The crossbow is a great equalizer on the field of battle, giving the common person the ability to do maximum damage at range with little training.

In the hands of a well-trained crossbowman, the weapon becomes a lethal game changer. This is the role of the Arbalist. Schooled in the efficient use of the weapon and in the anatomy of their enemies, the Arbalist has the ability to turn the tide of battle while keeping a safe distance from the fray.

The weapon of choice for the Arbalist is the light crossbow for ease of use and quick reloadability. A hand crossbow is often kept handy for close quarter action but a heavy crossbow is simply unmanageable and unwieldy. The strengths of the Arbalist revolve around the use of the lighter weapon. 

Accuracy, speed, and knowledge give the Arbalist the skills necessary to pull their weight in a fight with no magical benefit.

From an early level, the Arbalist has the training to allow themselves an extra attack each round. As they progress, they are able to aim shots at an enemy's weakest points for multiple critical damage.

They get the feats to give them all the advantage they need to make their weapon as hard hitting as a maul and as fast as a monk's fists. Eventually, their accuracy is such that misses are rare. 

Crossbow Expert

You gain the Crossbow Expert feat. 

Quick Reload

Extensive training with the light crossbow has given you the ability to use your bonus action to fire an additional shot each turn. 

Know Your Enemy

Studies of zoology and anatomy have given you the ability to quickly assess the weakest points on your adversaries. 

You gain expertise in the Nature skill. 

Improved Accuracy

Your accuracy has improved. You gain a +2 bonus to your ranged attacks with a light crossbow. 

Deadly Shot

As your only action for a round, you may take an aimed shot at an enemy taking advantage of your knowledge of weak points. If your shot hits, the result is treated as a double critical. 

Sharpshooter

If you don't already have it, you gain the Sharpshooter feat at 7th level. 

Piercer

If you don't already have it, you gain the Piercer feat. 

Superior Accuracy

Your accuracy has improved to the point that you gain a +3 bonus to your ranged attacks with the light crossbow. 

Improved Deadly Shot

Your Deadly Shot, if it hits, does quadruple critical damage. A natural critical roll to hit doubles this amount. 

Infallible Accuracy

Your accuracy has improved to the point that your shots only miss on a roll of a natural one or two despite the armor class of your target. This skill does not bypass an enemy's resistances or immunities.