Anti-Critter Scout Cannon (3.5e Optimized Character Build)

Introduction

The Scout Anti-Life cannon is a scout build that uses the skirmish ability combined with a full attack. Normally, you cannot do this, but with seven levels in Elocator (Expanded Psionics Handbook) you are able to take a second five-foot step.

References

• Core books (Players Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide
• Expanded Psionics Handbook (Elocator and Psychic Warrior)
• Complete Adventurer (Scout)

Game Rule Components

Two Five Foot Steps, Skirmish

Spells, Powers, Soulmelds, Stances, etc.

None

Items

None

Progression

Starting Ability Scores (Before Racial Adjustments): Honestly, any ability scores work, because the build only utilzes two base classes and one prestige class, the latter which does not require specific ability scores. However, you should have high ability scores for dexterity or strength and constitution, depending on whether you are going to be melee or ranged, though this guide uses ranged. Be advised, however, that this build takes some time to reach full potential.

Human

Extra skill to max out, one extra feat, any single class acts as favored class.

ECL	Class/HD/LA	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Feats	Class Features	Special
			Fort	Ref	Will
1st	Scout	+0	+0	+2	+0	Dodge	Skirmish +1d6, Trapfinding	N/A
2nd	Scout	+1	+0	+3	+0	None	Battle Fortitude +1, Uncanny Dodge	N/A
3rd	Scout	+2	+1	+3	+1	Mobility	Fast Movement +10 ft., Skirmish +1d6 +1 AC, Trackless Step	N/A
4th	Scout	+3	+1	+4	+1	Bonus	Bonus Feat	The bonus feat can be anything, as you don't have the base attack bonus to get spring attack just yet. However, I suggest an archery feat like Point Blank Shot.
5th	Psychic Warrior	+0	+2	+0	+0	Bonus	Bonus Feat	Pick any feat you want, though again, I would suggest an archery feat, this time Rapid Shot.
6th	Psychic Warrior	+1	+3	+0	+0	Spring Attack	Bonus Feat	Spring attack is necessary for Elocator, but the bonus feat can, again, be anything you want. I suggest Precise Shot. Pick any powers you want, you probably won't use them.
7th	Elocator	+0	+0	+2	+2	None	Scorn Earth, Sidestep Charge	+1 level of existing manifesting class. Now things get interesting.
8th	Elocator	+1	+0	+3	+3	None	Opportunistic Strike +2	N/A
9th	Elocator	+2	+1	+3	+3	+1 Feat.	Dimension Step	+1 level of existing manifesting class. I suggest Improved Precise Shot for your feat.
10th	Elocator	+3	+1	+4	+4	None	Flanker	+1 level of existing manifesting class.
11th	Elocator	+3	+1	+4	+4	None	Opportunistic Strike +4	N/A
12th	Elocator	+4	+2	+5	+5	+1 Feat	Transporter	+1 level of existing manifesting class.
13th	Elocator	+5	+2	+5	+5	None	Capricous Step	+1 level of existing manifesting class. Full potential reached.
14th	Elocator	+6	+2	+6	+6	None	Opportunistic Strike +6	N/A
15th	Elocator	+6	+3	+6	+6	+1 Feat	Dimension Spring Attack	Pick any feat you want, though I suggest Weapon Focus for your bow of choice.
16th	Elocator	+7	+3	+7	+7	None	Accelerated Action	End of the Elocator Prestige Class
17th	Scout	+3	+1	+4	+1	None	Evasion, Skirmish +2d6 +1AC	Back to scout to get better skirmishes.
18th	Scout	+4	+2	+5	+2	+1 Feat	Flawless Stride	N/A
19th	Scout	+5	+2	+5	+2	None	Skirmish +2d6 +2 AC	N/A
20th	Scout	+6	+2	+6	+2	Bonus	Camoflauge, Bonus Feat	N/A

Highlights

Two five foot steps means you get the skirmish bonus for travelling 10 feet, so each arrow/attack deals skirmish damage.

Munchkin-Size Me

Thri-Kreen it up and dual wield longbows!

Skip those last 3 levels of Elocator and exchange extra actions for more skirmish damage! (optional. This build does not use that, but could)

Side Notes

Those powers could be simple ones that help you, but don't forget that you have 'em!

The Psychic Warrior levels help offset the weakness to fortitude DCs.

Limitations

Can't kill undead (which is why this was called an anti-life cannon)

DM Counters

Undead, plants and golems.

DM Counter Counters

Get a custom-made Ring of infinite use Golem Strike/Vine Strike for a few thousand. Look in the back of the DMG for info about spells. Both are 1st level wiz/sorc and druid spells, respectively. These spells are found in the Complete Adventurer and render plants and constructs vulnerable to sneak attacks and similar abilities (like skirmish).

Miscellaneous

Original by Ultima333. STILL NEEDS: Class Feature descriptions!

---

Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Optimized Character Builds