Black Bow
The rangers of the black bow are as silent as the eye of the storm and deadly as the assassins of the east. None can match their skill with the bow and none can evade them as they relentlessly
pursue their mark. They track unseen and unheard, yet they move swifter than the predators of the woods. For they are the bow and arrow of the Storm Throne, the weapon that strikes at the
enemy with deadly precision, weakening the foe on the eve of battle. Rarely are they seen in pairs, and never in units, they work alone (this refers to Rangers of the black bow only,
they often accompany other groups to help, lead, protect, but there's never more than 2 rangers working on the same mission at the same time, and more often than not, even if there are 2,
their paths crossed only by chance), agents of the night, each with their own mission, own path, own mark.
Though trained and lethal assassins they are and many are used for their skill with the bow, they are trained in all manner of skills. Some advise nobles, some protect them, some escort high values
individuals. The usefulness of a ranger is unending and as such they take on many a different mission
Black bow behaviours:
- Rangers of the black bow tend to leave a mark where they camped. The mark is 2 overlapping triangles with a single line crossing both diagonally. The mark is usually left as an arrangement of branches,
carved into trees/wood or stones.
When a ranger suspects there might be another ranger hidden nearby, he/she will make a sound resembling a bird NOT native to the area. If there is another ranger nearby they will respond with
the same call.
Rangers of the black bow never remove their mask in public and seldom take their hood off. It is difficult for civilians to identify who the ranger they saw was. As such, the rangers have developed
a natural ability to identify eachother by looking at the eyes of their comrades.
Rangers always dye their bow black, even when aquiring a new one of a different colour.
Black Bow Dedication Feat 2
You gain a skill feat and the rogue’s surprise attack class feature. You become trained in light armor. In addition, you become trained in Stealth or Survival plus one skill of your choice; if you are already trained in both Stealth and Survival, you become trained in an additional skill of your choice. You become trained in Black Bow class DC.
Special You cannot gain another dedication feat until you have gained two other feats from the Black Bow archetype.
Assisting Shot Single Action Feat 4*
Archetype Press
Source Core Rulebook pg. 145 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
* This version of the Assisting Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat.
With a quick shot, you interfere with a foe in combat. Make a Strike with a ranged weapon. If the Strike hits, the next creature other than you to attack the same target before the start of your next turn gains a +1 circumstance bonus to their roll, or a +2 circumstance bonus if your Strike was a critical hit
Sneak Attacker Feat 4
Archetype
Source Core Rulebook pg. 229 2.0
Archetypes Assassin*, Rogue, Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
* This archetype offers Sneak Attacker at a different level than displayed here.
You gain the sneak attack class feature, except it deals 1d4 damage, increasing to 1d6 at 6th level. You don’t increase the number of dice as you gain levels.
Dead Reckoning Two Actions Feat 4
Archetype
Archetype Black Bow
Concentrate Skill
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, trained in Survival
You've trained yourself to maintain a strong sense of direction at all times, even when you can't use a compass or see the sky above. You immediately intuit which direction is north (assuming the concept of north exists at your current location).
Environmental Explorer Feat 4
Archetype
Archetype Black Bow
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You've traversed enough untamed wilderness to gain an intuitive understanding of the dangers that exist in such places. Your extensive familiarity means you sometimes notice perils even when you're not trying to. Even if you aren't Searching in exploration mode, you can attempt a check to find environmental hazards that normally require you to Search for them. You still need to meet any other requirements to find a particular hazard.
Point-Blank Shot Single Action Feat 4*
Archetype Open Stance
Source Core Rulebook pg. 144 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Requirements You are wielding a ranged weapon.
* This version of the Point-Blank Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat. You take aim to pick off nearby enemies quickly. When using a ranged volley weapon while you are in this stance, you don’t take the penalty to your attack rolls from the volley trait. When using a ranged weapon that doesn’t have the volley trait, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus to damage rolls on attacks against targets within the weapon’s first range increment.
Remember Your Training Single Action Feat 4
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Archetype Black Bow
Frequency once per day
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
During your training to become a Pathfinder Agent you were schooled on a wide variety of creatures you might encounter, and you can think back to that training to gain crucial insight in times of need. Attempt a check to Recall Knowledge about a creature you can see, adding your level as a proficiency bonus if you are untrained (rather than 0). If you roll a failure (but not a critical failure) on this check, you get a success instead.
Arcane Sensitivity Feat 6
Archetype
Source Pathfinder #157: Devil at the Dreaming Palace pg. 79
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You can sense the presence of the supernatural, even if you don't have any magical ability yourself. You can spend a single action (this action has the concentrate trait) to determine if any magical auras are present in the area. This has the effects of a 1st-level detect magic spell but isn't magical. By straining, you can also discover the source of the magic and its school (with the effect of a 4th-level detect magic spell), but doing so prevents you from using this ability again until you've rested for 8 hours.
Bolera's Interrogation Three Actions Feat 6
Archetype
Source Pathfinder #157: Devil at the Dreaming Palace pg. 79
Archetype Black Bow
Frequency three times per day
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You focus your attention on a single creature within 30 feet. That creature must attempt a Will save against your Perception DC. On a failure, the creature finds itself unable to speak any deliberate and intentional lies and takes a –2 penalty to Deception checks. On a critical failure, the penalty to Deception checks is –4. This effect lasts for 10 minutes as long as you are within 30 feet of the target and the target is aware that you are using the ability against it. If you begin a new interrogation, this effect ends for any previous target. After your interrogation ends, the target is immune to this ability for 24 hours.
Double Shot Two Actions Feat 6*
Archetype Flourish
Source Core Rulebook pg. 146 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Requirements You are wielding a ranged weapon with reload 0.
* This version of the Double Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat. You shoot twice in blindingly fast succession. Make two Strikes, each against a separate target and with a –2 penalty. Both attacks count toward your multiple attack penalty, but the penalty doesn’t increase until after you’ve made both of them.
Expeditious Advance Feat 6
Archetype
Source World Guide pg. 131
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
Requirements You are unarmored or wearing light armor.
You advance and retreat quickly. You gain a +10-foot status bonus to your speed.
Archer's Aim Two Actions Feat 8
Archetype Concentrate
Source Advanced Player's Guide pg. 157
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You slow down, focus, and take a careful shot. Make a ranged Strike with a weapon in the bow weapon group. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to the attack roll and ignore the target's concealed condition. If the target is hidden, reduce the flat check from being hidden from 11 to 5.
Diverse Recognition Free Action Feat 8
Archetype Skill
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Archetype Black Bow
Frequency once per round
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, master in a skill used to Recall Knowledge
Trigger You successfully Recall Knowledge about a creature you can see, using a skill in which you are a master.
Your Black Bow training allows you to quickly size up numerous threats. Attempt to Recall Knowledge against a different kind of creature you can see using the same skill. You must still meet the requirements to attempt this check.
Physical Training Feat 8
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, expert in Athletics and Acrobatics
You spend a lot of time focusing on your physical fitness. You increase your proficiency rank in Acrobatics and Athletics from expert to master.
Triple Shot Feat 8*
Archetype
Source Core Rulebook pg. 149 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Double Shot
* This version of the Triple Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat.
You can quickly fire multiple shots with greater control. When you use Double Shot, you can make the attacks against the same target. You can add an additional action to Double Shot to make three ranged Strikes instead of two. If you do, the penalty is –4. All attacks count toward your multiple attack penalty, but the penalty doesn’t increase until after you’ve made all of them.
Quick Stow Single Action Feat 8
Archetype Manipulate
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You know that situations can change rapidly and might leave you needing to change equipment in the middle of combat. Your training has taught you how to swap your equipment on the fly. You Interact to stow a weapon and then Interact again to draw a readied item or weapon.
Everyone Duck! Reaction Feat 10
Uncommon Archetype
Source Character Guide pg. 112
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
Access A character who is a member of the Black Bow has access to this option.
Trigger You fail, but don’t critically fail, an attempt to Disable a Device on a trap.
You intentionally set off the trap, but you take special precautions to protect yourself and your allies from the trap’s effects. For the next 2 rounds, if the trap rolls a critical success on an attack roll, it gets a normal success instead, and if anyone rolls a critical failure on their saving throw against the trap, they get a normal failure instead
Armored Rest Feat 10
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication; trained in light, medium, or heavy armor
You've slept many nights in your armor and gotten used to it. You can sleep in armor overnight without being fatigued the next day. If you were already fatigued before sleeping, the armor doesn't prevent you from recovering from being fatigued.
Spy's Countermeasures Feat 10
Archetype
Source World Guide pg. 131
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You’ve learned how to analyze and fake your responses to the most common magic used against spies. Whenever you succeed at your save against a divination or mental effect, you can Identify Magic to identify the spell as a free action triggered when you succeed, even if you didn’t notice the spell being cast. If you successfully identify a divination effect targeting you and the spell would normally fail or have no effect, you can create a substitute result, causing the spell’s caster to think the spell succeeded, with a result of your choice. If you successfully identify a mental effect targeting you and the spell would normally fail or have no effect, you can make it appear as if you were affected and attempt to play along with the spell; if the spell normally establishes a mental link, it functions normally but you can disregard any commands you receive through the link.
Rugged Survivalist Feat 12
Archetype Skill
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, master in Survival
You've studied survival skills with the Black Bow's experts and are comfortable spending long periods of time in the wilderness. You don't get fatigued more quickly due to precipitation during overland travel, though you can otherwise be fatigued as normal. You can go 3 days + your Constitution modifier without water before you take damage from thirst and you can go 5 days + your Constitution modifier without food before you take damage from starvation.
Tense Negotiator Feat 12
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 53
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, master in Diplomacy
You often find that the best way to win a conflict means avoiding a fight in the first place. You're good at talking to potential opponents without making things worse. If you would critically fail at a check to Make an Impression, you instead fail. You can attempt checks to make Requests of creatures who're indifferent or unfriendly toward you.
Forceful Shot Single Action Feat 14
Archetype Attack Press
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 53
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
Your ranged attacks push your foes away from your allies. Make a ranged Strike, adding the following effects in addition to the normal effects of the Strike.
Critical Success The target is pushed 10 feet away from you.
Success The target is pushed 5 feet away from you.
Failure The target is flat-footed for 1 round.
Multishot Stance Single Action Feat 18*
Archetype Stance
Source Core Rulebook pg. 153 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Triple Shot
Requirements You are wielding a ranged weapon with reload 0.
* This version of the Multishot Stance feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat.
You lock yourself in a stable position so you can fire swiftly and accurately. While you are in this stance, your penalty for Double Shot is reduced to –1, or –2 if you add the extra action to make three Strikes. If you move from your position, this stance ends.
Black Bow Dedication Feat 2
You gain a skill feat and the rogue’s surprise attack class feature. You become trained in light armor. In addition, you become trained in Stealth or Survival plus one skill of your choice; if you are already trained in both Stealth and Survival, you become trained in an additional skill of your choice. You become trained in Black Bow class DC.
Special You cannot gain another dedication feat until you have gained two other feats from the Black Bow archetype.
Assisting Shot Single Action Feat 4*
Archetype Press
Source Core Rulebook pg. 145 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
* This version of the Assisting Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat.
With a quick shot, you interfere with a foe in combat. Make a Strike with a ranged weapon. If the Strike hits, the next creature other than you to attack the same target before the start of your next turn gains a +1 circumstance bonus to their roll, or a +2 circumstance bonus if your Strike was a critical hit
Sneak Attacker Feat 4
Archetype
Source Core Rulebook pg. 229 2.0
Archetypes Assassin*, Rogue, Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
* This archetype offers Sneak Attacker at a different level than displayed here.
You gain the sneak attack class feature, except it deals 1d4 damage, increasing to 1d6 at 6th level. You don’t increase the number of dice as you gain levels.
Dead Reckoning Two Actions Feat 4
Archetype
Archetype Black Bow
Concentrate Skill
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, trained in Survival
You've trained yourself to maintain a strong sense of direction at all times, even when you can't use a compass or see the sky above. You immediately intuit which direction is north (assuming the concept of north exists at your current location).
Environmental Explorer Feat 4
Archetype
Archetype Black Bow
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You've traversed enough untamed wilderness to gain an intuitive understanding of the dangers that exist in such places. Your extensive familiarity means you sometimes notice perils even when you're not trying to. Even if you aren't Searching in exploration mode, you can attempt a check to find environmental hazards that normally require you to Search for them. You still need to meet any other requirements to find a particular hazard.
Point-Blank Shot Single Action Feat 4*
Archetype Open Stance
Source Core Rulebook pg. 144 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Requirements You are wielding a ranged weapon.
* This version of the Point-Blank Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat. You take aim to pick off nearby enemies quickly. When using a ranged volley weapon while you are in this stance, you don’t take the penalty to your attack rolls from the volley trait. When using a ranged weapon that doesn’t have the volley trait, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus to damage rolls on attacks against targets within the weapon’s first range increment.
Remember Your Training Single Action Feat 4
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Archetype Black Bow
Frequency once per day
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
During your training to become a Pathfinder Agent you were schooled on a wide variety of creatures you might encounter, and you can think back to that training to gain crucial insight in times of need. Attempt a check to Recall Knowledge about a creature you can see, adding your level as a proficiency bonus if you are untrained (rather than 0). If you roll a failure (but not a critical failure) on this check, you get a success instead.
Arcane Sensitivity Feat 6
Archetype
Source Pathfinder #157: Devil at the Dreaming Palace pg. 79
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You can sense the presence of the supernatural, even if you don't have any magical ability yourself. You can spend a single action (this action has the concentrate trait) to determine if any magical auras are present in the area. This has the effects of a 1st-level detect magic spell but isn't magical. By straining, you can also discover the source of the magic and its school (with the effect of a 4th-level detect magic spell), but doing so prevents you from using this ability again until you've rested for 8 hours.
Bolera's Interrogation Three Actions Feat 6
Archetype
Source Pathfinder #157: Devil at the Dreaming Palace pg. 79
Archetype Black Bow
Frequency three times per day
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You focus your attention on a single creature within 30 feet. That creature must attempt a Will save against your Perception DC. On a failure, the creature finds itself unable to speak any deliberate and intentional lies and takes a –2 penalty to Deception checks. On a critical failure, the penalty to Deception checks is –4. This effect lasts for 10 minutes as long as you are within 30 feet of the target and the target is aware that you are using the ability against it. If you begin a new interrogation, this effect ends for any previous target. After your interrogation ends, the target is immune to this ability for 24 hours.
Double Shot Two Actions Feat 6*
Archetype Flourish
Source Core Rulebook pg. 146 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Requirements You are wielding a ranged weapon with reload 0.
* This version of the Double Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat. You shoot twice in blindingly fast succession. Make two Strikes, each against a separate target and with a –2 penalty. Both attacks count toward your multiple attack penalty, but the penalty doesn’t increase until after you’ve made both of them.
Expeditious Advance Feat 6
Archetype
Source World Guide pg. 131
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
Requirements You are unarmored or wearing light armor.
You advance and retreat quickly. You gain a +10-foot status bonus to your speed.
Archer's Aim Two Actions Feat 8
Archetype Concentrate
Source Advanced Player's Guide pg. 157
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You slow down, focus, and take a careful shot. Make a ranged Strike with a weapon in the bow weapon group. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to the attack roll and ignore the target's concealed condition. If the target is hidden, reduce the flat check from being hidden from 11 to 5.
Diverse Recognition Free Action Feat 8
Archetype Skill
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 40
Archetype Black Bow
Frequency once per round
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, master in a skill used to Recall Knowledge
Trigger You successfully Recall Knowledge about a creature you can see, using a skill in which you are a master.
Your Black Bow training allows you to quickly size up numerous threats. Attempt to Recall Knowledge against a different kind of creature you can see using the same skill. You must still meet the requirements to attempt this check.
Physical Training Feat 8
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, expert in Athletics and Acrobatics
You spend a lot of time focusing on your physical fitness. You increase your proficiency rank in Acrobatics and Athletics from expert to master.
Triple Shot Feat 8*
Archetype
Source Core Rulebook pg. 149 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Double Shot
* This version of the Triple Shot feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat.
You can quickly fire multiple shots with greater control. When you use Double Shot, you can make the attacks against the same target. You can add an additional action to Double Shot to make three ranged Strikes instead of two. If you do, the penalty is –4. All attacks count toward your multiple attack penalty, but the penalty doesn’t increase until after you’ve made all of them.
Quick Stow Single Action Feat 8
Archetype Manipulate
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You know that situations can change rapidly and might leave you needing to change equipment in the middle of combat. Your training has taught you how to swap your equipment on the fly. You Interact to stow a weapon and then Interact again to draw a readied item or weapon.
Everyone Duck! Reaction Feat 10
Uncommon Archetype
Source Character Guide pg. 112
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
Access A character who is a member of the Black Bow has access to this option.
Trigger You fail, but don’t critically fail, an attempt to Disable a Device on a trap.
You intentionally set off the trap, but you take special precautions to protect yourself and your allies from the trap’s effects. For the next 2 rounds, if the trap rolls a critical success on an attack roll, it gets a normal success instead, and if anyone rolls a critical failure on their saving throw against the trap, they get a normal failure instead
Armored Rest Feat 10
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication; trained in light, medium, or heavy armor
You've slept many nights in your armor and gotten used to it. You can sleep in armor overnight without being fatigued the next day. If you were already fatigued before sleeping, the armor doesn't prevent you from recovering from being fatigued.
Spy's Countermeasures Feat 10
Archetype
Source World Guide pg. 131
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
You’ve learned how to analyze and fake your responses to the most common magic used against spies. Whenever you succeed at your save against a divination or mental effect, you can Identify Magic to identify the spell as a free action triggered when you succeed, even if you didn’t notice the spell being cast. If you successfully identify a divination effect targeting you and the spell would normally fail or have no effect, you can create a substitute result, causing the spell’s caster to think the spell succeeded, with a result of your choice. If you successfully identify a mental effect targeting you and the spell would normally fail or have no effect, you can make it appear as if you were affected and attempt to play along with the spell; if the spell normally establishes a mental link, it functions normally but you can disregard any commands you receive through the link.
Rugged Survivalist Feat 12
Archetype Skill
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 52
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, master in Survival
You've studied survival skills with the Black Bow's experts and are comfortable spending long periods of time in the wilderness. You don't get fatigued more quickly due to precipitation during overland travel, though you can otherwise be fatigued as normal. You can go 3 days + your Constitution modifier without water before you take damage from thirst and you can go 5 days + your Constitution modifier without food before you take damage from starvation.
Tense Negotiator Feat 12
Archetype
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 53
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication, master in Diplomacy
You often find that the best way to win a conflict means avoiding a fight in the first place. You're good at talking to potential opponents without making things worse. If you would critically fail at a check to Make an Impression, you instead fail. You can attempt checks to make Requests of creatures who're indifferent or unfriendly toward you.
Forceful Shot Single Action Feat 14
Archetype Attack Press
Source Pathfinder Society Guide pg. 53
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Black Bow Dedication
Your ranged attacks push your foes away from your allies. Make a ranged Strike, adding the following effects in addition to the normal effects of the Strike.
Critical Success The target is pushed 10 feet away from you.
Success The target is pushed 5 feet away from you.
Failure The target is flat-footed for 1 round.
Multishot Stance Single Action Feat 18*
Archetype Stance
Source Core Rulebook pg. 153 2.0
Archetype Black Bow
Prerequisites Triple Shot
Requirements You are wielding a ranged weapon with reload 0.
* This version of the Multishot Stance feat is intended for use with an Archetype and has a different level for access than the original feat.
You lock yourself in a stable position so you can fire swiftly and accurately. While you are in this stance, your penalty for Double Shot is reduced to –1, or –2 if you add the extra action to make three Strikes. If you move from your position, this stance ends.
Type
Military Order
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