arcane archer questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

arcane archer questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
reaver304
01-28-08, 05:07 PM Im relatively new to DnD my friend introduced me to it and i enjoy it a lot
I am currently a level 3 fighter, very close to level 4,
I was wondering about the arcane archer class,

its prerequisites include being able to cast 1st level arcane spells,
does this mean that if i take some levels in ranger(6 to be precise) does
that i have all the requirements for arcane archer?

half elf
i have +3 BAB
point blank shot, precise shot(i'm getting weapon focus next level

kthnx
StevenO
01-28-08, 06:04 PM Ranger spells are "divine" in nature and do NOT qualify you for Arcane Archer.

To get arcane spells you need levels in Wizard, Sorcerer, or Bard if exclusively looking at PHB classes. The Assassin PrC from the DMG gains arcane spells which would meet the spellcasting requirement as well. As is often true some of the best ways to get into AA aren't from the Core Books; maybe the best way to get your Arcane Spells is from Duskblade (PHB2) or Hexblade (CWar) as both of those classes are also full BAB but if you are looking for spells without so much BAB you probably would have wanted to go BattleSorcerer (UA also SRD).

If you really want to get into AA (which many say is a terrible class although I disagree) you still can without too much trouble. As a Ftr3 you have set down one path but fortunately as a half-elf you can do the needed multiclassing without hitting any XP penalties. From where you are now I'd level in Duskblade (provided you can use the PHB2) to fill the AA's spell requirements and get the other things the class offers. At 5th level I'd take DB2 which may only give you another spell but also helps your saves. I've been saving Ftr4 for 6th level so I can pick up Weapon Focus and get Weapon Specialization as well. After that you can enter AA at 7th level although I'd consider advancing some levels in Duskblade as well for additional spells.
reaver304
01-28-08, 06:14 PM thanks for the advice i'm striving to learn as much as possible but alot of the online guides dont explain much

hmm this might be a problem, since my DM tries to be realistic, as in i cant just randomly take levels in wizard/sorcerer
since i don't have any magic blood, so i'll have to discuss this idea with him
StevenO
01-28-08, 06:35 PM What is to say you haven't always had "magic in your blood" and it is just now starting to show itself? Does this mean that your DM wouldn't let a character who started as a spellcaster multiclass into a fighter or such? Basically since the beginning of 3.0 all a "class" really is is a set of mechanics that are used to create a character; fluff is just fluff and can be altered to fit the character as needed.

If 4ed is anything like the new StarWars SAGA edition the use of class to define character is going to be obscured even more.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
reaver304 01-28-08, 05:07 PM	Im relatively new to DnD my friend introduced me to it and i enjoy it a lot I am currently a level 3 fighter, very close to level 4, I was wondering about the arcane archer class, its prerequisites include being able to cast 1st level arcane spells, does this mean that if i take some levels in ranger(6 to be precise) does that i have all the requirements for arcane archer? half elf i have +3 BAB point blank shot, precise shot(i'm getting weapon focus next level kthnx
StevenO 01-28-08, 06:04 PM	Ranger spells are "divine" in nature and do NOT qualify you for Arcane Archer. To get arcane spells you need levels in Wizard, Sorcerer, or Bard if exclusively looking at PHB classes. The Assassin PrC from the DMG gains arcane spells which would meet the spellcasting requirement as well. As is often true some of the best ways to get into AA aren't from the Core Books; maybe the best way to get your Arcane Spells is from Duskblade (PHB2) or Hexblade (CWar) as both of those classes are also full BAB but if you are looking for spells without so much BAB you probably would have wanted to go BattleSorcerer (UA also SRD). If you really want to get into AA (which many say is a terrible class although I disagree) you still can without too much trouble. As a Ftr3 you have set down one path but fortunately as a half-elf you can do the needed multiclassing without hitting any XP penalties. From where you are now I'd level in Duskblade (provided you can use the PHB2) to fill the AA's spell requirements and get the other things the class offers. At 5th level I'd take DB2 which may only give you another spell but also helps your saves. I've been saving Ftr4 for 6th level so I can pick up Weapon Focus and get Weapon Specialization as well. After that you can enter AA at 7th level although I'd consider advancing some levels in Duskblade as well for additional spells.
reaver304 01-28-08, 06:14 PM	thanks for the advice i'm striving to learn as much as possible but alot of the online guides dont explain much hmm this might be a problem, since my DM tries to be realistic, as in i cant just randomly take levels in wizard/sorcerer since i don't have any magic blood, so i'll have to discuss this idea with him
StevenO 01-28-08, 06:35 PM	What is to say you haven't always had "magic in your blood" and it is just now starting to show itself? Does this mean that your DM wouldn't let a character who started as a spellcaster multiclass into a fighter or such? Basically since the beginning of 3.0 all a "class" really is is a set of mechanics that are used to create a character; fluff is just fluff and can be altered to fit the character as needed. If 4ed is anything like the new StarWars SAGA edition the use of class to define character is going to be obscured even more.