Sniper (D20 Modern Character Optimization)

Introduction

An advanced class that is severely lacking in d20 Modern is the Sniper class. So instead we will have to make due with what we have. There are two ways to play this class. The Sharpshooter and the Guerrilla Fighter. The Sharpshooter takes a place a long distance from the target and fires from that position until the target is dead. The Guerrilla Fighter goes in at a slightly closer range and moves after nearly every shot. The Sharpshooter is recommended for wide open areas; the Guerrilla Fighter for enclosed areas. A player should never focus too much of one or the other. Snipers need to be versatile. Neither style can stand alone however; both really just provide support for other classes.

References

d20 Modern core book, d20 Future (optional)

Game Rule Components

Race and Templates

Any race, any template, standard human will do the trick.

Classes

Fast Hero/Infiltrator/Gunslinger/Tracer

NOTE: Gunslinger deals mostly with personal firearms. Consult a GM before taking this class as a sniper. If allowed, abilities such as Lightning Shot and Sharp Shooting should apply to rifles instead of handguns. If not, choose Infiltrator. In d20 Future the Tracer works well, but it requires the Dedicated hero base class. If you are going with tracer, you need to decide at level 1.

Feats

Personal Weapon Proficiency, Advanced Weapon Proficiency, Far Shot, Skip Shot, Quick Reload, Dead Aim (Sharpshooter), Shot on the Run (Guerrilla Fighter), Run (in emergencies only)

Spells, Powers, Items

The Sniper does require a long range weapon such as a Remington 700, Winchester 94, HK PSG1, or a Berrett Light Fifty. If working in d20 future: OICW Sniper Rifle (PL5), Laser Sniper Rifle (PL6). The Rail Gun (PL7) is the best by far, if the progress level is correct. Any weapon with a substantial range and damage will do. Also can be used is a Ghille Suit (Sharpshooter) or Camouflage (Guerrilla Fighter), but these are optional. Suppressors and Scopes are obviously helpful. A Sniper should always carry a sidearm just in case, preferably a large handgun. This class does not use any spells or special powers.

Miscellaneous

The occupations Law Enforcement and Military both have personal firearms proficiency as a starting feat, which allows you to go straight to advanced firearms proficiency. Military is suggested for the skills: hide, move silently and climb. Law Enforcement has Listen and Knowledge Tactics. Not as useful, but helpful.

Progression

Abilities: High Dex, High Wisdom. Constitution and Strength are secondary. Intelligence and Charisma are scarcely needed.

Skills: Climb, Craft(Mechanical), Escape Artist, Hide, Knowledge(Earth and Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Tactics), Listen, Move Silently, Search, Spot, and Survival are the most important.

ECL	Class/HD/LA	Feats	Special
1st	Fast Hero	Personal Firearms - Advanced Firearms, or Farshot. Windfall could be helpful in purchasing those expensive weapons, but other feats could be better.	The Sniper benefits little from improved evasion unless you intend to get into the fray. Evasion can be useful for getting Opportunist, but is not suggested for short term characters. Increased speed helps to get farther from the battle sooner for better combat effectiveness
2nd	Fast Hero	Any Feats listed above not already taken	Bonus Feat: Combat Expertise, Mobility (Requires Dodge), Personal Firearms Proficiency (Should already be taken by now), Point Blank Shot, Double Tap (Requires Point Blank Shot), or Stealthy
3rd	Fast hero	Any Feats listed above not already taken	Increased Speed (Strongly Recommended), Evasion/Uncanny Dodge 1, Uncanny Dodge 2, Defensive Roll, Opportunist (Recommended)
4th	Fast Hero/Infiltrator/Gunslinger	Any Feats listed above not already taken	Fast Hero: Any suggested Bonus Feats not already taken. Infiltrator: Sweep, get a lay of the land to find good sniper positions, possible booby traps and enemies. Gunslinger: Close Combat Shot, for use in tight situations

ECL	Class/HD/LA	Feats	Special
1st	Dedicated Hero	Personal Firearms - Advanced Firearms, or Farshot. Windfall could be helpful in purchasing those expensive weapons, but other feats could be better.	Skill Emphasis gives increases in certain necessary skills like Spot, Listen, and certain Knowledge checks.
2nd	Dedicated Hero	Any Feats listed above not already taken	Bonus Feat: Advanced Weapons Proficiency, Alertness, Attentive, Blind Fight, Far Shot, or Weapon Focus.
3rd	Dedicated Hero	Any Feats listed above not already taken	Aware helps from being surprised and adds to Spot and Listen checks.
4th	Dedicated Hero/Tracer	Any Feats listed above not already taken	Dedicated Hero: Any suggested Bonus Feats not already taken. Tracer: Target Species, You gain +2 on all checks (including attack rolls) against a single species, and you can chance species at a cost of an action point; Urban Tracking, when working in an urban environment, you can use this to find a certain individual for an assassination target.

There is a custom class actually called Marksman. You should get your DM's permission before proceeding.

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