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Archetypes (Archer)

The following table lists the archetypes for the archer class. Racial prerequisites are in bold.

Table: Archer Archetypes

ArchetypePrerequisitesDescription
Ambusher—The ambusher is a formidable foe, that follows a strict code of honor, even in the lowest ranks of assassins. The ambusher specializes in dealing death from afar, without revealing her position. While not as adept from extreme ranges, up close the ambusher is still very capable. Traps are not unfamiliar to the ambusher, and often see use among their type.
Arcane Archer—Arcane archers are ranged warriors that specialize in crushing their foes with enchanted arrows. While not actually caster themselves, they are well versed in the Arcane and can borrow the magicks of allies, adding powerful spells to their arrows.
Battlefield Minstrel—Some battlefield minstrels flee when the sight of battle grows too near, and when their allies fall. Some battlefield minstrels sing to the dance of death around them, letting their arrows fly and their bow string’s ring across to field, their voices carrying across the field by their arrows, raising the souls of their comrades to fight harder, or for their enemies to fall under his voice.
Dwarven CrossbowyerDwarfDwarven crossbowyers battle the vilest creatures—often in underworld tunnels, far from their homes—in defense of their clans. Their great skills with crossbows make dwarven crossbowyers deadly hunters of the dark aberrations and depraved humanoids that otherwise would destroy everything the dwarves have built.
Hawkeye—Hawkeyes are masters of ranged combat. They can avoid enemies that attempt to close, put arrows or bolts through multiple foes, and even unleash explosive shots to devastating effect.
Hunter—Some archers form bonds with well-trained dogs, who help them hunt down the people needed to be taken in.
Heaven Piercer—This archer forgoes, what he considers, the inefficient and clumsy ways of his peers who fire many arrows in favor of a singular devastating shot.
Serpent ArcherLamiaIn some snake cults, there are lamia who admire serpents for their beauty, some for their wisdom, and some for their abilities as predators. Within this last group are a subset that see a serpent’s abilities as weapons to be used and exploited rather than worshiped or emulated. These are the serpent archers, combining the deadly powers of snakes with their own natural aptitude with bows. The serpent archers respect their scaly brethren and practice a strange way of melding their skills with the abilities of the ophidians.
Skirmisher—A skirmisher has some training in a unique combat style that favors fast movement and devastating attacks.
Sniper—Some say that the sniper is the worst kind of assassin: a killer who waits silently in the shadows and then strikes from a distance without remorse. Snipers, of course, understand that such protestations about "cowardice" and "honor" regarding their profession are in fact merely the bleatings of sheep fearing the slaughter and pay them no heed. Most snipers take pride in their formidable abilities, which allow them to take life quickly, quietly, and efficiently, then disappear into their surroundings without a trace.
Tech Bow Specialist—Some say that the tech bow specialists were the first to craft any kind of modification for a ranged weapon. Able to create the weapon of their dreams, these determined craftsman are the best of the best.
Yabbleshammy ArcherHypelloWhile the hypello are capable on land and water, some aspire to hone their talents with animals and archery. Using the mobility of a mount, and training in steady precision, the art and sport of Yabusame thrives. They are allowed to focus on their targets, while their trusted mount keeps them mobile and at a distance.
Zen Archer—Some zen archers seek to become one with another weapon entirely—the bow. The zen archer seeks perfection in the pull of a taut bowstring, the flex of a bow’s limbs, and the flight of an arrow fired true.

Non-FF Archetypes

The following archetypes are based off of pop-culture references outside of Final Fantasy and may not fit within the theming of your campaign. Consult your DM before using them.

Table: Non-FF Archer Archetypes

ArchetypePrerequisitesDescriptionReference
Blackarrow—Accurate, vindictive and violent, the Blackarrow employs the bow against foes, striking from behind the front-line warriors. Employing fire and deadly gifts of shadow, the Blackarrow is a potent foe who drives his arrows deep into his targets’ midst. Available only to orc archersLord of the Rings Online
BowgunnerAmalj'aaThe amalj’aa are known for being devout to their false God, Ifrit, they practice many different styles of combat. Some rise as thaumaturges, others as lancers, and others take up archery. These few have learned much from trading and working with the Warrior of Light, gaining new technology to add to their arsenal. Once very strong archers, are now fitted with modern technology to enhance and build upon their strengths. Available only to amalj'aa archersMonster Hunter

Archetype Class Feature Replacements

Table: Archer Archetype Class Feature Replacements

Archetype /
Alternate
Class Feature		Weapon & ArmorLimit BreaksArcher TrainingArchery Style
(Normal, Improved, Mastery)		AimHawkeyeArchery TalentAgile ArcherEvasionExpert ArcherCalled ShotFast MovementUncanny DodgeQuick ShotHeavy PullSafe ShotRanged CleaveImproved EvasionEvasive ArcherTake AimCritical AimRacking CriticalVolleyImproved Uncanny DodgeRanged DefenseAim MasteryMaster Archer
15102468101214161820
AmbusherCXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Arcane ArcherXXXXXXXXX
Battlefield MinstrelCXXXXCCCCCCCCCCXX
Blackarrow*XCCCCCCCCCC
Bowgunner*CXXXXX
Dwarven CrossbowyerCXXXXXXXXXX
HawkeyeXXXX
Heaven PiercerXX
HunterXXXCCCCCXCCCCXXXXXXXXXXX
Serpent ArcherXXXXXXX
SkirmisherXXXXX
SniperCCCXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Tech Bow SpecialistXXX
Yabbleshammy ArcherCCCXXXX
Zen ArcherCXXXXX
* = non-FF archetype, X = replaced, (X) = optionally replaced, C = changed