Huntsman, Ranger Class (4e Class Variant)

Creating a Huntsman

By Quidamus [1]

Huntsman use throwing weapons instead of bows or crossbows for long range combat. You may still use any of the other ranger weapons where ranged weapons are required, and you may treat any one-handed weapon as if it is a heavy thrown weapon with a range of 10/20. In addition, any thrown weapon you have comes back to you immediately after an attack is resolved. Huntsman dual wield throwing weapons to do their attacks, but can also shift back to melee attacks when available. You may also use dexterity for many of your melee attacks, which can impact your abilities substantially and your playstyle.

Class Features

Instead of the "Prime Shot" class feature, you may choose the "Huntsman" class feature. With the Huntsman class feature, you may use wield any one-handed or off-handed weapon as if it is a heavy thrown weapon with a range of 10/20. In addition, you may treat any thrown weapon as if it has a range of 10/20. When you throw a weapon, it always comes back to you when an attack is resolved, whether it is a magical item or not. With this class feature, you may still use the Two-blade fighting style, Archer fighting style, and other fighting styles, and each will impact how you play in a particular way.

Huntsman Build

Suggested Feat: Two-weapon defense, two-weapon fighting, farshot

Suggested Skills: Stealth

Suggested At-Will Powers: Twin Strike (Modified) or Ambush Strike

Suggested Encounter Power: Any Ranged or Melee with Dexterity

Suggested Daily Power: Any Ranged or Melee with Dexterity

**Note: You may use the following power in replace of Twin Strike (and both of these at-wills increase to 2[W] at level 21). For the purpose of meeting prerequisites the power is the same, but now reads:

Twin Strike	Ranger Attack 1
If the first attack doesn’t kill it, the second one might.
At-Will  Martial, Weapon, Ranged
Standard Action	Melee or Ranged
Requirement: You must use a ranged or one-handed weapon for the attack.
Target: One or two creatures.
Attack: Strength or Dexterity, two attacks Vs. AC
Hit: 1[W]
Special: You can use strength or dexterity if you use this power for a melee or ranged roll. So a ranged attack could use strength, and a melee attack could use dexterity, or vice versa.

Ambush Strike	Ranger Attack 1
You make a hasty strike without warning, quickly throwing a weapon at an enemy they did not expect.
At-Will  Martial, Weapon, Ranged
Standard Action	Ranged
Requirement: You must use a thrown weapon for the attack.
Target: One creature.
Attack: Strength or Dexterity Vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1[W] + Strength or Dexterity modifier damage
Special: If you have concealment or cover while you make the attack, the target may take a -2 penalty to all defenses until the end of your next turn.

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