Mid-level archer gear [Archive] - Wizards Community

Mid-level archer gear [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Hand_OF_Mystra
11-13-06, 05:49 PM I have an elf rgr 7 going for OBI, he is an archer. Now that he is starting to make some money at APL 6 and 8, I am wondering how to equip. He has a +1 strength bow (+2 for his 14 STR) bracers of archery, lesser, Quiver of Ehlonna, Gloves of Dex +2, vest of resistance +1, +1 mithral chain.

Should I sell the bracers, get Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a +4 strength bow?

I have a favor that gives me access to any item from the DMG costing less than some-huge-amount-for-this-level. I was wondering how to use this and what to get in general. I was thinking of boots of levitate. I could also burn a favor and get ghost touch on my bow. IT seems to me that the boots would be a better first investment.

I messed up on my skill points for the OBI prereq and am taking fgt at 7th, what would be a good bonus feat to take? ranged pin, power critical (he is using longbow) or something else (currently PB shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (longbow)
Howie23
11-13-06, 06:16 PM I have an elf rgr 7 going for OBI, he is an archer. Now that he is starting to make some money at APL 6 and 8, I am wondering how to equip. He has a +1 strength bow (+2 for his 14 STR) bracers of archery, lesser, Quiver of Ehlonna, Gloves of Dex +2, vest of resistance +1, +1 mithral chain.

Hey, that almost looks like the equipment on my archer.... :)

Should I sell the bracers, get Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a +4 strength bow?

The gauntlets will give you +2 Str, which would be enough for a +3 bow only. I'd hold out for the belt and keep the gloves slot for Dex.

I have a favor that gives me access to any item from the DMG costing less than some-huge-amount-for-this-level. I was wondering how to use this and what to get in general. I was thinking of boots of levitate. I could also burn a favor and get ghost touch on my bow. IT seems to me that the boots would be a better first investment.

Winged Boots, Boots of Levitation, Boots of Speed are all good. Ghost Touch...depends on how often you see incorps. Magic bows suffer the same problem as Ki strike regarding DR/magic and incorps, so magic arrows might be a consideration, too. Energy buffs on the bow.

I messed up on my skill points for the OBI prereq and am taking fgt at 7th, what would be a good bonus feat to take? ranged pin, power critical (he is using longbow) or something else (currently PB shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (longbow)

Improved Rapid Shot is worth consideration.

David
Frumpkis
11-13-06, 07:00 PM If you don't already have adamantium arrows, you should try to pick up some of those (or even better, if you have access to Starmetal, get some arrows of those). Other than that, you may want to focus on equipment that will increase your skills: Cloak & Boots of Elvenkind, Eyes of the Eagle, Lens of Detection, Googles of Minute Seeing, etc.

As for feats, I'd go for Woodland Archer if you haven't already picked that up.
retro
11-13-06, 07:35 PM Winged Boots, Boots of Levitation, Boots of Speed are all good. Ghost Touch...depends on how often you see incorps. Magic bows suffer the same problem as Ki strike regarding DR/magic and incorps, so magic arrows might be a consideration, too. Energy buffs on the bow.

Improved Rapid Shot is worth consideration.

DavidI'm in pretty much the same situation with my archer. BTW, ghost touch is melee weapons only. Big pain, I know. Energy buffs are good, unless you want to wait and save for Holy. When you get the close combat shot class ability from OotBI, make sure that your character has armour spikes, or a gauntlet, or something- even an elvencraft bow (Limited, from RW), so he threatens when shooting in melee. For feats, I like Improved rapid Shot as well- unless you want to go for Woodland Sniper.
You probably already know this, but special material arrows are key for an archer. As well as cold iron, adamantine and silver, try to get access to blunt arrows, from AEG. They're crucial when you're dealing with dominated party members, controlled good-guy NPCs, misunderstanding encounters, and so on. BTW, does anyone know whether blunts refresh with lifestyle like regular arrows?
Swiftbrook
11-13-06, 08:32 PM Energy buffs are good, unless you want to wait and save for Holy. When you get the close combat shot class ability from OotBI, make sure that your character has armour spikes, or a gauntlet, or something- even an elvencraft bow (Limited, from RW), so he threatens when shooting in melee. For feats, I like Improved rapid Shot as well- unless you want to go for Woodland Sniper.
You probably already know this, but special material arrows are key for an archer. As well as cold iron, adamantine and silver, try to get access to blunt arrows, from AEG.

I have an Archer also. I got access to "Sacred" and placed that on my bow ASAP. My one fault, I didn't use my Elvencraft bow access that I had. My poor excuse, I didn't understand what it was. Between the spell "Arrow Mind" and an Elvencraft bow, you don't need an extra feat or PrC to threaten the space around you or to avoid AOO.

A Quiver of Ehlonna is a must. I waited too long for this purchase. It's nice for hiding your bow in certain cities that wont let you carry it even when everyone else can carry their weapons.

I like the Glove of Dex. Adds to your To Hit, AC, Initiative and skills.

Also, I prefer Improved Rapid Shot over Woodland Archer. IRR works on every shot of every round against every opponent. WA is nice when you meet all the requirements.

-Swiftbrook
Howie23
11-13-06, 08:54 PM try to get access to blunt arrows, from AEG. They're crucial when you're dealing with dominated party members, controlled good-guy NPCs, misunderstanding encounters, and so on. BTW, does anyone know whether blunts refresh with lifestyle like regular arrows?

Blunt source is RW...don't know if that's just the newer, but that is the current source.

The only thing that refreshes with lifestyle is everyday, steel arrows. I have no steel, and fire cold iron instead just for equipment load reductions. I cough up an extra few gp in other gold spent each AR rather than running everything through the MIL, as would be done with potions and other consumables.

Blunt..my access is in lots of 50, so periodically, just pick up another stock and run it all through the MIL.

David
retro
11-13-06, 09:14 PM Blunt source is RW...don't know if that's just the newer, but that is the current source.

Blunt..my access is in lots of 50, so periodically, just pick up another stock and run it all through the MIL.

David Another Nyrond metaregioner, eh? :) Thanks for the quick answer.

If you can get the Sacred enhancement (Limited, from Libris Mortis, I think), do it. Since a lot of outsiders have energy resistance, they can be kind of a pain for archers. And a Quiver of Ehlonna (or Quiver of Iuz, in the right metaregion) is just assumed. :)
solbergb
11-13-06, 09:34 PM Should I sell the bracers, get Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a +4 strength bow?

I have a favor that gives me access to any item from the DMG costing less than some-huge-amount-for-this-level. I was wondering how to use this and what to get in general. I was thinking of boots of levitate. I could also burn a favor and get ghost touch on my bow. IT seems to me that the boots would be a better first investment.

Ok..first off, if you can somehow get into a +4 str bow instead of your +2 str bow, this is a good idea. It is like getting weapon spec for 200gp+str enhancer costs. Archers with +2 str bows always seem to have to spend more to get the same effect as the brawnier archers.

Second, if you have an open ended favor big enough to support boots of haste, spend it on those. But not until you've bought all the 4kish items you need and upgraded your bow to at least +1d6 extra damage.

(boots of haste mean not having to clump your archer with all the rest of the party if haste is available and not having to wait for the arcanist...or getting haste if there isn't anyone able to cast it. It will improve your offense by about 25% right off the bat AND gives mobility and defensive bonuses)
Swiftbrook
11-15-06, 04:46 PM (or Quiver of Iuz, in the right metaregion)
OK, I'll bite. Never heard of this. What is it? What are it's powers? What is it's source book?

Thanks,

Swiftbrook
Grantor
11-15-06, 05:33 PM OK, I'll bite. Never heard of this. What is it? What are it's powers? What is it's source book?

I'd be willing to make a large wager that it is an alternate name (regional access) for exactly the same item as a Quiver of Ehlonna. It certainly would not be the first such item, such as the Duchy of Urnst version of the Blessed Book of Boccob, but accquired through connection to Wee Jas.
_m_
11-15-06, 05:49 PM I'd be willing to make a large wager that it is an alternate name (regional access) for exactly the same item as a Quiver of Ehlonna. It certainly would not be the first such item, such as the Duchy of Urnst version of the Blessed Book of Boccob, but accquired through connection to Wee Jas.

aye, its identical.
DuctShuiTengu
11-15-06, 10:22 PM (or Quiver of Iuz, in the right metaregion)

Would this be like my archer's twin quivers of Not-Pholtus?
Cyber_Arch
11-15-06, 11:45 PM I have a atypical elven cleric archer build, and as stated above, the Quiver of Ehlonna is a must. With haste and rapid shot, you run out of arrows very quickly in a battle. The extra storage for cheap items like staves and spears is nice bonus.

One item that you may want to consider (and relatively cheap to buy) is an extra, non-magical, possibly MW comp longbow of strength. Put one of these and maybe a normal longbow or two in the quiver as well for emergencies. A destroyed or lost bow early in the adventure could be devastating to a primary archer.

Sacred is my favorite +1 boost to a bow. And, although not my style, I have seen a guy put "merciful" on his bows to good affect...saves $ on blunt arrows, and allows him to take captives if necessary.

Cheers

John R
retro
11-16-06, 12:58 AM And, although not my style, I have seen a guy put "merciful" on his bows to good affect...saves $ on blunt arrows, and allows him to take captives if necessary. Maybe. Blunt arrows don't cost much, especially if you're making APL 6-8 money. To my mind, the added flexibility of doing subdual or lethal without taking a move to toggle the merciful enhancement is worth a few gold pieces. Also, putting merciful on a bow means spending an extra 10,000gp for sacred, or an energy buff. It may be better to put merciful on your secondary bow, and keep it in the Quiver of Ehlonna.
solbergb
11-16-06, 01:02 PM Merciful lets you take the stoneskinned druid alive. I've run into a number of situations where the blunt arrows were suboptimal....where there was material or "blunt doesn't penetrate DR but we wanted the enemy alive for some reason.

Mostly though, merciful is a +1d6 enhancment that works on everything except plants, constructs and undead. That's a wider brush than most +1d6 enhancements.
ezreal2001
11-16-06, 05:04 PM Merciful lets you take the stoneskinned druid alive. I've run into a number of situations where the blunt arrows were suboptimal....where there was material or "blunt doesn't penetrate DR but we wanted the enemy alive for some reason.

Mostly though, merciful is a +1d6 enhancment that works on everything except plants, constructs and undead. That's a wider brush than most +1d6 enhancements.

Well the old QofE has room for six bows, so just get a dedicated Merciful bow.

Yet another reason for why medium to high level archers need Quickdraw
_m_
11-16-06, 05:18 PM Yet another reason for why medium to high level archers need Quickdraw

for hastily sketching portraits?

... *slaps self*
solbergb
11-16-06, 06:58 PM Well the old QofE has room for six bows, so just get a dedicated Merciful bow.

Yet another reason for why medium to high level archers need Quickdraw

Yup. I'm about 1500gp away from that upgrade. I've been putting off upgrading my bow forever...
Mommy was an Orc
11-16-06, 07:35 PM I have a atypical elven cleric archer build, and as stated above, the Quiver of Ehlonna is a must. With haste and rapid shot, you run out of arrows very quickly in a battle. The extra storage for cheap items like staves and spears is nice bonus.

Yeah, I've yet to find one of those. Real pain in the neck. I picked up Sacred on my bow on my last adventure(6th level archer). Ought to be interesting in the next way too much undead adventure...
Swiftbrook
11-16-06, 07:40 PM Yup. I'm about 1500gp away from that upgrade. I've been putting off upgrading my bow forever...

I put off everything else. Mithral shirt +1 then almost every gp into my bow.
solbergb
11-17-06, 01:54 PM Every time I want to upgrade my bow I get some other goodie on Adventure access only (or regional access for a region I won't visit again in years).

eyes of the eagle
adamantine arrows
elvencraft bow
pearls of power (arcane archer)
handy haversack

I've manfully resisted my most recent opportunity to blow 3k on a lesser rod of extend (for guided shot) because I want the freaking bow already! I'm starting to feel like I'm not doing enough damage when playing up at APL10. I'm still ok at 6 and 8 but...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Hand_OF_Mystra 11-13-06, 05:49 PM	I have an elf rgr 7 going for OBI, he is an archer. Now that he is starting to make some money at APL 6 and 8, I am wondering how to equip. He has a +1 strength bow (+2 for his 14 STR) bracers of archery, lesser, Quiver of Ehlonna, Gloves of Dex +2, vest of resistance +1, +1 mithral chain. Should I sell the bracers, get Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a +4 strength bow? I have a favor that gives me access to any item from the DMG costing less than some-huge-amount-for-this-level. I was wondering how to use this and what to get in general. I was thinking of boots of levitate. I could also burn a favor and get ghost touch on my bow. IT seems to me that the boots would be a better first investment. I messed up on my skill points for the OBI prereq and am taking fgt at 7th, what would be a good bonus feat to take? ranged pin, power critical (he is using longbow) or something else (currently PB shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (longbow)
Howie23 11-13-06, 06:16 PM	I have an elf rgr 7 going for OBI, he is an archer. Now that he is starting to make some money at APL 6 and 8, I am wondering how to equip. He has a +1 strength bow (+2 for his 14 STR) bracers of archery, lesser, Quiver of Ehlonna, Gloves of Dex +2, vest of resistance +1, +1 mithral chain. Hey, that almost looks like the equipment on my archer.... :) Should I sell the bracers, get Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a +4 strength bow? The gauntlets will give you +2 Str, which would be enough for a +3 bow only. I'd hold out for the belt and keep the gloves slot for Dex. I have a favor that gives me access to any item from the DMG costing less than some-huge-amount-for-this-level. I was wondering how to use this and what to get in general. I was thinking of boots of levitate. I could also burn a favor and get ghost touch on my bow. IT seems to me that the boots would be a better first investment. Winged Boots, Boots of Levitation, Boots of Speed are all good. Ghost Touch...depends on how often you see incorps. Magic bows suffer the same problem as Ki strike regarding DR/magic and incorps, so magic arrows might be a consideration, too. Energy buffs on the bow. I messed up on my skill points for the OBI prereq and am taking fgt at 7th, what would be a good bonus feat to take? ranged pin, power critical (he is using longbow) or something else (currently PB shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (longbow) Improved Rapid Shot is worth consideration. David
Frumpkis 11-13-06, 07:00 PM	If you don't already have adamantium arrows, you should try to pick up some of those (or even better, if you have access to Starmetal, get some arrows of those). Other than that, you may want to focus on equipment that will increase your skills: Cloak & Boots of Elvenkind, Eyes of the Eagle, Lens of Detection, Googles of Minute Seeing, etc. As for feats, I'd go for Woodland Archer if you haven't already picked that up.
retro 11-13-06, 07:35 PM	Winged Boots, Boots of Levitation, Boots of Speed are all good. Ghost Touch...depends on how often you see incorps. Magic bows suffer the same problem as Ki strike regarding DR/magic and incorps, so magic arrows might be a consideration, too. Energy buffs on the bow. Improved Rapid Shot is worth consideration. DavidI'm in pretty much the same situation with my archer. BTW, ghost touch is melee weapons only. Big pain, I know. Energy buffs are good, unless you want to wait and save for Holy. When you get the close combat shot class ability from OotBI, make sure that your character has armour spikes, or a gauntlet, or something- even an elvencraft bow (Limited, from RW), so he threatens when shooting in melee. For feats, I like Improved rapid Shot as well- unless you want to go for Woodland Sniper. You probably already know this, but special material arrows are key for an archer. As well as cold iron, adamantine and silver, try to get access to blunt arrows, from AEG. They're crucial when you're dealing with dominated party members, controlled good-guy NPCs, misunderstanding encounters, and so on. BTW, does anyone know whether blunts refresh with lifestyle like regular arrows?
Swiftbrook 11-13-06, 08:32 PM	Energy buffs are good, unless you want to wait and save for Holy. When you get the close combat shot class ability from OotBI, make sure that your character has armour spikes, or a gauntlet, or something- even an elvencraft bow (Limited, from RW), so he threatens when shooting in melee. For feats, I like Improved rapid Shot as well- unless you want to go for Woodland Sniper. You probably already know this, but special material arrows are key for an archer. As well as cold iron, adamantine and silver, try to get access to blunt arrows, from AEG. I have an Archer also. I got access to "Sacred" and placed that on my bow ASAP. My one fault, I didn't use my Elvencraft bow access that I had. My poor excuse, I didn't understand what it was. Between the spell "Arrow Mind" and an Elvencraft bow, you don't need an extra feat or PrC to threaten the space around you or to avoid AOO. A Quiver of Ehlonna is a must. I waited too long for this purchase. It's nice for hiding your bow in certain cities that wont let you carry it even when everyone else can carry their weapons. I like the Glove of Dex. Adds to your To Hit, AC, Initiative and skills. Also, I prefer Improved Rapid Shot over Woodland Archer. IRR works on every shot of every round against every opponent. WA is nice when you meet all the requirements. -Swiftbrook
Howie23 11-13-06, 08:54 PM	try to get access to blunt arrows, from AEG. They're crucial when you're dealing with dominated party members, controlled good-guy NPCs, misunderstanding encounters, and so on. BTW, does anyone know whether blunts refresh with lifestyle like regular arrows? Blunt source is RW...don't know if that's just the newer, but that is the current source. The only thing that refreshes with lifestyle is everyday, steel arrows. I have no steel, and fire cold iron instead just for equipment load reductions. I cough up an extra few gp in other gold spent each AR rather than running everything through the MIL, as would be done with potions and other consumables. Blunt..my access is in lots of 50, so periodically, just pick up another stock and run it all through the MIL. David
retro 11-13-06, 09:14 PM	Blunt source is RW...don't know if that's just the newer, but that is the current source. Blunt..my access is in lots of 50, so periodically, just pick up another stock and run it all through the MIL. David Another Nyrond metaregioner, eh? :) Thanks for the quick answer. If you can get the Sacred enhancement (Limited, from Libris Mortis, I think), do it. Since a lot of outsiders have energy resistance, they can be kind of a pain for archers. And a Quiver of Ehlonna (or Quiver of Iuz, in the right metaregion) is just assumed. :)
solbergb 11-13-06, 09:34 PM	Should I sell the bracers, get Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a +4 strength bow? I have a favor that gives me access to any item from the DMG costing less than some-huge-amount-for-this-level. I was wondering how to use this and what to get in general. I was thinking of boots of levitate. I could also burn a favor and get ghost touch on my bow. IT seems to me that the boots would be a better first investment. Ok..first off, if you can somehow get into a +4 str bow instead of your +2 str bow, this is a good idea. It is like getting weapon spec for 200gp+str enhancer costs. Archers with +2 str bows always seem to have to spend more to get the same effect as the brawnier archers. Second, if you have an open ended favor big enough to support boots of haste, spend it on those. But not until you've bought all the 4kish items you need and upgraded your bow to at least +1d6 extra damage. (boots of haste mean not having to clump your archer with all the rest of the party if haste is available and not having to wait for the arcanist...or getting haste if there isn't anyone able to cast it. It will improve your offense by about 25% right off the bat AND gives mobility and defensive bonuses)
Swiftbrook 11-15-06, 04:46 PM	(or Quiver of Iuz, in the right metaregion) OK, I'll bite. Never heard of this. What is it? What are it's powers? What is it's source book? Thanks, Swiftbrook
Grantor 11-15-06, 05:33 PM	OK, I'll bite. Never heard of this. What is it? What are it's powers? What is it's source book? I'd be willing to make a large wager that it is an alternate name (regional access) for exactly the same item as a Quiver of Ehlonna. It certainly would not be the first such item, such as the Duchy of Urnst version of the Blessed Book of Boccob, but accquired through connection to Wee Jas.
_m_ 11-15-06, 05:49 PM	I'd be willing to make a large wager that it is an alternate name (regional access) for exactly the same item as a Quiver of Ehlonna. It certainly would not be the first such item, such as the Duchy of Urnst version of the Blessed Book of Boccob, but accquired through connection to Wee Jas. aye, its identical.
DuctShuiTengu 11-15-06, 10:22 PM	(or Quiver of Iuz, in the right metaregion) Would this be like my archer's twin quivers of Not-Pholtus?
Cyber_Arch 11-15-06, 11:45 PM	I have a atypical elven cleric archer build, and as stated above, the Quiver of Ehlonna is a must. With haste and rapid shot, you run out of arrows very quickly in a battle. The extra storage for cheap items like staves and spears is nice bonus. One item that you may want to consider (and relatively cheap to buy) is an extra, non-magical, possibly MW comp longbow of strength. Put one of these and maybe a normal longbow or two in the quiver as well for emergencies. A destroyed or lost bow early in the adventure could be devastating to a primary archer. Sacred is my favorite +1 boost to a bow. And, although not my style, I have seen a guy put "merciful" on his bows to good affect...saves $ on blunt arrows, and allows him to take captives if necessary. Cheers John R
retro 11-16-06, 12:58 AM	And, although not my style, I have seen a guy put "merciful" on his bows to good affect...saves $ on blunt arrows, and allows him to take captives if necessary. Maybe. Blunt arrows don't cost much, especially if you're making APL 6-8 money. To my mind, the added flexibility of doing subdual or lethal without taking a move to toggle the merciful enhancement is worth a few gold pieces. Also, putting merciful on a bow means spending an extra 10,000gp for sacred, or an energy buff. It may be better to put merciful on your secondary bow, and keep it in the Quiver of Ehlonna.
solbergb 11-16-06, 01:02 PM	Merciful lets you take the stoneskinned druid alive. I've run into a number of situations where the blunt arrows were suboptimal....where there was material or "blunt doesn't penetrate DR but we wanted the enemy alive for some reason. Mostly though, merciful is a +1d6 enhancment that works on everything except plants, constructs and undead. That's a wider brush than most +1d6 enhancements.
ezreal2001 11-16-06, 05:04 PM	Merciful lets you take the stoneskinned druid alive. I've run into a number of situations where the blunt arrows were suboptimal....where there was material or "blunt doesn't penetrate DR but we wanted the enemy alive for some reason. Mostly though, merciful is a +1d6 enhancment that works on everything except plants, constructs and undead. That's a wider brush than most +1d6 enhancements. Well the old QofE has room for six bows, so just get a dedicated Merciful bow. Yet another reason for why medium to high level archers need Quickdraw
_m_ 11-16-06, 05:18 PM	Yet another reason for why medium to high level archers need Quickdraw for hastily sketching portraits? ... slaps self
solbergb 11-16-06, 06:58 PM	Well the old QofE has room for six bows, so just get a dedicated Merciful bow. Yet another reason for why medium to high level archers need Quickdraw Yup. I'm about 1500gp away from that upgrade. I've been putting off upgrading my bow forever...
Mommy was an Orc 11-16-06, 07:35 PM	I have a atypical elven cleric archer build, and as stated above, the Quiver of Ehlonna is a must. With haste and rapid shot, you run out of arrows very quickly in a battle. The extra storage for cheap items like staves and spears is nice bonus. Yeah, I've yet to find one of those. Real pain in the neck. I picked up Sacred on my bow on my last adventure(6th level archer). Ought to be interesting in the next way too much undead adventure...
Swiftbrook 11-16-06, 07:40 PM	Yup. I'm about 1500gp away from that upgrade. I've been putting off upgrading my bow forever... I put off everything else. Mithral shirt +1 then almost every gp into my bow.
solbergb 11-17-06, 01:54 PM	Every time I want to upgrade my bow I get some other goodie on Adventure access only (or regional access for a region I won't visit again in years). eyes of the eagle adamantine arrows elvencraft bow pearls of power (arcane archer) handy haversack I've manfully resisted my most recent opportunity to blow 3k on a lesser rod of extend (for guided shot) because I want the freaking bow already! I'm starting to feel like I'm not doing enough damage when playing up at APL10. I'm still ok at 6 and 8 but...