→Assassin version
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{{guide}} | |||
Sharpshooter - a guide for a build that focuses on dealing {{DamageType|Physical}} damage from a distance. | Sharpshooter - a guide for a build that focuses on dealing {{DamageType|Physical}} damage from a distance. | ||
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* [[File: Sharpshooter Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] [[Sharpshooter]] feat | * [[File: Sharpshooter Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] [[Sharpshooter]] feat | ||
[[File: Sharpshooter Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] [[Sharpshooter]] provides additional damage for a penalty to accuracy. Attacking from the distance helps to mitigate the accuracy penalty (high ground, hiding) while [[File:Hand Crossbows Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Hand Crossbows]][[Hand Crossbows]] allow | [[File: Sharpshooter Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] [[Sharpshooter]] provides additional damage for a penalty to accuracy. Attacking from the distance helps to mitigate the accuracy penalty (high ground, hiding) while [[File:Hand Crossbows Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Hand Crossbows]][[Hand Crossbows]] allow using bonus action to make attacks. With the bonus damage from [[File: Sharpshooter Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] [[Sharpshooter]] this additional attack more than compensates the fact that [[File:Hand Crossbows Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Hand Crossbows]] [[Hand Crossbows]] have less basic damage compared to [[File:Heavy Crossbows Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Heavy Crossbows]] [[Heavy Crossbows]]. | ||
This build does not require any specific [[Race]] or [[Class]]. Low mobility is also tolerated. Attacking from a distance allows to put less emphasis on the defence in this build.<br> | This build does not require any specific [[Race]] or [[Class]]. Low mobility is also tolerated. Attacking from a distance allows to put less emphasis on the defence in this build.<br> | ||
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* [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] fighter - highest average damage, burst potential with [[File:Action Surge Icon 64px.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Action Surge]] [[Action Surge]], utility with [[#Level 3|Manoeuvers]]. | * [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] fighter - highest average damage, burst potential with [[File:Action Surge Icon 64px.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Action Surge]] [[Action Surge]], utility with [[#Level 3|Manoeuvers]]. | ||
* [[File:Assassin Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link= Assassin]][[Assassin]] rogue + [[File:Gloom Stalker Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link= Gloom Stalker]][[Gloom Stalker]] ranger - incredible 1st turn burst damage with {{SmallIcon|Assassinate_Ambush.png}} '''Assassinate: Ambush''' | * [[File:Assassin Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link= Assassin]][[Assassin]] rogue + [[File:Gloom Stalker Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link= Gloom Stalker]][[Gloom Stalker]] ranger - incredible 1st turn burst damage with {{SmallIcon|Assassinate_Ambush.png}} '''Assassinate: Ambush''' | ||
* Also a multiclass of 3-4 Rogue (Thief subclass), 8-9 Monk (Open Hand subclass) is very strong. Start as a Rogue, emphasise Dex/Con/Wis. The Rogue levels | |||
* give two bonus actions, so as well as a main attack, each bonus action gives two attacks (flurry of blows) as long as you have a Ki point to spend. | |||
=== Attack count === | === Attack count === | ||
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[[File:Race Halfling.png|frameless| upright=0.1|24px|link= Halfling]] [[Halfling]] is a good choice because of the [[Lucky]]. Their low movement speed is less relevant - as a range striker you don't need to move much around battlefield.<br> | [[File:Race Halfling.png|frameless| upright=0.1|24px|link= Halfling]] [[Halfling]] is a good choice because of the [[Lucky]]. Their low movement speed is less relevant - as a range striker you don't need to move much around battlefield.<br> | ||
[[File:Race Drow.png|frameless| upright=0.1|24px|link= Drow]] [[Drow]] with [[Superior Darkvision]] is nice in the darker settings.<br> | [[File:Race Drow.png|frameless| upright=0.1|24px|link= Drow]] [[Drow]] with [[Superior Darkvision]] is nice in the darker settings.<br> | ||
[[File:Race | [[File:Race Dwarf.png|frameless| upright=0.1|24px|link= Duergar]] [[Dwarf|Duergar]] also has [[Superior Darkvision]] and in addition brings {{Advantage}} against being [[File:Paralysed Condition Icon.webp|frameless| upright=0.1|24px|link= Paralysed]] [[Paralysed]] condition. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
''For explanation of numbers and percentages of specific builds see the [[#Assumptions for Math|Math]] section below''. | ''Note: sections below use numbers and precentages for various things. For an explanation of these numbers and percentages of specific builds see the [[#Assumptions for Math|Math]] section below''. | ||
== [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] version == | == [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] version == | ||
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At level 3 take the [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] subclass.<br> | At level 3 take the [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] subclass.<br> | ||
Select any [[ | Select any [[Battle Master|Manoeuvers]] you like. Promising options include: | ||
* [[File:Disarming Attack Ranged Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Disarming Attack (Ranged)]] [[Disarming Attack (Ranged)|Disarming attack]] | * [[File:Disarming Attack Ranged Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Disarming Attack (Ranged)]] [[Disarming Attack (Ranged)|Disarming attack]] | ||
* [[File:Menacing Attack Ranged Icon 64px.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Menacing Attack (Ranged)]] [[Menacing Attack (Ranged)|Menacing Attack]] | * [[File:Menacing Attack Ranged Icon 64px.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Menacing Attack (Ranged)]] [[Menacing Attack (Ranged)|Menacing Attack]] | ||
* [[File:Action | * [[File:Action ManoeuveringAttack Ranged.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Manoeuvring Attack (Ranged)]] [[Manoeuvring Attack (Ranged)|Manoeuvring Attack]] | ||
* [[File:Action GoadingAttack Ranged.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Goading Attack (Ranged)]] [[Goading Attack (Ranged)|Goading Attack]] | * [[File:Action GoadingAttack Ranged.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Goading Attack (Ranged)]] [[Goading Attack (Ranged)|Goading Attack]] | ||
* [[File:Action PrecisionAttack.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Precision Attack]] [[Precision Attack]] | * [[File:Action PrecisionAttack.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Precision Attack]] [[Precision Attack]] | ||
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* [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] '''Ability Improvement''' to get your [[Dexterity|Dex]] to 20. | * [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] '''Ability Improvement''' to get your [[Dexterity|Dex]] to 20. | ||
* [[File: Alert Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] '''Alert''' to win initiative reliably. | * [[File: Alert Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] '''Alert''' to win initiative reliably. | ||
Make sure to drink an [[File: Elixir of Bloodlust.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]][[Elixir of Bloodlust]] after each long rest.<br> | Make sure to drink an [[File: Elixir of Bloodlust.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px]][[Elixir of Bloodlust]] after each long rest.<br> | ||
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== [[File:Assassin Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Assassin]][[Assassin]] version == | == [[File:Assassin Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Assassin]][[Assassin]] version == | ||
This variation is an ultimate first turn burst build but it comes into play only at level 8 and above.<br> | This variation is an ultimate first turn burst build but it comes into play only at level 8 and above.<br> | ||
{{ | {{SAI|Assassinate: Initiative|w=40}} + {{SAI|Assassinate: Ambush|w=40}} provide a ton of damage potential but require [[File:Extra Attack Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Extra Attack]] [[Extra Attack]] from another martial class. | ||
Classical martial pick is a [[File:Gloom Stalker Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.10|24px|link= Gloom Stalker]][[Gloom Stalker]] ranger. An alternative with a [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.10|24px|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] fighter is discussed a bit further below. | Classical martial pick is a [[File:Gloom Stalker Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.10|24px|link= Gloom Stalker]][[Gloom Stalker]] ranger. An alternative with a [[File:Class Fighter Battle Master Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.10|24px|link=Battle Master]][[Battle Master]] fighter is discussed a bit further below. | ||
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At level 9 ({{Class|Rogue}} level 4) get another [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] [[Feats|feat]]. You can select whatever you like. Some good options include: | At level 9 ({{Class|Rogue}} level 4) get another [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] [[Feats|feat]]. You can select whatever you like. Some good options include: | ||
* [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] '''Ability Improvement''' to get your [[Dexterity|Dex]] to 20. | * [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] '''Ability Improvement''' to get your [[Dexterity|Dex]] to 20. | ||
Levels 10 to 12 put into the {{Class|Ranger}} getting one more [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] [[Feats|feat]]. | Levels 10 to 12 put into the {{Class|Ranger}} getting one more [[File:PassiveFeature Generic.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Feats#Available Feats]] [[Feats|feat]]. | ||
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''Check assumptions in the Math section below.'' | ''Check assumptions in the Math section below.'' | ||
Overall [[File:Assassin Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Assassin]][[Assassin]] brings about ''' | Overall [[File:Assassin Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Assassin]][[Assassin]] brings about '''73% damage increase''' on top of the core Sharpshooter build but most of this increase happens during the first turn. | ||
[[File:Fighting Style Archery Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] '''Archery''' provides a +2 bonus to {{Attack Roll}}s you make with ranged [[Weapons]] - '''10% damage increase'''. | [[File:Fighting Style Archery Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px]] '''Archery''' provides a +2 bonus to {{Attack Roll}}s you make with ranged [[Weapons]] - '''10% damage increase'''. | ||
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[[File:Action DreadAmbusher Ranged.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Gloom Stalker#level 3]] [[Gloom Stalker#level 3|Dread Ambusher]] gives whole additional attack (+20% damage) and {{DamageText|+1d8 (avg 4.5)|Piercing} to this attack (+4.5% damage) for a total of about 24.5% damage increase but since it happens only once per battle - about '''8% damage increase'''. | [[File:Action DreadAmbusher Ranged.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Gloom Stalker#level 3]] [[Gloom Stalker#level 3|Dread Ambusher]] gives whole additional attack (+20% damage) and {{DamageText|+1d8 (avg 4.5)|Piercing} to this attack (+4.5% damage) for a total of about 24.5% damage increase but since it happens only once per battle - about '''8% damage increase'''. | ||
{{SAI|Assassinate: Initiative|w=40}} gives your {{Advantage}} against creatures that haven't taken a turn yet. With this build you are going to win initiative almost always, so you will have {{Advantage}} against everyone.<br> | |||
{{Advantage}} gives your roughly 50% of your turn in value but for [[File:Action Attack Ranged Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Ranged Attack]] [[Ranged Attack|range attacks]] it is quite easy to get {{Advantage}} in other ways, so this feature provides only about 50% of value, as another 50% of the time you will be able to get {{Advantage}} by other means - so only 25% of your turn in value. Spread over 3 turns it results in about '''8% damage increase'''. | {{Advantage}} gives your roughly 50% of your turn in value but for [[File:Action Attack Ranged Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Ranged Attack]] [[Ranged Attack|range attacks]] it is quite easy to get {{Advantage}} in other ways, so this feature provides only about 50% of value, as another 50% of the time you will be able to get {{Advantage}} by other means - so only 25% of your turn in value. Spread over 3 turns it results in about '''8% damage increase'''. | ||
{{SAI|Assassinate: Ambush|w=40}} makes a hit against any {{SmIconLink|Surprised Condition Icon.webp|Surprised (Condition)|surprised}} enemy a guaranteed [[Critical Hit|crit]]. By nature this can happen only during the first turn of the battle and you will be the first in initiative, hence having {{Advantage}} from the {{SAI|Assassinate: Initiative|w=40}} ability. Chance of landing a [[Critical Hit|crit]] while having an {{Advantage}} is about 10%, so {{SAI|Assassinate: Ambush|w=40}} adds 90% on top. Spread over 3 turns it results in about '''30% damage increase'''. | |||
== Honorable mentions == | == Honorable mentions == | ||
[[File:Hunter Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Hunter]]'''[[Hunter]]''': an good alternative for the {{Class|Ranger}} approach.<br> | |||
This version allows to specialise in killing huge number of low-health enemies with the [[File: Horde Breaker Ranged Icon.png |frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Horde Breaker (Ranged)]] [[Horde Breaker (Ranged)]] and [[File:Action Multiattack Volley.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Hunter#Level 11]] [[Volley]] features.<br> | |||
Unfortunately this requires enemies to be positioned really tight and even than the damage increase is not that much compared to the ''3 attacks per action'' of a {{Class|Fighter}}. | |||
[[File:Beast Master Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Beast Master]]'''[[Beast Master]]''': overall a viable alternative for the {{Class|Ranger}} approach.<br> | [[File:Beast Master Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=Beast Master]]'''[[Beast Master]]''': overall a viable alternative for the {{Class|Ranger}} approach.<br> | ||
This subclass does not bring improvements to the range combat per se. Still beasts are strong and overall [[File:Beast Master Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Beast Master]] [[Beast Master]] version will bring both firepower as well as survivability and flexibility to the party. | This subclass does not bring improvements to the range combat per se. Still beasts are strong and overall [[File:Beast Master Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Beast Master]] [[Beast Master]] version will bring both firepower as well as survivability and flexibility to the party. | ||
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[[File:Class Bard | [[File:Class Bard Valour Badge Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.15|link=College of Valour]]'''[[College of Valour]]''': an option for a {{Class|Bard}} approach.<br> | ||
This variation brings a full caster in addition to getting 2 attacks (as a {{Class|Ranger}} or a {{Class|Fighter}}), especially - ability to utilise {{Concentration}} way better since {{Class|Bard}}s get a lot of great spells like [[File: Hold Person Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Hold Person]] [[Hold Person]], [[File: Glyph of Warding Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Glyph of Warding]] [[Glyph of Warding]], etc.<br> | This variation brings a full caster in addition to getting 2 attacks (as a {{Class|Ranger}} or a {{Class|Fighter}}), especially - ability to utilise {{Concentration}} way better since {{Class|Bard}}s get a lot of great spells like [[File: Hold Person Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Hold Person]] [[Hold Person]], [[File: Glyph of Warding Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link= Glyph of Warding]] [[Glyph of Warding]], etc.<br> | ||
Main downside - [[File:Bardic Inspiration Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Bardic Inspiration]] [[Bardic Inspiration]] cannot be used on yourself. In the end while using all cool spells and abilities {{Class|Bard}} ends up not doing actual damage.<br> | Main downside - [[File:Bardic Inspiration Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|24px|link=Bardic Inspiration]] [[Bardic Inspiration]] cannot be used on yourself. In the end while using all cool spells and abilities {{Class|Bard}} ends up not doing actual damage.<br> |