House Class: Archer

This is a house class for Basic/Expert (Moldvay/Cook) D&D or Labyrinth Lord.

Requirements: DEX 12
Prime Requisite: DEX
Hit Dice: D6
Maximum Level: None

An Archer is a fighting class that specializes in ranged combat with a bow or crossbow.

An Archer fights as a Cleric of the same level, except that the Archer fights as a Fighter with either a bow or a crossbow. An Archer progresses in level as a Fighter.

An Archer may choose to spend a round aiming instead of fighting. There are two possible bonuses from aiming, and the player must choose which when she declares the character is aiming. They are:

• The player can roll two dice instead of one when attacking the next round, and take the better roll
• The player can roll two D6 for damage, and take the better roll

An Archer may only aim when not in melee and when not being targeted by other ranged attacks.

When an Archer aims at a target that is unaware of the impending attack, and is either still or moving slowly, the attack causes an additional 4 points of damage. Opponents that are in melee are generally moving too erratically to be sniped in this manner.

An Archer may not wear armor heavier than studded leather.

Reaching 3rd Level: When an Archer reaches third level, she gains the Swift Volley special ability. This ability allows the Archer to fire a second arrow at the same target in a round, but at -3 penalty to the second attack roll. An Archer may only use Swift Volley when not in melee and when not being targeted by other ranged attacks.

(Expert-level class features will be presented in a future ‘blog post.)