Epic Prestige Class : Master of the Order of the Bow
The Way of the Bow, describes the spiritual, philosophical, and religious aspects of archery. But while the Order of the Bow initiate dabbles in such learning, the master truly dedicates his life to these teachings. In doing so, the master reaches levels of enlightenment and spiritual understanding that defy explanation.
While fighters, rangers, and other combat-oriented characters can greatly benefit from this class, most who become masters of the Order of the Bow (or bow masters as they are often called) have already pursued advanced training in archery skills. Obviously, Order of the Bow initiates are singularly qualified to become masters, but arcane archers also find that much of their training overlaps with that required for this class. In fact, dedication to either of those prestige classes can greatly accelerate a character's entry into this prestige class.
Bow masters are highly revered individuals, respected for their dedication and extraordinary skills. Most bow masters feel driven to help others find the discipline of the Way of the Bow. Even those who continue adventuring often make time to give back to other would-be masters in the form of teaching, guidance, and example. Whether this occurs in the disciplined setting of an academy or while wandering through the countryside depends on each individual.
Requirements
To qualify to become a Master of the Order of the Bow, a character must fulfill all the following criteria:
- Skills: Knowledge (religion): 12 ranks.
- Feats: Weapon Focus (any bow), Weapon Specialization (any bow), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shot on the Run, Manyshot.
Epic Feats: Combat Archery, Epic Weapon Focus (any bow), Epic Weapon Specialization (any bow), Swarm of Arrows. - Special: Character may substitute the superior weapon focus class feature for the Epic Weapon Focus epic feat requirement.
Character may substitute the superior weapon specialization class feature for the Epic Weapon Specialization epic feat requirement.
Character may substitute the close combat shot class feature for the Combat Archery epic feat requirement.
Class Skills
The Master of the Order of the Bow's class skills are Craft (bowmaking), Knowledge (religion), Ride, Spot, and Swim.
Skill Points at Each Level: 2 + Int modifier.
Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Characters gain no new proficiency in armor or weapons when they take a level of bow master.
Opportunistic Shot (Ex): At 1st level, a bow master effectively threatens adjacent enemies with his bow. He can make attacks of opportunity using a ranged weapon.
Ranged Sneak Attack (Ex): Any time the bow master's target would be denied her Dexterity bonus to AC (regardless of whether she has a Dexterity bonus), his ranged attack deals extra damage. The extra damage is +1d6 at and level and an additional +1d6 every two levels thereafter. Ranged attacks only count as sneak attacks if the target is within 30 feet. The bow master cannot strike with such deadly accuracy beyond that range. In every other way, treat this ability as a rogue's sneak attack. It the character has the sneak attack ability from another class, the bonuses stack.
Combat Insight (Su): Beginning at 3rd-level, whenever the bow master makes a successful attack with a bow, he may add his Wisdom bonus to the damage dealt.
Bonus Feats: The bow master gains a bonus feat at 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter (10th, 15th, 20th, and so on). These bonus feats must be selected from the following list: Blinding Speed, Distant Shot, Epic Prowess, Epic Toughness, Fleet of Foot, Improved Manyshot, Improved Sneak Attack, and Uncanny Accuracy.
True Strike (Su): At 7th level, the bow master becomes highly aware of his surroundings and gains an intuitive insight into the future. Once per day as a free action, the bow master may use this ability to gain a +20 insight bonus to a single attack roll as per the spell true strike. The insight bonus may only be applied to a ranged attack with a bow. For every 5 levels of bow master beyond 7th that the character gains (12th, 17th, and so on), he may use this power one additional time per day.
Improved Opportunistic Shot (Ex): At 9th level, the bow master effectively threatens an area 30 feet around him in all directions with his bow. He may make attacks of opportunity against opponents within 30 feet using a ranged weapon.
| Master of the Order of the Bow | Hit Die: d10 |
|---|---|
| CL | Special |
| 1st | Opportunistic shot |
| 2nd | Ranged sneak attack +1d6 |
| 3rd | Combat insight |
| 4th | Ranged sneak attack +2d6 |
| 5th | Bonus feat |
| 6th | Ranged sneak attack +3d6 |
| 7th | True strike |
| 8th | Ranged sneak attack +4d6 |
| 9th | Improved opportunistic shot |
| 10th | Ranged sneak attack +5d6, bonus feat |
Source: Epic Level Handbook