital for mobility in diverse terrains. Dexterity based feats and bonuses increase the efficiency of firearms.
Can the Gun Machine[1] Be Effective in Roleplaying Scenarios?
Absolutely, the Gun Machine[1] can be as engaging in roleplaying as in combat. Its historical and technological aspects offer rich narrative angles. Play up the character’s expertise in gunsmithing and lore as a gunslinger. Interact with characters using knowledge-based skills like Knowledge (Engineering). The roleplaying challenge lies in balancing technical prowess with character development.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Gun Machine!
Are you ready to try the Gun Machine[1] in your next campaign? Do you think it could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the discussion and share your experiences on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7!
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Gunslinger – The Gun Machine – Pathfinder 1E ( Gun Machine )
The Gun Machine
Call this build Robocop or Major if you want, but you are a literal walking machine, envelopped in the thickest armor you can find, blasting folks with your gun. Absolutely glorious. We are taking the Gun Tank and the Techslinger Archetypes and the Stalwart Defender Prestige Class. Our Leveling should look like the following:
Classes
Gunslinger 10/Stalwart Defender 10
Race
Android. Thematically appropriate and extremely fun.
Ability Scores
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 17/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 8
Everything in Dexterity.
20Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 17/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 8 Everything in Dexterity
25Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 18/Con 15/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 8
Round up Constitution then everything in Dexterity.
Traits
Armor Expert lets you reduce Armor penalty, Rich Parents give you the chance to get a good armor early on.
Favored Class Bonus
We have tons of hp already, put that in skills.
Skills
Knowledge(Engineering) and Knowledge(Local) are thematically appropriate for us here, and then both Perception and Craft to significantly reduce the cost of our ammunition is going to be mandatory. Acrobatics increases our poor maneuverability.
Feats by Level
1-Point-Blank Shot
3-Precise Shot
5-Dodge
7-Toughness
9-Endurance
11-Technologist
13-Armor Focus(Full Plate)
15-Deadly Aim
17-Power Attack
19-Improved Bull Rush
I am fairly certain you did not see coming half the feats we took. Toughness, Endurance and Dodge, while neat, are strictly here due to Prerequisites to get into Stalwart Defender. Precise Shot being absolutely mandatory for any ranged build. And whenever our damage starts slowing down, we get a neat damage upgrade via Technologist allowing us to use advanced technological skills, and we can choose it because we are a Techslinger (allowing us to use advanced firearms, meaning anywhere between modern firearms to antimatter rifles) and Deadly Aim. Armor Focus further increases our AC and Power Attack and Improved Bull Rush gives us options when melee is inevitable.
Defensive Powers by Level
12-Internal Fortitude
14-Fearless Defense
16-Smash
18-Mighty Resilience
20-Intercept
We are extremely resilient when it comes to AC and Hit Points, and via Internal Fortitude and Fearless Defense, we are immune to a few downright crippling Conditions. Smash allows us an additional option in melee, Mighty Resilience let us negate a Critical Hit or Sneak Attack once/Defensive Stance which is a life saver, and Intercept allows us to protect our allies. Take cover and demolish enemies from where you stand, or heck, just stand in the middle of the corridor and blast them into oblivion, your impenetrable defenses turning you into a walking tank akin to a Space Marine.
Equipment
You start for free with a gun that is either a Pistol, Blunderbuss or Musket, but as a Techslinger, you can rapidly upgrade this all the way to modern firearms and even to sci-fi guns. Personally I like the idea that this one build works well with a Blunderbuss and eventually Shotgun, but if you wanna play the Major, Pistol into modern Rifles works perfectly fine too.
So with that fat pack of starting cash pick the single best armor you can get. Treat yourself.
Final Thoughts on the Build
The idea of a Ranged Stalwart Defender was something I had toyed with in the past and mixing it with a Gun Tank turned out to be extremely fun and surprisingly effective. With a Blunderbuss we attack in a cone that bypasses armor, all the while we are going around in full plate armor, and if we get in our Defensive Stance, we become as close to unkillable as this game allows, with a massive AC, which is further enhanced by Gun Tank allowing a High Dex in Full Plate. Or we can pick a Pistol and a Tower Shield(yes, we are, in fact, proficient in it) and have the highest AC in the damned game before buffs/shenanigans, beating even the Fighters to it. And our mobility remains largely untouched via Acrobatics when not in a Defensive Stance so have fun playing the Major vaulting above attackers and blasting them from behind with her rifle. Or as Robocop just walk through a wall and say to the enemy that you are here to apprehend them dead or alive like the absolute gigachad you are.
2. ↑ 2024 The Honorable Mentions – The Gunslinger – Pathfinder 1E ( the Gunslinger )
Categories: Pathfinder 1E Character Builds
The Gunslinger
They all laughed at him. “The fastest shot in the world”. A juggler and a bard, claiming to be the fastest shot in the world? A ridiculous claim. The mysterious man had walked into the saloon and made that claim boldly after giving his evening performance, which was admittedly impressive, but there was a limit at the theatrics. He sported four pistols, two at his hips, two strapped to his chest. It was ridiculous.
The mysterious man smiled at their laughter. He had kept vengeance toward this town, which he was banned from twenty years ago now, burning his heart and tonight, he had a last performance to give, he thought, caressing the hammer of one of his pistols…
This build is painfully close to making the Top 10, but doesn’t quite make it for 2 reasons:
1-There is a ridiculous FAQ Errata that power nerfs a certain ability to the ground. Now, FAQ and Errata are always subject to GM review, and this one in particular is usually wildly disregarded by most Game Masters, but it is unfortunately a concern that, combined with the second element makes it just miss the Top 10.
2-The other reason being that it is a gunslinger build. Guns are a hit or miss for many GMs and even if they are canonical within Pathfinder’s official setting, Golarion, many GM will use the regional excuse to heavily limit them. And because of these two factors this build misses on being on my top 10. Unfortunate as it is this build truly is a very fun one that I can only highly recommend for a Gunslinging enthousiast!
Race
Human with the Military Tradition Alternative Racial Feature
Class
Battle Host Occultist 1/Mysterious Stranger Gunslinger 1/Trench Fighter 3/Bard Juggler 7/Luring Musketeer Cavalier 8
Traits
Both are open to grab, have fun kids!
Ability Scores
As a Gunslinger, this will probably shock you, but we need Dexterity. We also need Charisma and some amount of Intelligence for our first Level.
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 17/Con 10/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 14
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 18/Con 10/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 15
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 18/Con 12/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 16
Favored Class Bonus
Yep, it is, in fact, HP. Don’t look at me like that, our Con sucks.
Skills
Perception and Sleight of Hands are mandatory for this build. Everything else is gravy so have fun! Take Acrobatics if you want better mobility, various Social Skills to be a decent face, Survival for the gritty, mysterious stranger feel, etc.
Feats by Level
1-Point-Blank Shot
Human Bonus-Exotic Weapon Proficiency(Pistols, Rifles)
Bonus 2-Gunsmithing
3-Precise Shot
Bonus 3-Two Weapons Fighting
Bonus 4-Rapid Reload(Pistols)
5-Deadly Aim
Bonus 6-Deflect Arrow
7-Rapid Shot
9-Improved Two Weapons Fighting
Bonus 10-Snatch Arrow
11-Dodge
Bonus 13-Teamwork Feat of your Choice
13-Mobility
15-Leaping Shot Deed
Bonus 16-Rapid Reload(Rifles)
17-Deft Shootist Deed
Bonus 18-Weapon Focus(Pistols)
19-Greater Two-Weapons Fighting
Precise Shot is pretty much mandatory for any ranged build and so is Deadly Aim. We get Rapid Reload for two types of firearms so that’s fun, we have all three Two-Weapons Fighting main feats, and with Leaping Shot Deed and Deft Shootist Deed, we no longer provoke when shooting in melee and we can move and shoot all our firearms we are wielding(4 due to juggling) as we move which significantly improves our mobility in battle.
Equipment
We start, for free, with a Masterwork Pistol that is immune to the Broken Condition. Which means we don’t fear misfiring at all with that weapon. Which is the FAQ problem I mentioned. So we are free to do whatever we wish with our starting money. Eventually we will want a second Pistol of some sort, and even a third and fourth ones for when we multiclass into Bard. Do consider a Rifle for variances or when you do need some extreme range. You can get away with wearing a Chainshirt as your main armor with no problem.
Final Thoughts on the Build
As per usual you get your Dex to damage, on top of your 8 Attacks per round if you stay immobile, 4 if you move, you can snatch projectiles shot at you, you get extra AC behind cover, you count as having Improved Critical with your firearms, you attack against Touch AC within two Range Increments, ignore range penalty up to three range increments, can cast Spells, have Evasion, a bunch of skills, can spend Grit to add your Charisma modifier to all your damage rolls within a round, and on top of all of that you get to choose a Cavalier’s Order and get to add even more bonuses when Challenging someone. This build can deal some tremendous damage at range while still being extremely mobile and having quite a few backup options. This is a ridiculously good build.
Level | Class | HD | Feats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Occultist | 8+Con | Point-Blank Shot, Exotic Weapon Proficiency(Pistols, Rifles) | Knacks, Panoply Bond(Transmutation), Focus Powers, Mental Focus |
2 | Gunslinger | 1d10+Con | Gunsmithing | Grit, Deeds (Focused Aim, Deadeye, Gunslinger’s Dodge) |
3 | Fighter | 1d10+Con | Precise Shot, Two-Weapons Fighting | – |
4 | Fighter | 1d10+Con | Rapid Reload(Pistols) | Bravery +1 |
5 | Fighter | 1d10+Con | Deadly Aim | Trench Warfare |
6 | Bard | 1d8+Con | Deflect Arrow | Fast Reactions, Cantrips, Bardic Music (Fascinate, Inspire Courage +1, Distraction, Countersong) |
7 | Bard | 1d8+Con | Rapid Shot | Combat Juggling, Evasion |
8 | Bard | 1d8+Con | – | Inspire Competence +2 |
9 | Bard | 1d8+Con | Improved Two-Weapons Fighting | – |
10 | Bard | 1d8+Con | Snatch Arrow | Inspire Courage +2 |
11 | Bard | 1d8+Con | Dodge | Suggestion |
12 | Bard | 1d8+Con | – | Inspire Competence +3 |
13 | 1d10+Con | Mobility, 1 Teamwork Feat of your Choice | Far Challenge 1/Day, Gifted Firearm, Order, Tactician | |
14 | 1d10+Con | – | Order Ability | |
15 | 1d10+Con | Leaping Shot Deed | Careful Aim | |
16 |
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