Fast on their feet and faster with their hands, the Pathfinder Gunslinger can take enemies off the map before they cause trouble.
Appearing in the Guns & Gears Pathfinder sourcebook, the Pathfinder Gunslinger is a class more focused on ranged weapon attack than all of the others. They have a more than healthy appreciation for projectiles. And whether it’s a pistol, a sniper, or a good old-fashioned crossbow, the Gunslinger is known for their reflexes, their knowledge of their weapons, and always hitting their mark.
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The Pathfinder Gunslinger Basics
With their speed and accuracy, Gunslingers are a Dexterity-based class, taking their additional boost to this attribute at character creation. They begin their adventure with Expert level training in their Fortitude and Reflex saving throws as well as Perception, simple firearms and crossbows, and martial firearms and crossbows. Again, those are all expert level. They start trained in Will, advanced firearms and crossbows, simple weapons, martial weapons, unarmed attack, light armor, medium armor, unarmored defense, and a number of additional skills equal to their Intelligence modifier plus three.
In combat, the Gunslinger can be expected to strike from range. In general, this is a character who would prefer to defeat an opponent before they have a chance to become a threat. Their fighting style will depend quite a bit on their weapon of choice. They may strike silently from a very far distance, or zip around a battlefield, laying round after round of fire.
Out of combat, Gunslingers have a tendency to keep an eye on things and recognize danger before most. They may scout an area out for potential dangers or just pay extra attention to everyone around them. Regardless, if the Gunslinger in your party looks nervous or indicates that it’s time to leave, you should pay attention.
Slinger’s Precision
If there is one thing a Pathfinder Gunslinger is, it’s precise with their strikes. So much so that it’s been quantified in the core books.
Gunslingers deal an extra plus two precision damage with any strikes made using non-repeating crossbows. Additionally, they deal an extra 1d4 precision damage on any strikes made using non-repeating firearms. With Gunslinger Legend at level thirteen, this increases to plus three and 1d6 respectively.
Gunslinger’s Way
Pathfinder Gunslingers all have a particular way about going about their craft. It’s a little fighting style and a little personal philosophy, and can even affect what kind of weapon they are drawn to. These are their Gunslingers Ways. These Ways give the character an additional skill, a reload style, and their deeds. Deeds in this case are the specialized and powerful abilities.
Way of the Drifter: These Gunslingers wander from place to place with little but their gun and melee weapon. Their style depends on mobility and flexibility as they switch between ranged and bladed weapons, and move effortlessly around the battlefield. Drifters use a Reloading Strike—reloading and striking in one fluid motion, and have the Acrobatics skill. They also take the deeds Into the Fray, Finish the Job, and Drifter’s Wake.
Way of the Pistolero: Pistoleros may be professional duelers or just very fast entertainers. They are known for having quick feet and quicker hands. These Gunslingers like to stay just far enough from their enemy to keep their options open, while never going so far that their reflexes wouldn’t be a possible advantage. Pistoleros have a rapid and forceful Raconteur’s Reload, their choice of Deception or Intimidation, and the deeds Ten Paces, Pistolero’s Retort, and Grim Swagger.
Way of the Sniper: Snipers value accuracy above all else. They only take one shot because they only need one shot. These Gunslingers will likely keep a healthy distance between themselves and the enemy. They will prefer to stay hidden and unseen until their foe is perfectly in their crosshairs. Snipers stay hidden with the Covered Reload and take the Stealth. They also get the deeds One Shot One Kill, Vital Shot, and Ghost Shot.
Way of the Vanguard: Vanguard Gunslingers have a much different and unique approach to battle. Using specially engineered heavy-duty dwarven siege weapons to blast large holes in enemy lines. They clear openings for their allies, defend territory, and generally cause a ton of chaos. Vanguard Gunslingers get the Clear a Path Reload, Athletics , and the deeds Living Fortification, Advanced Spinning Crush, and Siegebreaker
Multiclassing a Pathfinder Gunslinger
For adventurers who like what they’re already doing just fine… But wouldn’t mind adding another weapon to it, Multiclassing as a Gunslinger adds dexterity and ranged attack to their repertoire. A spellcaster with sure strike may be especially interested in making themselves a bit more dangerous.
Characters who chose to multiclass as a Gunslinger gain access to the feats Gunslinger Dedication, Basic and Advanced Shooting, Slinger’s Readiness, Practiced Reloads, Advanced Firearm Familiarity, and Eagle Eye.
How to Play a Pathfinder Gunslinger
The Pathfinder Gunslinger is a class that can easily do a lot of damage if you play it right… And the dice don’t betray you. Regardless of which Way you go with, or which weapon your character chooses to carry, there is potential to become an absolute powerhouse.
Focus on what makes the Gunslinger a unique character, and lean into those skills. Their speed, perception, and dexterity are almost as important as their weapons style. Pick their Gunslinger Way carefully and really consider what kind of character you want to play and what kind of skills you want to see played out in an adventure. There’s no wrong way to do it, but there’s probably one you’ll have the most fun with.
Ready… Aim…
The Gunslinger may be the character most likely to take out a foe from a mile away. But they’re also one of the party members most likely to notice danger before there are any clues. Their perception, stealth, and dexterity may put them on par with some Rogues. So don’t forget to utilize these skills. Your party may be looking at you to clue them into danger. And your Gunslinger training means that you’re uniquely able to do that.
Happy adventuring!
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