This Elven ranger shows great skill in archery, particularly in close-range shots and following tracks. Prepared for both battle and navigating through the wild, they are armed with a longbow and wearing studded leather armor.
Stat Block Level 1:
Elven Marksman[1]: male, elf ranger 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d8; hp 8; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +1; Grp +3; Atk longbow +5 (1d8/x3) or longsword +3 (1d8+2/19-20); Full Atk longbow +5 (1d8/x3) or longsword +3 (1d8+2/19-20); SA none; SQ 1st Favored Enemy, Wild Empathy, elf traits; AL CG; SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Craft(Bowmaking) +4, Hide +4, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Move Silently +4, Survival +4; Track, Point-Blank Shot. Special Attacks and Qualities: Favored Enemy (1st +2 to damage and skill checks vs. a chosen creature type), Wild Empathy (d20 +1 modifier), elf traits (immunity to sleep, +2 vs. enchantments, low-light vision, proficiency with longsword, rapier, longbow, and shortbow, +2 to Listen, Search, and Spot).
Possessions: longbow, studded leather, longsword.
At level 5, this Ranger focuses on honing their archery skills with accurate shooting. The character excels in long-range fighting and is aided in battles by an animal companion.
Stat Block Level 5:
[Unnamed Ranger]: male, elf ranger 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 5d8; hp 35; Init +4; Spd 30 ft; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk +9 ranged (1d8+3/x3, Longbow); Full Atk +9 ranged (1d8+3/x3, Longbow); SA 1st Favored Enemy +2, 2nd Favored Enemy +2; SQ Wild Empathy +5, Low-light vision, Immunity to sleep spells, +2 vs. enchantment spells; AL CG; SV Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
At level 10, this Elven Marksman[1] combines precision archery with stealth and agility. With the Justice of Weald and Woe, the character can perform sneaky attacks and has abilities for maximizing damage with their ranged attacks.
Stat Block Level 10:
Elven Marksman[1]: male, Elf Ranger 6/Justice of Weald and Woe 4; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (Elf); HD 10d8; hp 55; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk Longbow +14 (+1-Longbow, 1d8+3/x3) or Longsword +10 (1d8+3/19-20); Full Atk Longbow +14/+9 (1d8+3/x3) or Longsword +10/+5 (1d8+3/19-20); SA Sneak Attack (+1d6); SQ Animal Companion, Woodland Stride, Trackless Step, Far Shot, Lucky Shot, Immunity to Sleep, +2 to Will saves against Enchantment, Low-Light Vision; AL CG; SV Fort +6, Ref +12, Will +5; Str 16, Dex 20, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
At level 15, the Elven Marksman[1] is a Ranger 6/Justice of Weald and Woe 9. Utilizing abilities like Improved Precise Shot and Sneak Attack +2d6, this character excels in delivering powerful, precise strikes from the shadows, employing a Longbow specialized for pinpoint accuracy. Hide in Plain Sight and access to spells further enhance stealth and survivability.
Stat Block Level 15:
Elven Marksman[1]: Male, Elf Ranger 6/Justice of Weald and Woe 9; CR 15; Medium Humanoid (Elf); HD 15d8; hp 85; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk +20 Longbow (1d8+6, x3) or +15 Longsword (1d8+3, 19-20/x2); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 Longbow (1d8+6, x3) or +15/+10/+5 Longsword (1d8+3, 19-20/x2); SA Sneak Attack +2d6; SQ Elven traits, Track, Wild Empathy, Combat Style, Improved Combat Style, Animal Companion, Woodland Stride, Trackless Step, Poison Use, Steady Hand, Hide in Plain Sight; AL CG; SV Fort +10, Ref +12, Will +11; Str 16, Dex 22, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Craft (Bowmaking) +10, Hide +16, Knowledge (Nature) +4, Move Silently +16, Survival +8; Track, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Endurance, Precise Shot, Manyshot, Weapon Focus (Longbow), Far Shot, Woodland Archer, Quick Draw, Weapon Specialization (Longbow), Improved Precise Shot. Special Attacks and Qualities: Death Attack: Studied targets can be killed with a single well-placed arrow.
Possessions: Longbow, Studded Leather, Longsword.
This Elven Marksman[1] combines the skills of a Ranger, Justice of Weald and Woe, and Peerless Archer to create a fearsome archer. With a high Dexterity and specialized feats, she can deliver deadly volleys and execute One Hit Kills. Her abilities include hiding in plain sight, poison use, and death attack.
Stat Block Level 20:
Elven Marksman[1]: female, Elf Ranger 6/Justice of Weald and Woe 10/Peerless Archer 4; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 6d8+0 plus 10d8+0 plus 4d10+0; hp 90; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +18; Grp +21; Atk +23 melee (1d8+3/19-20, Longsword) or +24 ranged (1d8+4/x3, Longbow); Full Atk +23/+18/+13 melee (1d8+3/19-20, Longsword) or +24/+24/+19/+14 ranged (1d8+4/x3, Longbow); SA Sneak Attack +3d6, Death Attack, Poison Use; SQ Favored Enemies, Wild Empathy, Animal Companion, Woodland Stride, Trackless Step, Hide in Plain Sight, Steady Hand, Expert Bowyer, Sharp Shooting, Fletching +2, Immunity to Poison; AL CG; SV Fort +8, Ref +12, Will +7; Str 16, Dex 22, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Levels 1-5: Begin as a Ranger honing basic archery skills. Acquire vital feats like Track, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, and Precise Shot. Gain an Animal Companion and your first Favored Enemies.
Levels 6-10: Move into a role as a Justice of Weald and Woe, focusing on long-distance shooting abilities such as Far Shot. Acquire skills like Sneak Attack, Woodland Stride, and Lucky Shot to improve both movement and killing power.
Levels 11-15: Deepen stealth and precision with feats like Improved Precise Shot and Hide in Plain Sight. Abilities like Poison Use and Death Attack make you a deadly hunter, while Sneak Attack damage increases to +2d6.
Levels 16-20: Master the art of archery as a Peerless Archer. Gain unparalleled abilities like Expert Bowyer and Power Shot. Finish with high Ranged Sneak Attack damage (+2d6) and significant fletching skills, making you a terrifying sniper from any distance.
Core Abilities & Features of the Elven Marksman
Favored Enemy & Combat Style
Kicking things off at Level 1, Rangers get the Favored Enemy ability, enhancing damage against a chosen type of creature. Your damage output increases at Level 5 with a second favored enemy. With Combat Style at Level 2, you gain Rapid Shot without meeting prerequisites, making you lethal with a longbow from day one.
Sneak Attack & Death Attack
Adding layers to your offensive tactics, by Level 9 as a Justice of Weald and Woe, you gain Sneak Attack, further increasing damage under specific circumstances. By Level 16, Death Attack allows you to potentially eliminate foes in one shot after three rounds of observation.
Improved Precise Shot & Hide in Plain Sight
At Level 15, Improved Precise Shot neutralizes concealment penalties, optimizing your strikes. Additionally, Hide in Plain Sight ensures you stay undetected, perfectly setting you up for Sneak Attacks.
Ranged Sneak Attack & Sharpshooting
Progressing into Peerless Archer, your Ranged Sneak Attack stacks further damage dice. With the Sharpshooting feature at Level 18, you counteract penalties from cover, transforming you into an archer capable of pinpoint precision.
Equipment Progression as an Elven Marksman
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Longbow
Provides a +1 attack bonus. Essential for early precision.
Cloak of Elvenkind
Enhances your stealth with a +5 competence bonus to Hide checks.
L6-10
Bracers of Archery
Grants you proficiency with all bows and a +2 competence bonus on attacks with them.
Efficient Quiver
Holds up to 60 arrows, 18 javelins, and 6 long objects like bows or staves. Access everything swiftly.
L11-15
+2 Keen Longbow
Keen doubles critical range. Adds +2 to attack and damage.
Boots of Speed
Grants haste ability for up to 10 rounds per day, increasing attack bonus, Armor Class, and reflex saves.
L16-20
+5 Composite Longbow
Maximize attack and damage with the prime bow enhancement.
Ring of Improved Invisibility
Grants you the ability to become invisible on command for up to 10 minutes per day.
Combat Scenarios of the Elven Marksman
Dungeon Crawls:
Utilize your Hide and Move Silently skills to pass undetected by foes and set up ambushes. Use your Longbow for ranged attacks in narrow corridors, ensuring you can retreat if necessary.
Open Fields:
Take advantage of your high Dexterity and Far Shot feat to engage enemies at extreme distances. Use cover and your mastery of camouflage to remain hidden, striking from unexpected angles.
Ambushes:
Leverage your Hide in Plain Sight ability to set up devastating surprise attacks. Use a combination of Sneak Attacks and Manyshot to quickly eliminate enemy threats before they can react.
Defensive Stands:
Position yourself at an elevated vantage point where you can use your ranged attacks to pick off advancing enemies. Utilize the Steady Hand and Weapon Specialization (Longbow) to increase your combat effectiveness.
Urban Encounters:
Use your Quick Draw feat and rapid shooting abilities to react quickly in close quarters. Utilize rooftops and narrow alleyways to maintain distance from enemies while you whittle them down with precision shots.
Weaknesses & Counters of the Elven Marksman
Weakness
Counter
Low Constitution (Con 10)
Equip Amulet of Health (+2 Con), Take Toughness Feat (+3 HP)
Struggles in Melee Combat
Stay at Range, Use Longsword for Emergencies
Disdain from Elves
Role-Play Diplomacy (High Wis), Avoid Elf-Hostile Areas
Limited Skill Points
Craft Intelligent Items (Eternal Wand of Guidance)
Reliance on Dexterity
Invest in Dexterity-Boosting Items (Gloves of Dexterity +2)
Low Charisma (Cha 8)
Invest in Non-Charisma-Based Skills, Use Elixirs of Charisma for Social Interactions
Susceptible to Poison & Disease
Use Antitoxin and Remove Disease Spells, Carry a Wand of Lesser Restoration
Spell Casting is Limited
Acquire Wands for Commonly Used Spells (Wand of Cure Light Wounds)
Stealth-Based Abilities Can Fail
Use Cloak of Elvenkind (+5 to Stealth), Practice Sneak Attacks from Safe Distances
Step into the shoes of your character who is a master archer with a deep connection to the wilderness. Your character’s elf heritage and Ranger training should come through in every interaction. Emphasize their honed reflexes and intense focus in stressful situations. When describing your actions, highlight smooth, calculated movements and the precision with which you handle your longbow. You are calm and composed under pressure, much like the forest you protect.
Building Tension with Elven Superiority
Leverage the generally superior attitude elves have towards other races. This should be subtle yet consistent. Assignments or conversations may be tinged with slight contempt or irritation when dealing with non-elves. Your elven character might often feel like they are the only one capable of understanding the true nature of threats. This can manifest in a protective, sometimes condescending demeanor. Explore the isolation and responsibility this brings, showing distaste for human recklessness while maintaining an air of reluctant guardianship.
A Lethal Protector
Your character is both a protector and a weapon. Their deadly precision intimidates adversaries and reassures allies. When roleplaying, narrate their kills with a quiet confidence. They take no joy in unnecessary deaths but do not shy away from violence when duty calls. In conversations with other character, you might reveal bits of your solitary scouting missions or quick, silent takedowns, cementing your reputation as a hidden sentinel.
Living in the Shadows
Explore the theme of solitude and invisibility. Your character is frequently on their own, using skills like Hide and Move Silently to stay undetected. In social situations, they might feel out of place or distant, always scanning the crowd, calculating escape routes. Use these moments to flesh out their reflective, almost aloof nature. These skills not just practical tools, but integral aspects of their personality, revealing the cost of constant vigilance.
The Elven Marksman[1] excels with a blend of precision and damage output. Utilizing Ranger abilities, Peerless Archer, and Justice of Weald and Woe, it’s lethal from afar. Key features like Rapid Shot and Ranged Sneak Attack make it formidable at all ranges. Stealth abilities like Hide in Plain Sight ensure you’re undetected, setting up devastating attacks.
Why is Ranged Sneak Attack important for this build?
Ranged Sneak Attack allows you to stack additional damage dice on surprised or flanked enemies. As a Justice of Weald and Woe, this feature kicks in at Level 9. It layers more damage onto your attacks, especially when combined with Hide in Plain Sight. You’ll consistently deal lethal strikes before enemies know your position.
Embody precision and calm under pressure, reflecting your deep woodland connection. Display subtle superiority common in elves, especially towards non-elves. Highlight solitude and vigilance in your actions, always staying alert. Narrate your kills with quiet confidence, showcasing your lethal efficiency.
Spells like Entangle and Barkskin enhance control and defense. Use Hunter’s Mark to track tough enemies. Wands for Cure Light Wounds and Lesser Restoration help maintain health and recover quickly. Enlist spells that boost your stealth or calm animals in the wilderness.
Absolutely, the build’s skills adapt to any setting. Whether navigating dense forests or open plains, your abilities remain effective. Mastery of long-range combat and stealth ensures you stay one step ahead in any scenario. Customize your Favored Enemies based on common foes in your campaign environment.
Consider integrating a Elven Marskman into your next D&D 3.5 game for a dynamic play experience. Could this be the best build in D&D 3.5? Join our discussion on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7 to share your thoughts.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
-“Have you seen her since?” Asked one of the farmers, who was as captivated by the story as the children.
-“On three other occasions since then. She drops by more or less once a year with stories of her adventures. The first time she came here with an arrow stuck in her shoulder.”
The children were momentarily shaken and laughed it off at the thought of the pain it must have caused.
-“She told me how the arrow struck her out of nowhere, barely missing her vitals due to her bending her knees at the same moment to pick some mushrooms. She ran as though hell had risen from below and was coming after her, at least, until she arrived here.”
The old man looked up for a moment, as if lost in the memory before he continued.
-“When I pulled the arrow, I immediately recognized it as the making of the Order of the Bow. The Guardians of the Elven Kingdom deep within the woods. They can shoot you from a mile away, and can kill a dragon with a single well placed shot. They are masters of camouflage. You could be standing a few feet from one of them in the woods and you wouldn’t be the wiser.”
-“They also have a disdain for humans, so I suspect she got too close to one of the Elven villages and she barely survived the experience.” The half-elf’s tone possessed a very evident disgust.
-“Children, if you ever venture in the woods, don’t go too far, these elves have no mercy for men, nor children.”
Race
Elf
Class
Ranger 6/Justice of Weald and Woe 10 4/Peerless Archer 4
You are very close to being the single best archer build in 3.5 period. You can shoot a volley by yourself, and each arrow can ditch out a lot of damage by itself. As if that wasn’t enough, you can One Hit Kill targets you study and get the drop on, a fairly easy task for someone who can functionally become invisible.
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