Archer

The Archer is the epitome of elven skill with the bow. If there is a difficult shot to make, she will make it. Whether the target can only be reached by firing through high winds or is totally concealed, the Archer is confident of her ability to make the shot.

Role

The Archer easily fits in as a border guard for elf towns. She's also excellent for making her own way as an adventurer. Her skill with a bow is highly prized anywhere.

Distinctive Appearance

Archers have no distinctive appearance, aside from their trademark bows, which gleam with polish and loving care.

Special Benefits

The Archer is an expert with her style of bow.

In combat, the Archer may elect to do one of two things. She may either fire faster than most are able to, or she may use a bonus on trick shots.

• If she elects to fire faster, she may take an extra shot every two rounds. That means the rate of fire becomes 5/2, rather than the usual 2/1. This still includes her movement.
• If she chooses to stand still and fire, she may increase her rate of fire to 3/1; however, this enables enemy archers to target her more easily.
• If she elects to go with trick shots, she not only gains the usual bonus for specialization and high Dexterity, she also gains a +1 to each shot for every four experience levels.

If the Archer keeps and cares for a bow for more than a month and keeps her arrows sharpened to a keen edge, she may cause 1 hp of additional damage when using these items. If using a different bow or new arrows, she does not gain the bonus. It can only be used with familiar, well-cared-for equipment.

Special Hindrances

The Archer is limited in her choice of melee weapons, since she disdains them so much.

She may choose only a long sword, short sword, and dagger. Even then, the Archer has a -1 penalty to attack rolls when using one of these weapons because she is unfamiliar with anything but the flight of an arrow.

Later weapon proficiencies may be devoted to other weapons, but the Archer will never gain a bonus to attack rolls with these weapons, despite any Strength or proficiency bonus. This includes losing the normal elven +1 to attack rolls with the long or short sword.

The Archer must always be concerned about the quality of her bow and arrows. If any are faulty, she must repair them or replace them with equipment of higher quality. She can never use missile equipment of inferior quality - except when in mortal danger or when necessary for the success of a mission.

Class

Fighter

Attribute Requirements

None

Barred Beliefs

None

Race Requirement

Elves

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

Two proficiency slots with long or short bow

Required Weapon Proficiencies

None

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

Continued specialization with weapon, proficiency with another type of bow.

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Bowyer, Hunting

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Animal Lore, Endurance, Fire Building, Jumping, Running, Survival, Tracking

Equipment

The Archer carries whatever other equipment she deems necessary.

Wealth Options

The Archer starts with 5d4x10 gp and must buy her bow at 150% of the normal cost. This reflects the high quality and fine workmanship of the bow. She may use the rest of the money as she wishes to outfit herself.

Homeland Terrain

None

Economic System

None