Arbalists use their mastery of the crossbow to deliver devastating blows to their opponents before they ever enter the battle. 

Mastery of Arms

At 3rd level, your extensive training with the crossbow has given you an unmatched understanding of the weapon. You gain the Crossbow Mastery feat. 

Additionally, you have learned to use you crossbow to deal a bludgeoning melee attack with damage equal to the damage output of its ranged attack. The bolt can be used to deal 1d4 piercing damage as a melee attack.

Finally, you are able to aim at a specific point on your target.

• Chest (-1 to hit) - The target must make a Str save (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)) or is knocked 10ft back.
• Arms (-3 to hit) - Your target makes a Str save (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)). Upon failing, whatever the target was holding is knocked 10ft away from them. 
• Legs (-6 to hit) - Your target makes a Dex space (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)). Upon failing, the target is knocked prone.
• Head (-9 to hit (automatic critical)) - Your target makes a Con save (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)). Upon failing, the target is stunned for 2d4 rounds. 

Duck and Cover

Starting at 3rd level, you can use your action to push your specialized shield into the ground, using it as mobile cover. While in this position, your speed is reduced to 0, and you behave total concealment to any enemy attacking from the front.

If you leave this position, you may leave the shield placed in the ground for you, or others, to utilize.

Reentering or exiting the shielded position requires a bonus action. 

Careful Aim

At 7th level you understand that every armor has weak points that can be exploited. If you spend at least one minute watching a target, all of your attacks against that target are made with advantage.

Precise Aim

Starting at 7th leve , your ranged weapon attacks score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20.

Crippling Called Shot

At 10th level, you have learned to place a crippling shot at a specific point on a target.

• Chest (-1 to hit) - The target must make a Str save (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)) If the target fails and is at less than half of the max Hp, whenever they attempt an action in combat, they must make a DC 10 Con saving throw. On a failed save, their action is lost and can’t use reactions until the start of their next turn. The injury heals if they receive magical healing above 3rd level or if they spend ten days doing nothing but resting.  
• Arms (-3 to hit) - Your target makes a Str save (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)). If the target fails and is below 3/4 max Hp, their attacks are made with disadvantage. This can be undone by magical healing.
• Legs (-6 to hit) - Your target makes a Dex space (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)). If the target fails and is at less than half of the max Hp, their speed is permanently reduced by 10ft. This can be undone by Greater Restoration.
• Head (-9 to hit (automatic critical)) - Your target makes a Con save (DC 10 or the damage dealt (whichever is higher)). If the target fails and is/has fallen to less than 1/4 of their max Hp, they are permanently blinded. This can be undone by Regeneration.

Greater Precision

Starting at 15th level, your ranged weapon attacks score a critical hit on a roll of 16–20.

Duty Before Death

Starting at 18th level, your sense of obligation can delay the grasp of death. If you take damage that reduces you to 0 hit points and doesn’t kill you outright, you can use your reaction to delay falling unconscious, and you can immediately take an extra turn, interrupting the current turn. While you have 0 hit points, you may act as normal for a number of turns equal to your Con modifier. During this time, your speed is reduced to 0. Taking damage causes death saving throw failures as normal, and three death saving throw failures can still kill you. When the extra turn ends, you fall unconscious if you still have 0 hit points. 

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.