Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Novacat 01-27-06, 10:59 PM	So I'm making a human fighter for an upcoming campain... featuring the Temple of Elemental Evil. I know nothing at all about the module itself, other than that it's an old D&D classic dungeon. Someone has already chosen to play a 2H weapon fighter (Spiked Chain, specifically), but the DM suggested that the party could use more fighters. So I roll up some stats and put them together in an archery build. Any suggestions y'all have for future feat choices are welcome, though I'd like to refrain from discussion of the module itself (player knowledge and all that). I would like, at some point, to get some TWF abilities as well, for when the baddies can cicumvent ranged combat, but focusing on the bow. Relevant DM houserules: Humans get 2 bonus feats instead of 1 (like they weren't powerful enough already). Scores: STR 12 DEX 17 CON 13 INT 9 WIS 10 CHA 10 Feats: Point Blank Shot (1st level) Precise Shot (Human bonus) Rapid Shot (Human bonus) Weapon Focus: Longbow (Fighter bonus) I'm currently equiped with a Composite Longbow (no mighty rating), a club, and a suit of studded leather armor, as well as a mule to carry my misc supplies. The DM is pretty open about non-core content, particularly from the Complete series, Races Of series, and Dragon Magazine. Thanks in advance for any ideas you guys can give.
Elessar Alpha 01-27-06, 11:41 PM	Try to get the requirements for Order of the Bow initiate in the Complete Warrior. That class is freaking awesome. If you're planning to go onto the epic scale, set yourself up for distant shot, uncanny accuracy, improved manyshot, etc. Also, get greater manyshot from Expanded Psionics if you're doing Order of the Bow initiate.
etfo161 01-28-06, 03:25 AM	i agree with elessar alpha, go for the order of the bow initiate, later on if you want to try and get free bonuses on your attack and damage, take a level of an arcane spell caster class and then start arcane archer, some of its abilities like imbue arrow wont do much for you but the bonuses every other level help a lot. or stick pure order of the bow initiate and go through that then go back to fighter and pick up other feats to improve attack and damage i personally go with the great sword and/or great axe when i make an archer type, and pick up a buckler since you get the +1 ac and wont screw up your bow usage. as for skills pick up bow making and make your own bows, saves money at later levels, plus you can get the party wizard, cleric, sorcerer, or druid to enchant stuff for you. also maybe pick up quick draw for those times when you need to get out a melee weapon really quickly, and if you feel like it, take run, so you can get within range for some of your feats, or move out of range of a really big monster.
Kurotowa 01-28-06, 11:14 AM	I disagree about the OotBI. I'm playing in a game with one and Ranged Precision is really not all that. If you've got a decent bonus to your damage die (say, Weapon Spec + Str + Magic = 5 or better) then Manyshot almost always has a higher average damage, without the range or target restrictions. Ranged Precision is good if you're low on arrows or facing something with high DR that isn't a construct or undead. But IMO that doesn't beat all the extra feats that Fighter would get. Not to mention Greater Weapon Focus & Spec. Stick with straight Fighter, you'll do better.
A_monk_00 01-28-06, 11:46 AM	You may want to check out the Complete Warrior for a Greatbow. A better damage die, and a bit more range too, if I recall. A few levels in Scout (Complete Adventurer) may not hurt either, though that's really up to you. Gives some good movement stuff, uncanny dodge, evasion etc. On a similar note, convince your DM to let you gestalt and build up a Fighter/Scout. :D
LordBritish2 01-28-06, 02:44 PM	I would be of the opinion that the only truely important reason to take the greatbow over the longbow at the cost of a feat (exotic weapon prof, I know fighters get feats out the *beep*) is if you want to take the first level of Exotic Weapon Master for the Close Combat Shot and then skip Order of the Bow Initiate. Oh and defiently get a buckler and a spell caster friend with lightfoot and arrow mind.