#bolt ace

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kobold bolt ace

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Bolt Ace (Gunslinger Archetype)

Easily one of the most often requested archetypes after Ultimate Combat came out, the Bolt Ace is exactly what it sounds like, a master of ranged weapons with grit and cunning that uses crossbows instead of gunpowder weapons. More than just a gunslinger with a crossbow, this archetype is specifically designed around crossbows of all types, making it perfect for campaigns in which the GM insists that there are no gunpowder weapons allowed for technology or lore reasons. Crossbows are pretty distinctive weapons, so it makes sense that such an iconic armament would allow for a cunning and luck-based force like grit, drawing upon it to perform daring deeds like any ‘slinger. Bolt aces may occur in settings without firearms, but they can also occur with such weapons in the world, representing dynamic crossbow snipers than prefer the silent and deadly approach, but can also fill the air with whizzing bolts if they need to. Either are equally viable.

Masters of all forms of crossbow, these bolt-slingers tie their grit to such weapons in the same way that other gunslingers bond with firearms, allowing them to recover that strange luck through the use of their favored weapons. Going for accuracy and penetration, these ‘slingers can expend that reserve of cunning to pierce armor at close range the way a firearm could with their bolts. As long as they maintain their cunning and cool, these ranged specialists can keep an eye on foes and avoid having their ranged focus being taken advantage of, at least while reloading. Even being behind cover or concealment is no protection from them, as long as they are not completely protected, such targets are a mere expenditure of grit away from being struck as surely as if they were in the wide open. A bolt whizzing past can be a very disconcerting and distracting event, and these snipers use that to their advantage, creating openings in their foe’s defenses in their eagerness to avoid a feigned attack at range. Eventually, even when firing their weapons, these ace shots do not leave openings, as long as there is a flow of cunning and odd luck. The act of reloading is so reflexive for these sharpshooters that their crossbows are rarely ever not loaded, and the act of consciously reloading them takes less and less time, allowing them to release a hail of bolts. Bolts are, at their most basic, aerodynamic stakes, and they can use this to their advantage, unleashing a pinning shot that partially immobilizes foes, pinning them to walls or the floor, forcing them to take the time to unpin themselves, or else be at a severe disadvantage. Even among crossbows, these snipers have their favorites, and they train with them to hit with deadly precision and lethality, turning foes into pincushions. As a form of ranged support, the bolt ace is a strong pick, but for the most part, it retains much of the same balance as a gunslinger, albeit without the mechanics of firearms. This archetype is best suited for second-line sniping and debuff support, pinning foes to the wall and distracting them with bolts. As per usual with ranged projectile builds, pack lots of different ammo types to deal with all sorts of situations.

Perhaps the earliest ‘slingers, long before the invention of gunpowder, these bolt aces may very well have been legendary for their bravado and cunning. However, in more modern eras, their methods may seem antiquated, or even obsolete. Less brash bolt aces, however, might be the deadly snipers silently assassinating foes from the shadows.

Ever since he discovered that a crossbow can make fire fly long distances to burnable things, Beleg the Goblin has loved his own crossbow, practicing with it every day and flaunting it before the rest of his clan. He is on the verge of being banished by the chieftan for being too big for his boots, but Beleg doesn’t care. He’s quick enough to skewer anyone who tries to kill him or take his precious bolt-launcher.

After the fort of Marrad’s Gate fell, the legion of crossbowmen fled, scattered to the winds. Some tried to reunite with their leaders, while others deserted. These deserters all have a bounty on their heads, but their time away from the rank and file has instilled in them a self-reliant cunning, making them particularly dangerous to try and bring in.

A mysterious assassin roams the night in the city of Blassam. Wielding poisoned and alchemical bolts, this mysterious crossbow-wielding killer is on the prowl. However, none admit to hiring this killer, and those they target are in positions of power, specifically with connections to illicit activities. In a city as corrupt as this, none have put together that this might be some sort of vigilante… yet.