A terrible concept

[msterswrdsmn]

A ranged build, specifically using crossbows and relying on either the Shadowdancer shadow or a blackguards undead/fiendish summons to draw attention.

I've been tossing around the idea but I haven't had time to flesh out an actual build.

Vaguely, Blackguard levels would make use of divine might to stack CHA bonuses on ranged attacks (basically dumping as many damage bonuses as I can to improve ranged damage).

There isn't much information regarding the shadowdancers summons on the wiki compared to the other summons available (almost none, really) so I'm not sure what to do exactly with SD levels other than use HIPS to relocate when things get too close and use the shadow to tank.

Why crossbows specifically? I could BS and say it was to take advantage of the higher crit range, but really I like the concept of a special-ops commando using a repeating crossbow. I've done epic level throwing weapons experts and archers, but I've only dabbled with crossbows on Arelith.

Also, trying to do the math for arcane quiver with AA's makes my head hurt.

[Peacewhisper]

I'd start with Fighter because you'll want to get weapon spec and epic weapon spec to pad out your damage and you'll need the extra feats. Something like 7 Fighter/20 Blackguard/3 Specialist. You'll definitely want to go drow. With maxed out dex and charisma your divine shield should push your AC high enough. With divine might and epic weapon spec you should deal decent enough damage. Can always drop a blackguard level for fighter to grab an extra feat. Or drop a couple of blackguard levels and go full loremaster instead. Rogue is not the worst tumble dump for this build either since you'll get a little bit extra sneak attack damage from it and evasion. Hope this helps.

[Elurion]

Couple of things:

• Try shadowdancer shadows on PGCC to see if you like the behavior of the summon while using ranged weapons. From what I recall, shadows will teleport to your side when you attack, so that may be something you don't want. Shadowdancer paired with animal empathy may give you the animal meatshields you might want to help tank enemies at a distance + a strong shadow tank that will stick to your side to guard you.
• I also love crossbows too, but its important to know going into it that you will be gimped on APR compared to other ranged weapons. Crossbow requires the Rapid Reload feat to get full APR, otherwise you will only get 1 APR. Many don't realize this, but Rapid Shot does not give an extra APR for crossbows, ever. (even though there are crossbows that grant rapid shot for some reason) Bows and other ranged weapons will be capable of 1 more APR than a crossbow because of the Rapid Shot feat.

[msterswrdsmn]

Rapid shot does give one extra attack -IF- you're using the higher end repeating crossbows, if I recall. Its a long ways off, but hey, the option is there, making rapid shot a potential late-game feat if I want to play with those, rather than an early required feat as it would be for bow builds.

Thanks for the feedback so far. Given me a couple ideas of what to tinker with.