Best Archer build? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Best Archer build? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Sir Aurik
08-23-07, 08:54 AM Assuming the core class is a ranger with the archer combat style and equal stats and skills, which presteege class do you think makes the best archers, Order of the Bow initiate, Peerless Archer, Deepwoods Sniper, Cragtop archer (any others i forgot?), (or your oun home-grown varient if out there)

and most importantly, why?
The_Shaman
08-23-07, 09:12 AM Well, of all these I'm split between Peerless archer and Deepwood sniper. The Peerless is good for close-range fights, where the sneak attack, power attack and threatening make him more versatile and resilient. Be careful, however, since its prerequisites and skills mark it as somewhat of a fighter-based PrC. The sniper, on the other hand, excels at long ranges, say if your DM actually allows you to use your maximized spot (you did boost it, right?) to see your enemies 300+ feet away. It's far from underwhelming at closer ranges, of course, but there other PrCs can do better. A third option is the Justice of Weald and Woe from Champions of ruin (great book for archers, try to get it) - despite its medium BAB, it offers some great abilities and even a few extra feats, for which class levels count as fighter levels. However, due to fluff ties your DM might withhold it if your character isn't an elf.

My first idea would be ranger 6/Justice 10/peerless archer 4. If that is not possible, Ranger 8/DS 2/Peerless archer 10 isn't bad either. However, you may have a serious problem meeting the feat prerequisites.
DwarfPcfan
08-23-07, 09:55 AM Dudes seriously, the DMG's got just what you need, Arcane Archer. Yes you lose 10 caster levels. But with enhanced arrows, imbue arrows, arrow of death and whatever, you can't go wrong seriously.

My favorite archer build would be: Elf duskblade6/Arcane Archer10/Abjurant champion4

Every arrow this guy shoots is a +5 arrow at no cost, his arrows phase throught concealment and every other obstacle. Not to mention a decent caster level of 14 (thanks to practiced spellcaster) and spells as a level 10 duskblade, more then enough thanks to the ungodly number of spells per day they get.

For close combat shots, just grab point blank shot, precise shot, etc. As well since you're an elf, you qualify for elf archer feats that are quite powerful (can't remember their names thought). He'll with improved many shot, etc.
You'll shower the battle field with magic enhanced arrows.

Melee's covered decently with a full BaB. This works well, especially with magical googles and other equipment to enhance the distance you can shoot arrows at. It's quite easy to go into the 200+ft without penalty.

as one of my friends always says "don't knock the DmG":cool:
Sir Aurik
08-23-07, 10:13 AM Dudes seriously, the DMG's got just what you need, Arcane Archer. Yes you lose 10 caster levels. But with enhanced arrows, imbue arrows, arrow of death and whatever, you can't go wrong seriously.

My favorite archer build would be: Elf duskblade6/Arcane Archer10/Abjurant champion4

Every arrow this guy shoots is a +5 arrow at no cost, his arrows phase throught concealment and every other obstacle. Not to mention a decent caster level of 14 (thanks to practiced spellcaster) and spells as a level 10 duskblade, more then enough thanks to the ungodly number of spells per day they get.

For close combat shots, just grab point blank shot, precise shot, etc. As well since you're an elf, you qualify for elf archer feats that are quite powerful (can't remember their names thought). He'll with improved many shot, etc.
You'll shower the battle field with magic enhanced arrows.

Melee's covered decently with a full BaB. This works well, especially with magical googles and other equipment to enhance the distance you can shoot arrows at. It's quite easy to go into the 200+ft without penalty.

as one of my friends always says "don't knock the DmG":cool:

No dout a about it, THAT rocks!

However, my DM has seriously restricted the use of magic in the game, forbiding the use of dedicated spellcasters and greatly restricting spells avalable to other classes (such as ranger) with the only exception being clerics.

I'm using a ranger class option from complete champions that replaces spellcasting with bonus feats.

I'll look int the champ of weald an woe thing.
Majick
08-23-07, 12:20 PM Scout 1 - 20, all the way!

(This assumes human or, if not, remove the Greatbow [or grab a flaw or two])

1st lvl - Point Blank Shot: +1 to hit under 30 feet and prerequisite
& Exotic Weapon Proficiancy (Greatbow): 2d6 bow can be strung to strength

3rd lvl - Rapid Shot: more attacks than usual but mainly prerequisite

6th lvl - Improved Skirmish: Essential, 2d6 extra skirmish and +2 AC

9th lvl - Many Shot: fire more than one arrow with Standard Action

12th lvl - Greater Many Shot: all arrows fired now use Skirmish damage

Whatever you want for the rest ^_^
madbliza
08-23-07, 12:38 PM I agree, Scout 10, Order of Bow Initiate 10. Then just start blasting things with d6's and d8's. All you have to do is move ten feet, but that's less of a problem when you are a ranged fighter. I don't remember to well (and I know somebody will correct me for this one) but basically you'll be firing one arrow (with a longbow if you choose Elven) doing about d8+4d6+5d8+Str+any other bonuses each time you let an arrow fly. And since you don't need the opponent to be flat footed to do your extra damage, you pretty much hit with consistancy. Provided you move forward ten feet.
radkins
08-23-07, 01:29 PM I'm suprised noone has brought this up, but a ranger/scout swift hunter is a pretty good route. Most go for the scout 4/ranger16, but I personally like more scout. I'm currently playing a ranger2/scout7 and having a blast.
Rebel581
08-23-07, 01:43 PM You could go Ranger 17/Scout 3. I think your BAB is one higher with that and you get Hide in Plain Sight on reaching Ranger 17. It's either the Bonus Feat from Scout or the Hide in Plain Sight ability. Going with Scout 4 though gives you Swift Hunter for free though since it can be selected as the Bonus feat.
RobbyPants
08-23-07, 03:20 PM (This assumes human or, if not, remove the Greatbow [or grab a flaw or two])
Just so it's been said, IIRC, a greatbow's damage is 1d10. Similar to a bastard sword, I don't know that I'd blow a feat just to raise my average damage by one point. It might be cool at the really low levels, but after that, you'll probably with you had spent the feat on something else.

As for PrC suggestions, you can take a look at the 3.5 deepwood sniper variant (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=811862) I created. I don't know if a non-published PrC will do you any good or not.
The_Shaman
08-23-07, 03:58 PM Ranger 17/scout 3 and ranger 16/scout 4 both end up with 19 BAB. Think of it as the increment of 4 rule - every 4 levels of full BAB class into a medium BAB class build raise the end BAB by 1.

Scout - OotB... okay, but nothing stunning. Even if you ignore the problems of using shot on the run (which only allows for an "attack action", not any standard action), at higher levels you can fire several arrows that will likely end up with better damage. As for AA, a simple +4 bow practically eliminates the use for all those +X arrows. These PrCs can be okay, but aren't gamebreaking or anything.
Sir Aurik
08-23-07, 04:24 PM This is good.

So far I am looking at ranger 9, rauthar 3, and peeeless archer 1.
The_Shaman
08-23-07, 07:22 PM I don't know how useful Ruathar will be. You don't have a spellcasting progression for it to boost, and you lose 1 point of BAB at its first level.
Kaleran1277
08-23-07, 08:59 PM Actually, I have my own ideas for archers...
1) If you want a sneaky-type sniper, then yes ranger is better than fighter, also just 2 levels of order of the bow initiate grants close combat shot-no longer prevokes AoA's for shooting while threatend, then take peerless.

2) If pure damage delivery is your thing, try fighter, with exotic weapon:greatbow. Go fighter for 6 levels, then 7th level is your 1st of exotic weapon master-taking close combat shot stunt grants the same benefit as order of the bow(2). Then 8th level is your 2nd of e.w.m., and take ranged disarm. It's just like the feat, and you'll use it to shoot the fireball/lightning bolt wand out of a caster's hand before he/she toasts you and your party.
Then go back to fighter, all the way. Take ranks in spot(yes, I know it's cross-class, but with a 12+ wis, and skill focus[spot], you'll do just fine) .

Thank you.
superturkle
08-23-07, 09:12 PM sorry if this is off topic, but where can i find Peerless Archer? i too am trying to build a decent archer (with spellthief backup).
Fallenangel359
08-23-07, 09:12 PM The best archer build is a warmage 6, force missile mage 5, artificer 4, ardent savant 5.

You craft 2 self reloading quickloading +5 hand crossbows, and lots of spellstoring bolts. Load damage spells into the bolts, particularly magic missile, at 9th caster level, or above.

Thats 7 missiles that do 7d4+14+int damage total, and ignore shield spell.

Get 200 bolts loaded with that spell, and put them in the xbows. TWF :P
Sir Aurik
08-24-07, 12:24 AM sorry if this is off topic, but where can i find Peerless Archer? i too am trying to build a decent archer (with spellthief backup).

Silver marches
Sir Aurik
08-24-07, 12:41 AM Actually, I have my own ideas for archers...
1) If you want a sneaky-type sniper, then yes ranger is better than fighter, also just 2 levels of order of the bow initiate grants close combat shot-no longer prevokes AoA's for shooting while threatend, then take peerless.

2) If pure damage delivery is your thing, try fighter, with exotic weapon:greatbow. Go fighter for 6 levels, then 7th level is your 1st of exotic weapon master-taking close combat shot stunt grants the same benefit as order of the bow(2). Then 8th level is your 2nd of e.w.m., and take ranged disarm. It's just like the feat, and you'll use it to shoot the fireball/lightning bolt wand out of a caster's hand before he/she toasts you and your party.
Then go back to fighter, all the way. Take ranks in spot(yes, I know it's cross-class, but with a 12+ wis, and skill focus[spot], you'll do just fine) .

Thank you.

DUDE, that ROCKS!

Exotic we[on master is a stroke of jenious. I will keep the ranger build, throw in 2 levels of exotic, and the rest into peerless.

(and maby work in the rauthar-I just like the flaver...)
Fallenangel359
08-24-07, 12:42 AM in my build, artificer can be completely dropped if you find a good source of spellstoring bolts

I am fully aware that it is a beyond odd archer build.
Spell slingers do the most archery damage, and well... a twf rapidshot caster is the best way to unload high quanties of spells.
Sir Aurik
08-24-07, 01:06 AM in my build, artificer can be completely dropped if you find a good source of spellstoring bolts

I am fully aware that it is a beyond odd archer build.
Spell slingers do the most archery damage, and well... a twf rapidshot caster is the best way to unload high quanties of spells.

Accually, your build is very creative, me dm would never allow that kind ofg creativ use of mulltyclassing, as it were.
Fallenangel359
08-24-07, 01:30 AM if a DM allows spellstoring on a weapon multiple times to cover higher spellslots (1-3 for +1, 4-6 for +2, etc), it can actually get really cool

Plus you can get that sniper rifle you always wanted (rod of absorbtion is a great way to chuck spells you didn't use in the day, because they'll still be available the next day)

Of course, if you want an arcane sniper build, generic spellcaster with sneak attack from UA, going into arcane trickster, and spellwarp sniper. Can turn a lot of spells into rays.

Whats really cool about that Xbow build I made is it works with xbow sniper.

There is this cool trick you can do with items, and a rod of absorbtion... get lots of eternal wands and cast them into the rod, and then cast spells into the rod to keep it charged... pick up the feat that lets you do somatic components with a weapon (a lot of rods double as a club), and carry 2 of them. You now officially have a lot of spellslots, which is excellent...

Of course, if you just want to retardedly break the game, get a reserve feat, and a rod of absorbtion and fill the rod by casting at it.....

I actually used the Xbow build in a game as a NPC before.

It was really cool where they'd fire like 5 times, hit 5 different people, and one was burnt to death, the other acidically melted, one electricuted, and one turned into an icecube, and the last one just hit by magic missile.
Xyque
08-24-07, 01:33 AM Here's the build I'm currently playing, it's Core + PHB II so it shouldn't be too hard to talk your DM into making it. It has the best to hit all the way through and the thing I like most about this build is you don't have to be a damn elf or halfy to qualify for a prestige class.

if your DM wont allow duskblade take a level of ranger in it's place at level 2 and move up the feats and take the 2nd favored enemy later at 15, then pick if you want ranger or fighter for the rest of the duskblade levels.

Here is the build for a human.
CLB = Composite Longbow
???????? = open feat slot, suggestions would be imp. initiative, dodge or run
* = From PHB II
**= From Monster Manual

1 Ranger, Point blank Shot,Weapon Focus (CLB), 1st favored enemy, Track, Wild empathy
2 Duskblade*, Arcane attunement, Armored mage (light)
3 Ranger, Far shot, Combat style (rapid shot)
4 Fighter, Many shot, Bonus Feat(shown)
5 Fighter, Precise shot, Bonus Feat(shown)
6 Ranger, ???????? , Endurance
7 Fighter
8 Fighter, Weapon specialization (CLB), Bonus Feat(shown)
9 Horizon Walker, Ranged weapon mastery*, Terrain mastery (underground)
10 Horizon Walker, Terrain mastery (plains)
11 Horizon Walker, Terrain mastery (hills)
12 Horizon Walker, Improved precise shot, Terrain mastery (desert)
13 Horizon Walker, Terrain mastery (mountain)
14 Horizon Walker, Planar Terrain mastery (shifting)
15 Ranger, Penetrating shot*, Distracting attack*(alt ranger rules)
16 Duskblade*, Combat casting
17 Duskblade*, Arcane Channeling
18 Duskblade*, Quicken spell like ability** (Dimension Door), Armored mage (medium)
19 Duskblade*, Quick cast 1/day
20 Horizon Walker, Planar Terrain mastery (cavernous)

Be aware that the duskblade levels can't arcane channel into his ranged weapon, but duskblade gives an archer build the ability to true strike (great for that 10 range increment hail mary shot) and deflect, several of the swiftcast spells can give you the mobility you need to stay out of melee as well, but if you can't manage to do that the duskblade levels add a little extra umph (such as blade of blood, arcane channeling) in melee when you have to go there.

Here's a great overland movement trick you can do with this build at 14th level (If your DM allows it)

5280ft= 1mile, 960ft= 14th lvl Dimension Door (DD)
hustle = 6miles per hour
DD can be done by a Horizon walker every 1d4 rounds, I compromised with my DM saying that if used for an extended period of time, I would average out to at least 3 DD's a minute
3 DD a minute = 180 DD's per hour, 180 DD at 14th lvl = 172800ft = 32.7 miles
6mph hustle + 32.7mph DD = 38.7mph
6 hours of hustle + DD = 232 miles, and 63 nonlethal damage (1+2+4+8+16+32=63) and no Fatigue thanks to terrain mastery desert

In summary you move 232 miles over 6 hours by taking 63 nonlethal damage without any fatigue
Ace_of_time
08-24-07, 07:12 PM Just so it's been said, IIRC, a greatbow's damage is 1d10. Similar to a bastard sword, I don't know that I'd blow a feat just to raise my average damage by one point. It might be cool at the really low levels, but after that, you'll probably with you had spent the feat on something else.

As for PrC suggestions, you can take a look at the 3.5 deepwood sniper variant (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=811862) I created. I don't know if a non-published PrC will do you any good or not.

If you went with a race that has powerful build it would up long bow to 2d6 and that great bow to 2d8. Also do it with monkey grip but that will cost -2 to attack.
Ace_of_time
08-24-07, 07:15 PM in my build, artificer can be completely dropped if you find a good source of spellstoring bolts

I am fully aware that it is a beyond odd archer build.
Spell slingers do the most archery damage, and well... a twf rapidshot caster is the best way to unload high quanties of spells.

Wouldn't spell storing bow transfer the spell to the arrows?

Trying to do a archer build with a Minotaur.
Sir Aurik
08-27-07, 09:24 AM Anyone tried the mind-blade archer (I forget the exact name of the pres.class)
Danael
08-27-07, 09:50 AM so with the arcane archer you get a +5 bonus later on can you imbue your arrows with up to 5th level spells on the fly?
The_Shaman
08-27-07, 11:22 AM I'm not sure I understand you. You enhance your arrows so they do more damage and get a bonus to attack as if they were up to +5 arrows. That is a different ability from imbue arrows, which is not limited to what level of spells you can put on them. A lvl 2 arcane archer can cast an incendiary cloud or wail of the banshee through an arrow if s/he can cast it normally.
JackSnape
08-27-07, 12:44 PM I've said it before but if you can meet the requirements a Kensai makes a cool archer, you can enhance your signature weapon (whatever bow you prefer) with distance, flaming, exit wound or whatever combo you prefer.
I'm also a fan of Fighters as archers, tho I don't use them for much else.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Sir Aurik 08-23-07, 08:54 AM	Assuming the core class is a ranger with the archer combat style and equal stats and skills, which presteege class do you think makes the best archers, Order of the Bow initiate, Peerless Archer, Deepwoods Sniper, Cragtop archer (any others i forgot?), (or your oun home-grown varient if out there) and most importantly, why?
The_Shaman 08-23-07, 09:12 AM	Well, of all these I'm split between Peerless archer and Deepwood sniper. The Peerless is good for close-range fights, where the sneak attack, power attack and threatening make him more versatile and resilient. Be careful, however, since its prerequisites and skills mark it as somewhat of a fighter-based PrC. The sniper, on the other hand, excels at long ranges, say if your DM actually allows you to use your maximized spot (you did boost it, right?) to see your enemies 300+ feet away. It's far from underwhelming at closer ranges, of course, but there other PrCs can do better. A third option is the Justice of Weald and Woe from Champions of ruin (great book for archers, try to get it) - despite its medium BAB, it offers some great abilities and even a few extra feats, for which class levels count as fighter levels. However, due to fluff ties your DM might withhold it if your character isn't an elf. My first idea would be ranger 6/Justice 10/peerless archer 4. If that is not possible, Ranger 8/DS 2/Peerless archer 10 isn't bad either. However, you may have a serious problem meeting the feat prerequisites.
DwarfPcfan 08-23-07, 09:55 AM	Dudes seriously, the DMG's got just what you need, Arcane Archer. Yes you lose 10 caster levels. But with enhanced arrows, imbue arrows, arrow of death and whatever, you can't go wrong seriously. My favorite archer build would be: Elf duskblade6/Arcane Archer10/Abjurant champion4 Every arrow this guy shoots is a +5 arrow at no cost, his arrows phase throught concealment and every other obstacle. Not to mention a decent caster level of 14 (thanks to practiced spellcaster) and spells as a level 10 duskblade, more then enough thanks to the ungodly number of spells per day they get. For close combat shots, just grab point blank shot, precise shot, etc. As well since you're an elf, you qualify for elf archer feats that are quite powerful (can't remember their names thought). He'll with improved many shot, etc. You'll shower the battle field with magic enhanced arrows. Melee's covered decently with a full BaB. This works well, especially with magical googles and other equipment to enhance the distance you can shoot arrows at. It's quite easy to go into the 200+ft without penalty. as one of my friends always says "don't knock the DmG":cool:
Sir Aurik 08-23-07, 10:13 AM	Dudes seriously, the DMG's got just what you need, Arcane Archer. Yes you lose 10 caster levels. But with enhanced arrows, imbue arrows, arrow of death and whatever, you can't go wrong seriously. My favorite archer build would be: Elf duskblade6/Arcane Archer10/Abjurant champion4 Every arrow this guy shoots is a +5 arrow at no cost, his arrows phase throught concealment and every other obstacle. Not to mention a decent caster level of 14 (thanks to practiced spellcaster) and spells as a level 10 duskblade, more then enough thanks to the ungodly number of spells per day they get. For close combat shots, just grab point blank shot, precise shot, etc. As well since you're an elf, you qualify for elf archer feats that are quite powerful (can't remember their names thought). He'll with improved many shot, etc. You'll shower the battle field with magic enhanced arrows. Melee's covered decently with a full BaB. This works well, especially with magical googles and other equipment to enhance the distance you can shoot arrows at. It's quite easy to go into the 200+ft without penalty. as one of my friends always says "don't knock the DmG":cool: No dout a about it, THAT rocks! However, my DM has seriously restricted the use of magic in the game, forbiding the use of dedicated spellcasters and greatly restricting spells avalable to other classes (such as ranger) with the only exception being clerics. I'm using a ranger class option from complete champions that replaces spellcasting with bonus feats. I'll look int the champ of weald an woe thing.
Majick 08-23-07, 12:20 PM	Scout 1 - 20, all the way! (This assumes human or, if not, remove the Greatbow [or grab a flaw or two]) 1st lvl - Point Blank Shot: +1 to hit under 30 feet and prerequisite & Exotic Weapon Proficiancy (Greatbow): 2d6 bow can be strung to strength 3rd lvl - Rapid Shot: more attacks than usual but mainly prerequisite 6th lvl - Improved Skirmish: Essential, 2d6 extra skirmish and +2 AC 9th lvl - Many Shot: fire more than one arrow with Standard Action 12th lvl - Greater Many Shot: all arrows fired now use Skirmish damage Whatever you want for the rest ^_^
madbliza 08-23-07, 12:38 PM	I agree, Scout 10, Order of Bow Initiate 10. Then just start blasting things with d6's and d8's. All you have to do is move ten feet, but that's less of a problem when you are a ranged fighter. I don't remember to well (and I know somebody will correct me for this one) but basically you'll be firing one arrow (with a longbow if you choose Elven) doing about d8+4d6+5d8+Str+any other bonuses each time you let an arrow fly. And since you don't need the opponent to be flat footed to do your extra damage, you pretty much hit with consistancy. Provided you move forward ten feet.
radkins 08-23-07, 01:29 PM	I'm suprised noone has brought this up, but a ranger/scout swift hunter is a pretty good route. Most go for the scout 4/ranger16, but I personally like more scout. I'm currently playing a ranger2/scout7 and having a blast.
Rebel581 08-23-07, 01:43 PM	You could go Ranger 17/Scout 3. I think your BAB is one higher with that and you get Hide in Plain Sight on reaching Ranger 17. It's either the Bonus Feat from Scout or the Hide in Plain Sight ability. Going with Scout 4 though gives you Swift Hunter for free though since it can be selected as the Bonus feat.
RobbyPants 08-23-07, 03:20 PM	(This assumes human or, if not, remove the Greatbow [or grab a flaw or two]) Just so it's been said, IIRC, a greatbow's damage is 1d10. Similar to a bastard sword, I don't know that I'd blow a feat just to raise my average damage by one point. It might be cool at the really low levels, but after that, you'll probably with you had spent the feat on something else. As for PrC suggestions, you can take a look at the 3.5 deepwood sniper variant (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=811862) I created. I don't know if a non-published PrC will do you any good or not.
The_Shaman 08-23-07, 03:58 PM	Ranger 17/scout 3 and ranger 16/scout 4 both end up with 19 BAB. Think of it as the increment of 4 rule - every 4 levels of full BAB class into a medium BAB class build raise the end BAB by 1. Scout - OotB... okay, but nothing stunning. Even if you ignore the problems of using shot on the run (which only allows for an "attack action", not any standard action), at higher levels you can fire several arrows that will likely end up with better damage. As for AA, a simple +4 bow practically eliminates the use for all those +X arrows. These PrCs can be okay, but aren't gamebreaking or anything.
Sir Aurik 08-23-07, 04:24 PM	This is good. So far I am looking at ranger 9, rauthar 3, and peeeless archer 1.
The_Shaman 08-23-07, 07:22 PM	I don't know how useful Ruathar will be. You don't have a spellcasting progression for it to boost, and you lose 1 point of BAB at its first level.
Kaleran1277 08-23-07, 08:59 PM	Actually, I have my own ideas for archers... 1) If you want a sneaky-type sniper, then yes ranger is better than fighter, also just 2 levels of order of the bow initiate grants close combat shot-no longer prevokes AoA's for shooting while threatend, then take peerless. 2) If pure damage delivery is your thing, try fighter, with exotic weapon:greatbow. Go fighter for 6 levels, then 7th level is your 1st of exotic weapon master-taking close combat shot stunt grants the same benefit as order of the bow(2). Then 8th level is your 2nd of e.w.m., and take ranged disarm. It's just like the feat, and you'll use it to shoot the fireball/lightning bolt wand out of a caster's hand before he/she toasts you and your party. Then go back to fighter, all the way. Take ranks in spot(yes, I know it's cross-class, but with a 12+ wis, and skill focus[spot], you'll do just fine) . Thank you.
superturkle 08-23-07, 09:12 PM	sorry if this is off topic, but where can i find Peerless Archer? i too am trying to build a decent archer (with spellthief backup).
Fallenangel359 08-23-07, 09:12 PM	The best archer build is a warmage 6, force missile mage 5, artificer 4, ardent savant 5. You craft 2 self reloading quickloading +5 hand crossbows, and lots of spellstoring bolts. Load damage spells into the bolts, particularly magic missile, at 9th caster level, or above. Thats 7 missiles that do 7d4+14+int damage total, and ignore shield spell. Get 200 bolts loaded with that spell, and put them in the xbows. TWF :P
Sir Aurik 08-24-07, 12:24 AM	sorry if this is off topic, but where can i find Peerless Archer? i too am trying to build a decent archer (with spellthief backup). Silver marches
Sir Aurik 08-24-07, 12:41 AM	Actually, I have my own ideas for archers... 1) If you want a sneaky-type sniper, then yes ranger is better than fighter, also just 2 levels of order of the bow initiate grants close combat shot-no longer prevokes AoA's for shooting while threatend, then take peerless. 2) If pure damage delivery is your thing, try fighter, with exotic weapon:greatbow. Go fighter for 6 levels, then 7th level is your 1st of exotic weapon master-taking close combat shot stunt grants the same benefit as order of the bow(2). Then 8th level is your 2nd of e.w.m., and take ranged disarm. It's just like the feat, and you'll use it to shoot the fireball/lightning bolt wand out of a caster's hand before he/she toasts you and your party. Then go back to fighter, all the way. Take ranks in spot(yes, I know it's cross-class, but with a 12+ wis, and skill focus[spot], you'll do just fine) . Thank you. DUDE, that ROCKS! Exotic we[on master is a stroke of jenious. I will keep the ranger build, throw in 2 levels of exotic, and the rest into peerless. (and maby work in the rauthar-I just like the flaver...)
Fallenangel359 08-24-07, 12:42 AM	in my build, artificer can be completely dropped if you find a good source of spellstoring bolts I am fully aware that it is a beyond odd archer build. Spell slingers do the most archery damage, and well... a twf rapidshot caster is the best way to unload high quanties of spells.
Sir Aurik 08-24-07, 01:06 AM	in my build, artificer can be completely dropped if you find a good source of spellstoring bolts I am fully aware that it is a beyond odd archer build. Spell slingers do the most archery damage, and well... a twf rapidshot caster is the best way to unload high quanties of spells. Accually, your build is very creative, me dm would never allow that kind ofg creativ use of mulltyclassing, as it were.
Fallenangel359 08-24-07, 01:30 AM	if a DM allows spellstoring on a weapon multiple times to cover higher spellslots (1-3 for +1, 4-6 for +2, etc), it can actually get really cool Plus you can get that sniper rifle you always wanted (rod of absorbtion is a great way to chuck spells you didn't use in the day, because they'll still be available the next day) Of course, if you want an arcane sniper build, generic spellcaster with sneak attack from UA, going into arcane trickster, and spellwarp sniper. Can turn a lot of spells into rays. Whats really cool about that Xbow build I made is it works with xbow sniper. There is this cool trick you can do with items, and a rod of absorbtion... get lots of eternal wands and cast them into the rod, and then cast spells into the rod to keep it charged... pick up the feat that lets you do somatic components with a weapon (a lot of rods double as a club), and carry 2 of them. You now officially have a lot of spellslots, which is excellent... Of course, if you just want to retardedly break the game, get a reserve feat, and a rod of absorbtion and fill the rod by casting at it..... I actually used the Xbow build in a game as a NPC before. It was really cool where they'd fire like 5 times, hit 5 different people, and one was burnt to death, the other acidically melted, one electricuted, and one turned into an icecube, and the last one just hit by magic missile.
Xyque 08-24-07, 01:33 AM	Here's the build I'm currently playing, it's Core + PHB II so it shouldn't be too hard to talk your DM into making it. It has the best to hit all the way through and the thing I like most about this build is you don't have to be a damn elf or halfy to qualify for a prestige class. if your DM wont allow duskblade take a level of ranger in it's place at level 2 and move up the feats and take the 2nd favored enemy later at 15, then pick if you want ranger or fighter for the rest of the duskblade levels. Here is the build for a human. CLB = Composite Longbow ???????? = open feat slot, suggestions would be imp. initiative, dodge or run * = From PHB II *= From Monster Manual 1 Ranger, Point blank Shot,Weapon Focus (CLB), 1st favored enemy, Track, Wild empathy 2 Duskblade, Arcane attunement, Armored mage (light) 3 Ranger, Far shot, Combat style (rapid shot) 4 Fighter, Many shot, Bonus Feat(shown) 5 Fighter, Precise shot, Bonus Feat(shown) 6 Ranger, ???????? , Endurance 7 Fighter 8 Fighter, Weapon specialization (CLB), Bonus Feat(shown) 9 Horizon Walker, Ranged weapon mastery, Terrain mastery (underground) 10 Horizon Walker, Terrain mastery (plains) 11 Horizon Walker, Terrain mastery (hills) 12 Horizon Walker, Improved precise shot, Terrain mastery (desert) 13 Horizon Walker, Terrain mastery (mountain) 14 Horizon Walker, Planar Terrain mastery (shifting) 15 Ranger, Penetrating shot, Distracting attack(alt ranger rules) 16 Duskblade, Combat casting 17 Duskblade, Arcane Channeling 18 Duskblade, Quicken spell like ability** (Dimension Door), Armored mage (medium) 19 Duskblade*, Quick cast 1/day 20 Horizon Walker, Planar Terrain mastery (cavernous) Be aware that the duskblade levels can't arcane channel into his ranged weapon, but duskblade gives an archer build the ability to true strike (great for that 10 range increment hail mary shot) and deflect, several of the swiftcast spells can give you the mobility you need to stay out of melee as well, but if you can't manage to do that the duskblade levels add a little extra umph (such as blade of blood, arcane channeling) in melee when you have to go there. Here's a great overland movement trick you can do with this build at 14th level (If your DM allows it) 5280ft= 1mile, 960ft= 14th lvl Dimension Door (DD) hustle = 6miles per hour DD can be done by a Horizon walker every 1d4 rounds, I compromised with my DM saying that if used for an extended period of time, I would average out to at least 3 DD's a minute 3 DD a minute = 180 DD's per hour, 180 DD at 14th lvl = 172800ft = 32.7 miles 6mph hustle + 32.7mph DD = 38.7mph 6 hours of hustle + DD = 232 miles, and 63 nonlethal damage (1+2+4+8+16+32=63) and no Fatigue thanks to terrain mastery desert In summary you move 232 miles over 6 hours by taking 63 nonlethal damage without any fatigue
Ace_of_time 08-24-07, 07:12 PM	Just so it's been said, IIRC, a greatbow's damage is 1d10. Similar to a bastard sword, I don't know that I'd blow a feat just to raise my average damage by one point. It might be cool at the really low levels, but after that, you'll probably with you had spent the feat on something else. As for PrC suggestions, you can take a look at the 3.5 deepwood sniper variant (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=811862) I created. I don't know if a non-published PrC will do you any good or not. If you went with a race that has powerful build it would up long bow to 2d6 and that great bow to 2d8. Also do it with monkey grip but that will cost -2 to attack.
Ace_of_time 08-24-07, 07:15 PM	in my build, artificer can be completely dropped if you find a good source of spellstoring bolts I am fully aware that it is a beyond odd archer build. Spell slingers do the most archery damage, and well... a twf rapidshot caster is the best way to unload high quanties of spells. Wouldn't spell storing bow transfer the spell to the arrows? Trying to do a archer build with a Minotaur.
Sir Aurik 08-27-07, 09:24 AM	Anyone tried the mind-blade archer (I forget the exact name of the pres.class)
Danael 08-27-07, 09:50 AM	so with the arcane archer you get a +5 bonus later on can you imbue your arrows with up to 5th level spells on the fly?
The_Shaman 08-27-07, 11:22 AM	I'm not sure I understand you. You enhance your arrows so they do more damage and get a bonus to attack as if they were up to +5 arrows. That is a different ability from imbue arrows, which is not limited to what level of spells you can put on them. A lvl 2 arcane archer can cast an incendiary cloud or wail of the banshee through an arrow if s/he can cast it normally.
JackSnape 08-27-07, 12:44 PM	I've said it before but if you can meet the requirements a Kensai makes a cool archer, you can enhance your signature weapon (whatever bow you prefer) with distance, flaming, exit wound or whatever combo you prefer. I'm also a fan of Fighters as archers, tho I don't use them for much else.