Arcane Archer samples [Archive] - Wizards Community

Arcane Archer samples [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
CainJustice
02-28-07, 01:53 PM hey everyone,

I was wonderding if anyone has played an Arcane Archer, if so...could you post a sample character so i can show my buddy (who's new to the game) how it's done....he's a elf fighter but wants to add a prestige class that will help his bowshooting skills...and he dosen't mind adding some wizard classes to his resume....

Thanks.
Ghenesh
02-28-07, 02:52 PM Ranger all the way. Roleplay your spells as if they are arcane and treat your animal companion as if it is your familiar.

Really, Arcane Archer sucks.
malignor
02-28-07, 02:54 PM If it had some amount of caster level progression, it would be a much more solid class.
kadeity
02-28-07, 03:51 PM Arcane Archer= BAD.
fighter is bad too.

Id suggest either taking his fighter into...
ORDER OF THE BOW INITIATE (complete warrior)
or
KENSAI(complete warrior)
and focusing on his bow.

The best BOW build in my opinion, is

Scout4/Ranger 16 (also been done scout3/ranger 17)
take SwiftHunter (comp.scoundrel)
Greater Manyshot (expanded psionics handbook)
and if you have the gold but a Bow of Splitting (champions of ruin)

BAM. you are the bow god.
Tommyboy
02-28-07, 04:33 PM If he really wants to go Arcane Archer the quickest way is fighter 6, wizard 1. To get better casting he could do fighter 4, wizard 4. If the character is half-elf or if he could do the second example look into Sorceror.
StevenO
02-28-07, 07:49 PM Note that these are just a few possibilities and each has its own strength/weaknesses as well as some possible substitution.

Wizard12/AA2/Wiz - For the spellcaster who wants Imbue Arrow
Duskblade 6/AA - Also Hexblade 6, no loss of BAB
Fighter4/Wiz2/Order of the Bow Initiate2-4/AA - Weapon Specialization
Ranger3/Bard4/AA

Generally I'd base entry on a casting class with average (3/4) BAB for 3-4 levels and a martial (full BAB) class to meet the +6 BAB prereq.
Ghenesh
03-01-07, 06:58 AM Well, out of jokes... Duskblade 6 looks like a solid option.
solbergb
03-01-07, 10:17 AM The fairly iconic approaches to arcane archer are:

Wood elf: Ranger6/wiz1/arcane archerX (in that order - nail your archery feats down by level 6)

Elf: Fighter6/wiz1/arcane archerX or same as wood elf.

To avoid losing any BAB, this is also sometimes done, but frankly, Hexblade blows - you lose so many good archery and skill point options and all you get is a stupid curse and spells that do nothing to make you a better acher:

Hexblade6/arcane archer X

Half-Elf (or wood elf who doesn't mind 20% xp penalty)
Ranger2/Fighter4/wiz1/arcane archer X

This last is especially appealing if ranged weapon mastery (PHB2) is in the game, because +3 to hit and +4 damage from 3 feats is both flavorfully good with a class whose arrows get better as they level, but mechanically good as well (those bonuses add up when you get a lot of attacks, and can full attack every round).

The other important thing about ANY archer is you need to be strong. Those damage bonuses on each arrows from a strength bow add up too, and work on everything. Dex and Strength are required. Because of this there are some people who mix in barbarian levels and Extra Rage, leading to yet another fairly iconic approach

Wood Elf Ranger2/Barb2/Fighter2/Wiz1/Arcane Archer X

There are also some caster-oriented builds. I'll leave those to others.

From a roleplay standpoint - my own arcane archer was someone who just hunted for the tribe until his half-elf daughter started adventuring. He showed up when she was about level 3 to "look after her", much to her annoyance. Once he could "shoot straight" his grandfather promised to teach him magic...and after mastering weapon spec and woodland archer feats he discovered that many of the pointless tasks his grandpa said would be "good for his archery" were magical training.

Now he can whistle his arrows to their target (guided shot), ward himself against melee interference with shooting (arrow mind) and light up remote areas for him to shoot (dancing lights). He also does some utility magic (benight transposition) or can enlarge and fist-of-stone for a situation that requires grappling. (anything not a swift action spell is usually on a scroll) His bat familiar enhances his already formidable alertness skills, and the bat itself is even stealthier and more alert than normal. And of course, his arrows are magical, no matter what bow he uses. He's generally outperformed other archers he's adventured with (partly build, partly attitude, partly situational - he's good in tight quarters where the enemy gets a lot of cover, other archers have had better raw attack mods, and his high strength and weapon spec add up to about an extra +d6 damage on each shot compared to many he's traveled with).

He plays in an environment where greater magic weapon is far from assured, so the main class ability is handy. He won't likely use imbue arrow for anything but the other oddball powers - seeker shot, phase shot...those can be used to disrupt spellcasters or just fire after a fleeing foe...he's had many occasions where he mauls someone with a full attack and they retreat to full cover. Those abilities let him finish them off.

Mostly though, he's looking after his daughter and takes the long view. He rarely gets excited or angry, except when his family is threatened. He'll outlive most of the crises and stupidity that he sees. He notices everything but says little.
CainJustice
03-01-07, 04:10 PM Well, out of jokes... Duskblade 6 looks like a solid option.

Ghenesh Honestly, i don't care if the class sucks or not....that's not my choice..i'm helping my friend who is bent on becoming an arcane archer...

In my original post i never asked for an opinion on whether this prestige class is sorry or not...i ask for people who played arcane archers and needed tips on how they built up this character...i don't need to be told whether this class sucks or not...my friend is a true beginner, and this class is simple and easy to remember....

and everyone else, thank you for posting you replies...i do appreciate it.
solbergb
03-01-07, 09:56 PM Really, you can't go too wrong building an arcane archer pretty much the same way as an archer-ranger, with 1 level of wizard instead of druid tricks.

Don't neglect the skill side of the equation when making choices. Archers need to be able to see their targets to shoot them, and often the high str/dex they favor, plus moderate intelligence for AA and elf racial mods leaves constitution a little weak. Cash investments in bow and tendency to use light armor also tends to leave AC a bit weak. Your main defense against getting eaten by a giant melee monster is to spot them before they spot you, preferably at range so you can use your biggest asset.

Maxing spot is almost a must on any archer build other than a pure fighter one (and it is seen as a weakness of the pure fighter build). Archers often like decent listen as well, and many also go into the hide/move silent (complementing the "See them before they see me" idea) and/or survival/tracking thing because many take ranger levels.
Empiro
03-02-07, 12:55 AM I know people like making fun the Arcane Archer, but it really isn't that bad as long as you just drop the "Arcane" part of it.

I'd go with a Wood Elf Ranger 2/Hexblade 4/Arcane Archer x.

You don't lose BAB, there's no XP penalty, and also, you get Rapid Shot and a smattering of skillpoints from the ranger levels. The bonus to strength for the wood elf is also great.

You should also use the dark companion option from the PHB2 so that you can lower your enemies' AC and saves.

If you concentrate on using a bow, getting items like Greater Bracers of Archery. Your to-hit will be very high, and while you won't out damage a melee character, you'll do a very consistent amount of damage because even if you move, you'll still be able to take a multi-shot (and be very likely to hit).

You'll also overcome DR better than most classes since you can easily buy arrows made out of any special material and you don't need to enchant those arrows. You don't ever need to invest in anything but a +1 base bow, you can use the money you save to add things like holy to your bow so there's practically no DR you can't bypass.

Classes like Order of the Bow Initiate are great too, but if they ever come across something like a Golem or Undead, they're limited to doing very little, all while your Arcane Archer can still pump out a steady 60 damage a round.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
CainJustice 02-28-07, 01:53 PM	hey everyone, I was wonderding if anyone has played an Arcane Archer, if so...could you post a sample character so i can show my buddy (who's new to the game) how it's done....he's a elf fighter but wants to add a prestige class that will help his bowshooting skills...and he dosen't mind adding some wizard classes to his resume.... Thanks.
Ghenesh 02-28-07, 02:52 PM	Ranger all the way. Roleplay your spells as if they are arcane and treat your animal companion as if it is your familiar. Really, Arcane Archer sucks.
malignor 02-28-07, 02:54 PM	If it had some amount of caster level progression, it would be a much more solid class.
kadeity 02-28-07, 03:51 PM	Arcane Archer= BAD. fighter is bad too. Id suggest either taking his fighter into... ORDER OF THE BOW INITIATE (complete warrior) or KENSAI(complete warrior) and focusing on his bow. The best BOW build in my opinion, is Scout4/Ranger 16 (also been done scout3/ranger 17) take SwiftHunter (comp.scoundrel) Greater Manyshot (expanded psionics handbook) and if you have the gold but a Bow of Splitting (champions of ruin) BAM. you are the bow god.
Tommyboy 02-28-07, 04:33 PM	If he really wants to go Arcane Archer the quickest way is fighter 6, wizard 1. To get better casting he could do fighter 4, wizard 4. If the character is half-elf or if he could do the second example look into Sorceror.
StevenO 02-28-07, 07:49 PM	Note that these are just a few possibilities and each has its own strength/weaknesses as well as some possible substitution. Wizard12/AA2/Wiz - For the spellcaster who wants Imbue Arrow Duskblade 6/AA - Also Hexblade 6, no loss of BAB Fighter4/Wiz2/Order of the Bow Initiate2-4/AA - Weapon Specialization Ranger3/Bard4/AA Generally I'd base entry on a casting class with average (3/4) BAB for 3-4 levels and a martial (full BAB) class to meet the +6 BAB prereq.
Ghenesh 03-01-07, 06:58 AM	Well, out of jokes... Duskblade 6 looks like a solid option.
solbergb 03-01-07, 10:17 AM	The fairly iconic approaches to arcane archer are: Wood elf: Ranger6/wiz1/arcane archerX (in that order - nail your archery feats down by level 6) Elf: Fighter6/wiz1/arcane archerX or same as wood elf. To avoid losing any BAB, this is also sometimes done, but frankly, Hexblade blows - you lose so many good archery and skill point options and all you get is a stupid curse and spells that do nothing to make you a better acher: Hexblade6/arcane archer X Half-Elf (or wood elf who doesn't mind 20% xp penalty) Ranger2/Fighter4/wiz1/arcane archer X This last is especially appealing if ranged weapon mastery (PHB2) is in the game, because +3 to hit and +4 damage from 3 feats is both flavorfully good with a class whose arrows get better as they level, but mechanically good as well (those bonuses add up when you get a lot of attacks, and can full attack every round). The other important thing about ANY archer is you need to be strong. Those damage bonuses on each arrows from a strength bow add up too, and work on everything. Dex and Strength are required. Because of this there are some people who mix in barbarian levels and Extra Rage, leading to yet another fairly iconic approach Wood Elf Ranger2/Barb2/Fighter2/Wiz1/Arcane Archer X There are also some caster-oriented builds. I'll leave those to others. From a roleplay standpoint - my own arcane archer was someone who just hunted for the tribe until his half-elf daughter started adventuring. He showed up when she was about level 3 to "look after her", much to her annoyance. Once he could "shoot straight" his grandfather promised to teach him magic...and after mastering weapon spec and woodland archer feats he discovered that many of the pointless tasks his grandpa said would be "good for his archery" were magical training. Now he can whistle his arrows to their target (guided shot), ward himself against melee interference with shooting (arrow mind) and light up remote areas for him to shoot (dancing lights). He also does some utility magic (benight transposition) or can enlarge and fist-of-stone for a situation that requires grappling. (anything not a swift action spell is usually on a scroll) His bat familiar enhances his already formidable alertness skills, and the bat itself is even stealthier and more alert than normal. And of course, his arrows are magical, no matter what bow he uses. He's generally outperformed other archers he's adventured with (partly build, partly attitude, partly situational - he's good in tight quarters where the enemy gets a lot of cover, other archers have had better raw attack mods, and his high strength and weapon spec add up to about an extra +d6 damage on each shot compared to many he's traveled with). He plays in an environment where greater magic weapon is far from assured, so the main class ability is handy. He won't likely use imbue arrow for anything but the other oddball powers - seeker shot, phase shot...those can be used to disrupt spellcasters or just fire after a fleeing foe...he's had many occasions where he mauls someone with a full attack and they retreat to full cover. Those abilities let him finish them off. Mostly though, he's looking after his daughter and takes the long view. He rarely gets excited or angry, except when his family is threatened. He'll outlive most of the crises and stupidity that he sees. He notices everything but says little.
CainJustice 03-01-07, 04:10 PM	Well, out of jokes... Duskblade 6 looks like a solid option. Ghenesh Honestly, i don't care if the class sucks or not....that's not my choice..i'm helping my friend who is bent on becoming an arcane archer... In my original post i never asked for an opinion on whether this prestige class is sorry or not...i ask for people who played arcane archers and needed tips on how they built up this character...i don't need to be told whether this class sucks or not...my friend is a true beginner, and this class is simple and easy to remember.... and everyone else, thank you for posting you replies...i do appreciate it.
solbergb 03-01-07, 09:56 PM	Really, you can't go too wrong building an arcane archer pretty much the same way as an archer-ranger, with 1 level of wizard instead of druid tricks. Don't neglect the skill side of the equation when making choices. Archers need to be able to see their targets to shoot them, and often the high str/dex they favor, plus moderate intelligence for AA and elf racial mods leaves constitution a little weak. Cash investments in bow and tendency to use light armor also tends to leave AC a bit weak. Your main defense against getting eaten by a giant melee monster is to spot them before they spot you, preferably at range so you can use your biggest asset. Maxing spot is almost a must on any archer build other than a pure fighter one (and it is seen as a weakness of the pure fighter build). Archers often like decent listen as well, and many also go into the hide/move silent (complementing the "See them before they see me" idea) and/or survival/tracking thing because many take ranger levels.
Empiro 03-02-07, 12:55 AM	I know people like making fun the Arcane Archer, but it really isn't that bad as long as you just drop the "Arcane" part of it. I'd go with a Wood Elf Ranger 2/Hexblade 4/Arcane Archer x. You don't lose BAB, there's no XP penalty, and also, you get Rapid Shot and a smattering of skillpoints from the ranger levels. The bonus to strength for the wood elf is also great. You should also use the dark companion option from the PHB2 so that you can lower your enemies' AC and saves. If you concentrate on using a bow, getting items like Greater Bracers of Archery. Your to-hit will be very high, and while you won't out damage a melee character, you'll do a very consistent amount of damage because even if you move, you'll still be able to take a multi-shot (and be very likely to hit). You'll also overcome DR better than most classes since you can easily buy arrows made out of any special material and you don't need to enchant those arrows. You don't ever need to invest in anything but a +1 base bow, you can use the money you save to add things like holy to your bow so there's practically no DR you can't bypass. Classes like Order of the Bow Initiate are great too, but if they ever come across something like a Golem or Undead, they're limited to doing very little, all while your Arcane Archer can still pump out a steady 60 damage a round.