Help me make a cowboy.

[RangerWickett]

I'm playing in an Eberron game, and my original PC was killed pretty thoroughly last night, so I'm looking to create a new character - a halfling 'cowboy' who rides a velociraptor.

The game is 4th level right now. I'm leaning toward druid or ranger, with a slight possibility of paladin for the special mount next level. I want to be able to use things like lassos, bolas, and whips, and I'm pretty sure I'd be able to get my GM to let me exchange 'useful' weapon proficiencies (like swords and such) for 'crappy but fun' weapon proficiencies, like cowboy weapons.

Any suggestions for character builds and paths for advancement? Most 3.5 books are available.

 

[domino]

Take a look at Halfling Outrider.

 

[Shane_Leahy]

Another option is Wild Plains Outrider, it allows you to increase your animal companion, move fster and steath and is only 3 levels. Would work best with a ranger. Espically if you are allowed a different combat path. I believe in one of the Dragon Mags they list some that include a mounted combat route.

Ranger may work best for the simple fact of using those special weapons you may want Disarm and Trip and such and the better BAB helps with that. Scout may also be a good fit.

 

[domino]

Also, were I you, I'd use ranged attacks as my combat role. Use the fact that the mount does the moving for you, and zip in, toss a javelin or two, and run back out again. The Deinonychus has a 60 ft speed (assuming that's what you're basing the velociraptor on). and most things won't get to catch up and attack you if you don't stay in melee combat.

So don't. Lasso the Orc, and drag him between the two rogues you have standing five feet apart. Prone and flanked? They could sneak attack him with their eyes closed. That sorta stuff. Use the mount's strength rather than yours. Tie the lasso to the saddle, don't try to use your own arms to drag things.

 

[Sejs]

Ranger, definitely.


I mean even the iconic cowboy had the word ranger in his name!



Probably go the archery route for your combat style. Cowbows are crack shots with their.. uh.. whatever you plan to use that's analoguous with a pistol.



Have your mount be your animal companion. Easy as pie. Maybe look at the Natural Bond feat if you want to give it a little more umph.

 

[RigaMortus2]

I was thinking of making a similiar themed character, but more of the "quick drawing" type of cowboy. My idea was to build him using the Artificer (convienient since you are playing Eberron) and make him dual wield wands. There is a feat that allows you to use two wands at once, at the expense of using 2 charges per use. So I would have the wands holstered and "quick draw" them like a cowboy draws his pistols.

 

[Klaus]

Halfling Ranger 4 ("archery" style)
Feats: Ranger 1 - Mounted Combat, Track; Ranger 2 - Rapid Shot; Ranger 3 - Skill Focus (Handle Animal); Max out Handle Animal, Ride and Survival.

5th level -> Ranger 4/Beastmaster 1 (Complete Adventurer) = Effective Druid Level 5

6th level -> Ranger 4/Beastmaster 1/Wild Plains Outrider 1
Feat: Dinosaur Wrangler (Races of Eberron)

From there, you finish Wild Plains Outrider at 3rd, then head back into Beastmaster until 3rd level (if you don't want extra animal companions, like an archaeropteryx).

Weapons-wise, go Talenta Boomerang all the way, as there are some very neat feats for it, like Boomerang Ricochet and Boomerang Daze. If you want to improve your marksmanship, you could go Master Thrower (Complete Warrior) after you finish Wild Plains Outrider.

 

[Vorput]

I was thinking of making a similiar themed character, but more of the "quick drawing" type of cowboy. My idea was to build him using the Artificer (convienient since you are playing Eberron) and make him dual wield wands. There is a feat that allows you to use two wands at once, at the expense of using 2 charges per use. So I would have the wands holstered and "quick draw" them like a cowboy draws his pistols.

That is one of the coolest character ideas I've seen in quite awhile...

 

[InVinoVeritas]

Don't forget to choose Favored Enemy: Animal. You're ropin' them, wrasslin' them, gettin' them movin'... Also don't forget the Animal Affinity feat (+2 Handle Animal, +2 Ride). As a Beastmaster, have your own herd!

 

[cmanos]

Ranger. Take a look at the cool Talenta weapons.

The Dinosaur Wrangler feat would be a must.

And I think the proper term would be Velociraptorboy.