Post/Author/DateTime	Post
HeWhoRoams 12-17-03, 05:00 PM	Ok we are going to swing out a epic level with our chars starting at 20th level I want to try an archer type, preferably arcane archer so im thinking a few levels in ranger or fighter (thats one question, which is better) then like 2 levels in arcane archer (for imbue arrow) than some spellcaster levels (for imbue arrow and versatility) and then what? peerless archer? bow initiate? suggestions?
Fiendish Dire Weasel 12-17-03, 05:23 PM	Your parameters are very, very broad so there is a lot of opitions. This is one: Half-Elf (I like Half-Drow myself for the darkvision) Fighter2/Sorcerer4/Spellsword1/HavocMage4/ArcaneArcher2/EldritchKnight7 BAB +17 Caster Level 13 2d10+4d4+7d8+7d6 -10% Arcane Spell Failure 3 bonus Fighter feats Imbue Arrow +1 arrows for free Battlecast spells up to 4th level Can easily trade 2 EK levels for 2 more Fighter levels for specilization and a few more HP in exchange for 2 caster levels. There really are a lot of options you can go with by just useing the suggestion above itself and adjusting how many levels in which classes.
ksbsnowowl 12-17-03, 07:05 PM	Truthfully, imbue arrow is virtually worthless without a LOT of caster levels, and even then half the spells would have better range on their own. You won't find much advice for Arcane Archer on this board for a few reasons: In 3.0 the arrow enhancing ability (the main feature of the class) could be duplicated with a 3rd level spell, and almost all the other abilities are usable but once per day. In 3.5 the enhancements to magic bows and arrows no longer stack and magic arrows aren't needed for DR purposes, thus negating the need or usefulness of the AA's main ability. By the way, are you playing 3.0 or 3.5? The best archers will incorporate levels in two of the following 3 PrC's: Order of the Bow Initiate, Deepwood Sniper, and Peerless Archer. Take a look here (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=129327&highlight=%2Aarcher%2A) to see my favorite archer build. Gotta run, but I'll check back later.;)
Fiendish Dire Weasel 12-17-03, 07:56 PM	I have to agree with ksbsnowowl, the more I try and try and work out some kind of "archer w/ arcane spellcasting" the less I like it. It can be done but there just doesn't seem to be a lot of synergy between the two. True Strike is nice but much stronger when you can use Power Attack*, if you can get the ability to cast 5th level (or higher) Wizard spells Quickened True Strike combined with either Manyshot or the (Complete Warrior version) of the Order of the Bow Initiate's Ranged Precision can do some decent damage but both are also limited to 30 (or 60) feet so don't know how practical it is. What I posted above is a good combination of casting and archery. To be honest though, I would strongly reccomend doing one or the other, like a caster who can shoot a few arrows between spells, but clearly focused on the casting part. With the new Zen Archery in the Complete Warrior, a divine archer is much more practical now... not like it wasn't before. *I know there is a PrC that does this but don't know the details
pawsplay 12-17-03, 08:07 PM	I like a little bit o' sneak attack with my archery, for sniping.
HeWhoRoams 12-17-03, 08:53 PM	I am playing 3.5 Im not sure about the cleric archer build its tempting but i hate clerical spells, but with a 20th level char it's an option I read all the posts before from ksbsnowowl, with some good insight Its just a shame, as ive never played this high of level before, and arcane is my thing, and denying the access to 7th level+ spells is hard but I want to try an archer really bad... I'm torn
RRG 12-17-03, 09:15 PM	Bard7/Fighter6/ArcaneArcher7 Swap out levels of Bard or Fighter for more Arcane Archer or Ranger levels if you want. I would post the feat progression, but at the moment I'm too lazy.
PhaedrusXY 12-17-03, 10:19 PM	Originally posted by HeWhoRoams I am playing 3.5 Im not sure about the cleric archer build its tempting but i hate clerical spells, but with a 20th level char it's an option I read all the posts before from ksbsnowowl, with some good insight Its just a shame, as ive never played this high of level before, and arcane is my thing, and denying the access to 7th level+ spells is hard but I want to try an archer really bad... I'm torn So play a cleric with access to Domains that give you your favorite "Arcane" spells.
GooseOfMercy 12-17-03, 11:22 PM	I would say just go straight arcane spellcasting or Divine Archery or just no/minimal-spell archery, as others have said.
dragonlensmanjm 12-18-03, 12:15 AM	Originally posted by ksbsnowowl Truthfully, imbue arrow is virtually worthless without a LOT of caster levels, and even then half the spells would have better range on their own. You won't find much advice for Arcane Archer on this board for a few reasons: In 3.0 the arrow enhancing ability (the main feature of the class) could be duplicated with a 3rd level spell, and almost all the other abilities are usable but once per day. In 3.5 the enhancements to magic bows and arrows no longer stack and magic arrows aren't needed for DR purposes, thus negating the need or usefulness of the AA's main ability. By the way, are you playing 3.0 or 3.5? The best archers will incorporate levels in two of the following 3 PrC's: Order of the Bow Initiate, Deepwood Sniper, and Peerless Archer. Take a look here (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=129327&highlight=%2Aarcher%2A) to see my favorite archer build. Gotta run, but I'll check back later.;) Not sure if I'll actually have time to put together a build or anything, but had to respond to the 1st paragraph of this post. As far as range goes, once he gets 21st level(I believe he should be able to meet the prereqs by then), he takes distant shot and he can now use ANY spells that can be imbued in an arrow to hit any target that he can see, regardless of range.
ksbsnowowl 12-18-03, 01:25 AM	Originally posted by dragonlensmanjm he takes distant shot and he can now use ANY spells that can be imbued in an arrow to hit any target that he can see, regardless of range. True, true. But that still doesn't change the fact that the ability is virtually worthless without a reletively large number of caster levels.
HeWhoRoams 12-18-03, 05:10 PM	agreed. I think will go either straight archer build, using some Ootbi and DWS and PA or just go straight Wiz/Archmage stuff depending on the construct of the rest of my party one is already a confirmed fighter/rogue type