Arcane Archer/Shadowdancer 4th Edition - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Arcane Archer/Shadowdancer 4th Edition

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
danieldrsa
Dec 10, 2008 10:41:22 Hi, my favorite prestige class from 3.5 were Shadowdancer and Arcane Archer.
There are any plans to release these 2 pr classes as base classes or paragon paths for 4th edition?
#2
Cpt_Micha
Dec 10, 2008 11:02:47 When you really look at some of the Ranged Ranger's powers it seems he ate the Arcane Archer (among other things). Also, I imagine if we do see it it will be in Arcane Power.

Shadowdancer is the Rogue now. (right down to turning invisibile and what have you)
#3
Crimson_Concerto
Dec 10, 2008 11:04:02 Arcane Archer is easy, and one of my players has already played one. It was her first 4E character, as a matter of fact.
Easiest (and Best, IMO) Solution:

1) Put your highest scores in INT and DEX.
2) Play a Wizard.
3) Take Arcane Implement Mastery in Wand of Accuracy.
4) Re-flavor the Wand to be a Bow (probably a string-less one).
5) ???
6) PROFIT!

From there, just take appropriate spells. You should be fine with most Raged and Area spells, though; only Close Blast and Close Burst powers seem weird.
#4
yrogerg
Dec 10, 2008 11:17:23 I daresay, even though the bulk of those particular PrCs may have been subsumed by the base classes, they probably would work *better* as PPs than as PrCs. The reason is that they had their own abilities that were completely independent of the base class's progression, meaning that levels in either of them forced the class to sacrifice their normal progression for each level they took.

In 4e, they would be simply be a layer of abilities cast on top of the base abilities, rather than replacing them. I could totally see a WotST-style Arcane Archer class, for example, and while a potential Shadowdancer PP would look dramatically different from the 3.5 version, I could see a pretty awesome set of abilities based on it. Not really up to the task myself, though.
#5
Crimson_Concerto
Dec 10, 2008 11:19:52
Arcane Archer

Major problem with your Paragon Path:
The bow is a two-handed weapon. That means your Wizard / Arcane Archer has no hand left for her implement (probably a Wand because of DEX). What you'll need to do is put in an ability like what the Wizard of the Spiral Tower gets with Corellon's Implement...
#6
yrogerg
Dec 10, 2008 11:41:49
Arcane Archer
"My arrows seek their target all by their own."

Prerequisites: Access to power with the Arcane descriptor

Arcane Archers are superb bowmen who carry their art over into the arcane and refine both arts into one.

Arcane Archer Path Features

Deadly Shot Sequence (11th Level): If you crit with one of your attacks, you may spend an action point to immediately make a basic ranged attack against the same target

(11th Level):

Defensive Posture (16th Level): If you are hit by a critical hit, you gain +2 to all defenses until the end of your next turn

Arcane Archer Spells

Phase Arrow Arcane Archer Attack 11
Your arrow flies through brick and wall, flesh and bone to strike where it is intended
_______________________
Encounter ✦ Arcane, Weapon
Standard Action Ranged
Target: One creature
Attack: Dexterity+2 vs. Reflex
_______________________
Hit: 2[W]
Effect: Ignore all cover and concealment. The arrow flies trhough solid walls and only hits the intended target.

Flow through the Battlefield Arcane Archer Utility 12
You flow through the field of battle no matter the enemies
_______________________
✦ Arcane, Stance
Minor Action Personal
_______________________
Effect: As long as the stance is active, you may shift up to 2 squares before any attack you make.

Hail of Arrows Arcane Archer Attack 20
With your arcane power you shoot with your bow and hit every target in range
_______________________
Daily ✦ Arcane, Weapon
Standard Action Close burst
Target: All enemies in blast
Attack: Dexterity vs. AC; One attack per enemy
_______________________
Hit: 1 [W] + Dexterity Modifier damage

I don't see anything there that really says "Ranger" or "bow archer" or even "ranged". It probably needs another prereq.
#7
Crimson_Concerto
Dec 10, 2008 11:57:50
...what do you think?

[indent](11th Level): You may use your bow as if it were an implement.[/indent]

That doesn't help Wizards with Implement Mastery, which requires that they hold a specific type of implement. Again, I suggest you use Corellon's Implement as a basis so that Wizard / Arcane Archers don't get screwed.
#8
mouthymerc
Dec 10, 2008 12:13:05 This was my rendition of an arcane archer.
#9
vaalingrade_ashland_02
Dec 10, 2008 13:00:32 I was playing with an idea before about using a warlock with a homebrew Pact Bow to make a magical archer character.

For shadow dancer, Eladrin, my good man. Any class you want with some shadow flavor added.
#10
nthdegree256
Dec 10, 2008 13:25:55 Here's how my Arcane Archer rolls: by starting as an Artificer and multiclassing into Ranger. He's level 14 now, but I'll give his level 12 build (as that's what I happen to have on-hand at the moment. :P )

A handful of his feats are dedicated to improving his performance in skill challenges, so you could probably beef up his combat ability if you wanted.

edit: For clarity, he has +3 equipment all around - neck slot, weapon, and armor.

Level 12 Artificer/Ranger
Str 9
Con 15
Dex 20
Int 18
Wis 15
Cha 12

HP: 77

AC: 26 (with +3 leather armor)
Fort: 22 (+3 item)
Ref: 24 (+3 item)
Will: 22 (+3 item)

Feats
Warrior of the Wild (Ranger multiclass)
Novice Power
Acolyte Power
Adept Power
Skill Training (Athletics)
Skill Training (Acrobatics)
Agile Athlete
Elven Precision
Ritual Caster (class feature)

Powers
At-Will
Nimble Strike (Ranger)
Aggravating Force (Artificer)

Encounter Powers
Spike Wire (Artificer)
Fiery Infusion (Artificer)
Thundertusk Boar Strike (Ranger)
Disruptive Strike (Ranger)

Daily Powers
Caustic Rampart (Artificer)
Splintering Shot (Ranger)
Brittleskin Infusion (Artificer)

Utility Powers
Restorative Infusion (Artificer)
Phantom Structure (Artificer)
Crucial Advice (Ranger)
Expeditious Stride (Ranger)

His attack bonus with his Ranger powers is +16 (with a +3 weapon) and +15 for his Artificer powers, many of which involve shooting an arrow that explodes in a small burst of fire or magically debuffs the enemy in some way.

He's a bit more of a hybrid character than 4E really intends, but it works well for our group because we already have all the roles covered and I can fill in the holes as needed. All in all, I've been very pleased with the way he plays.
#11
Mist-Bound
Dec 10, 2008 17:03:16 I admit I might be confusing what the Shadowdancer was, but perhaps the Umbriri Paragon Path for the Swordmage might be a good 'conversion'? That focuses on a blade-wielding, shadow-manipulating magic user, after all.
#12
yrogerg
Dec 10, 2008 17:39:25
Well the shadowdancer's "main schtick" to me was "teleport from shadow to shadow but only so much per day", which could be converted in an encounter short-teleport which requires darkness or shadow.

Or, for that matter, one could just be a Shadar Kai. Just sayin'...
#13
arderkrag
Dec 10, 2008 18:09:26 I'm suggesting to my players to use the high forest scout for the arcane archer, as the level 11 power emulates phase arrow nicely.
#14
Kobold_Avenger
Dec 10, 2008 18:18:37 I don't think that the Shadowdancer had a racial prereq in 3.5. The Arcane Archer did however.

Edit: ShadowDancer has skill and feat Prereqs only.
#15
yrogerg
Dec 10, 2008 18:20:00
Well, this would severely limit the concept in my book. I'd love a Dwarven Shadowdancer or a Human Shadowdancer or something. On a related note, I've immediately killed the prereq the Shadowdancer had in 3.5E, which was: Be an elf or half-elf, because noone else shall be allowed to travel the shadows!

Make it a good PP and give it to everyone, include a clause that any race with teleportation powers gets the range of the Shadowjumps increased or something to capitalize on it...

Shmeh, flavor's mutable. My Shadar Kai is whatever race I say it is.

(Actually, this is exactly one of the solutions I've considered floating for converting one of my old characters, a Human Wilder/Rogue/Elocator/Quori Nightmare(don't ask), into either a Starlock with a few Fey powers, or a Feylock with a few Star powers. Taking a teleporty race seems like an enviable way to get the teleportation, without sinking Warlock resources into it. And, my character's 'human' if I say he is, damn it.
#16
vaalingrade_ashland_02
Dec 10, 2008 18:59:32
I don't think that the Shadowdancer had a racial prereq in 3.5. The Arcane Archer did however.

Edit: ShadowDancer has skill and feat Prereqs only.

And we should all point and laugh at the racial prereq.
#17
Crimson_Concerto
Dec 10, 2008 19:19:43
And we should all point and laugh at the racial prereq.

I think we should point and laugh at ALL racial prerequisites (and alignment prerequisites too in 3.5).
#18
mouthymerc
Dec 10, 2008 21:41:11 Personally, for the shadowdancer I would go rogue/fey warlock. Aim for powers from the warlock group like Ethereal Stride or Otherwind Stride to create the shadow jump effect. Other warlock powers can help create the other shadow magic effects. Pick up the rapier proficiency and Ritual Caster (for the illusion rituals) and I think you would have a pretty good rendition of a shadowdancer. The paragon path Rakish Swashbuckler (Martial Power) might be worthwhile for enhancing the sword aspect, otherwise the Master Infiltrator paragon path may work out well. If you have access to the Forgotten Realms Players Guide then a swordmage/fey warlock/umbriri is pretty good, too.
#19
supertriqui
Dec 10, 2008 22:26:20
And we should all point and laugh at the racial prereq.

We should do so with Martial power too then
#20
viktor_von_doom
Dec 10, 2008 23:14:00
We should do so with Martial power too then

98% of those make sense to me personally, then theres stupid crap like Tactical Inspiration......
#21
danieldrsa
Dec 11, 2008 5:06:51 thanks for all suggestions
I liked more the Artificer/Ranger Build for the Arcane Archer, because its more like shooting and doing damage with the bow (dont know why, but i feel this way).

The idea of just using a bow as an implement also catch me, but the major problem i see is that it will be limited by spell ranges. The strong point of arcane archer is using the bow range for using area spells, and the target you shoot takes more damage than the others in the area, because of the magic arrow enhancement.

This is why i think an official Arcane Archer would be pretty cool.

As for racial prerequisites in 4th edition, i think it makes sense, as some PP require some races.
Arcane Archer should be Elves, and perhaps, Eladrins (for in the beggining all were elves).
#22
samyueru
Dec 11, 2008 5:20:07
Well the shadowdancer's "main schtick" to me was "teleport from shadow to shadow but only so much per day", which could be converted in an encounter short-teleport which requires darkness or shadow.

Or even something like, a per-encounter teleport that teleports you 3 squares, or 6 squares if you used it when at least partially concealed. It teleports you 10 squares if you were in shadows. Or something. It's far too early in the morning for this kind of nonsense...
#23
vaalingrade_ashland_02
Dec 11, 2008 7:41:46
98% of those make sense to me personally, then theres stupid crap like Tactical Inspiration......

And nearly all the Eladrin feats, which aren't eladrin flavored so much as 'eladrin are allowed to have more fun at all classes than everyone else'.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 danieldrsa Dec 10, 2008 10:41:22	Hi, my favorite prestige class from 3.5 were Shadowdancer and Arcane Archer. There are any plans to release these 2 pr classes as base classes or paragon paths for 4th edition?
#2 Cpt_Micha Dec 10, 2008 11:02:47	When you really look at some of the Ranged Ranger's powers it seems he ate the Arcane Archer (among other things). Also, I imagine if we do see it it will be in Arcane Power. Shadowdancer is the Rogue now. (right down to turning invisibile and what have you)
#3 Crimson_Concerto Dec 10, 2008 11:04:02	Arcane Archer is easy, and one of my players has already played one. It was her first 4E character, as a matter of fact. Easiest (and Best, IMO) Solution: 1) Put your highest scores in INT and DEX. 2) Play a Wizard. 3) Take Arcane Implement Mastery in Wand of Accuracy. 4) Re-flavor the Wand to be a Bow (probably a string-less one). 5) ??? 6) PROFIT! From there, just take appropriate spells. You should be fine with most Raged and Area spells, though; only Close Blast and Close Burst powers seem weird.
#4 yrogerg Dec 10, 2008 11:17:23	I daresay, even though the bulk of those particular PrCs may have been subsumed by the base classes, they probably would work better as PPs than as PrCs. The reason is that they had their own abilities that were completely independent of the base class's progression, meaning that levels in either of them forced the class to sacrifice their normal progression for each level they took. In 4e, they would be simply be a layer of abilities cast on top of the base abilities, rather than replacing them. I could totally see a WotST-style Arcane Archer class, for example, and while a potential Shadowdancer PP would look dramatically different from the 3.5 version, I could see a pretty awesome set of abilities based on it. Not really up to the task myself, though.
#5 Crimson_Concerto Dec 10, 2008 11:19:52	Arcane Archer Major problem with your Paragon Path: The bow is a two-handed weapon. That means your Wizard / Arcane Archer has no hand left for her implement (probably a Wand because of DEX). What you'll need to do is put in an ability like what the Wizard of the Spiral Tower gets with Corellon's Implement...
#6 yrogerg Dec 10, 2008 11:41:49	Arcane Archer "My arrows seek their target all by their own." Prerequisites: Access to power with the Arcane descriptor Arcane Archers are superb bowmen who carry their art over into the arcane and refine both arts into one. Arcane Archer Path Features Deadly Shot Sequence (11th Level): If you crit with one of your attacks, you may spend an action point to immediately make a basic ranged attack against the same target (11th Level): Defensive Posture (16th Level): If you are hit by a critical hit, you gain +2 to all defenses until the end of your next turn Arcane Archer Spells Phase Arrow Arcane Archer Attack 11 Your arrow flies through brick and wall, flesh and bone to strike where it is intended _______________________ Encounter ✦ Arcane, Weapon Standard Action Ranged Target: One creature Attack: Dexterity+2 vs. Reflex _______________________ Hit: 2[W] Effect: Ignore all cover and concealment. The arrow flies trhough solid walls and only hits the intended target. Flow through the Battlefield Arcane Archer Utility 12 You flow through the field of battle no matter the enemies _______________________ ✦ Arcane, Stance Minor Action Personal _______________________ Effect: As long as the stance is active, you may shift up to 2 squares before any attack you make. Hail of Arrows Arcane Archer Attack 20 With your arcane power you shoot with your bow and hit every target in range _______________________ Daily ✦ Arcane, Weapon Standard Action Close burst Target: All enemies in blast Attack: Dexterity vs. AC; One attack per enemy _______________________ Hit: 1 [W] + Dexterity Modifier damage I don't see anything there that really says "Ranger" or "bow archer" or even "ranged". It probably needs another prereq.
#7 Crimson_Concerto Dec 10, 2008 11:57:50	...what do you think? [indent](11th Level): You may use your bow as if it were an implement.[/indent] That doesn't help Wizards with Implement Mastery, which requires that they hold a specific type of implement. Again, I suggest you use Corellon's Implement as a basis so that Wizard / Arcane Archers don't get screwed.
#8 mouthymerc Dec 10, 2008 12:13:05	This was my rendition of an arcane archer.
#9 vaalingrade_ashland_02 Dec 10, 2008 13:00:32	I was playing with an idea before about using a warlock with a homebrew Pact Bow to make a magical archer character. For shadow dancer, Eladrin, my good man. Any class you want with some shadow flavor added.
#10 nthdegree256 Dec 10, 2008 13:25:55	Here's how my Arcane Archer rolls: by starting as an Artificer and multiclassing into Ranger. He's level 14 now, but I'll give his level 12 build (as that's what I happen to have on-hand at the moment. :P ) A handful of his feats are dedicated to improving his performance in skill challenges, so you could probably beef up his combat ability if you wanted. edit: For clarity, he has +3 equipment all around - neck slot, weapon, and armor. Level 12 Artificer/Ranger Str 9 Con 15 Dex 20 Int 18 Wis 15 Cha 12 HP: 77 AC: 26 (with +3 leather armor) Fort: 22 (+3 item) Ref: 24 (+3 item) Will: 22 (+3 item) Feats Warrior of the Wild (Ranger multiclass) Novice Power Acolyte Power Adept Power Skill Training (Athletics) Skill Training (Acrobatics) Agile Athlete Elven Precision Ritual Caster (class feature) Powers At-Will Nimble Strike (Ranger) Aggravating Force (Artificer) Encounter Powers Spike Wire (Artificer) Fiery Infusion (Artificer) Thundertusk Boar Strike (Ranger) Disruptive Strike (Ranger) Daily Powers Caustic Rampart (Artificer) Splintering Shot (Ranger) Brittleskin Infusion (Artificer) Utility Powers Restorative Infusion (Artificer) Phantom Structure (Artificer) Crucial Advice (Ranger) Expeditious Stride (Ranger) His attack bonus with his Ranger powers is +16 (with a +3 weapon) and +15 for his Artificer powers, many of which involve shooting an arrow that explodes in a small burst of fire or magically debuffs the enemy in some way. He's a bit more of a hybrid character than 4E really intends, but it works well for our group because we already have all the roles covered and I can fill in the holes as needed. All in all, I've been very pleased with the way he plays.
#11 Mist-Bound Dec 10, 2008 17:03:16	I admit I might be confusing what the Shadowdancer was, but perhaps the Umbriri Paragon Path for the Swordmage might be a good 'conversion'? That focuses on a blade-wielding, shadow-manipulating magic user, after all.
#12 yrogerg Dec 10, 2008 17:39:25	Well the shadowdancer's "main schtick" to me was "teleport from shadow to shadow but only so much per day", which could be converted in an encounter short-teleport which requires darkness or shadow. Or, for that matter, one could just be a Shadar Kai. Just sayin'...
#13 arderkrag Dec 10, 2008 18:09:26	I'm suggesting to my players to use the high forest scout for the arcane archer, as the level 11 power emulates phase arrow nicely.
#14 Kobold_Avenger Dec 10, 2008 18:18:37	I don't think that the Shadowdancer had a racial prereq in 3.5. The Arcane Archer did however. Edit: ShadowDancer has skill and feat Prereqs only.
#15 yrogerg Dec 10, 2008 18:20:00	Well, this would severely limit the concept in my book. I'd love a Dwarven Shadowdancer or a Human Shadowdancer or something. On a related note, I've immediately killed the prereq the Shadowdancer had in 3.5E, which was: Be an elf or half-elf, because noone else shall be allowed to travel the shadows! Make it a good PP and give it to everyone, include a clause that any race with teleportation powers gets the range of the Shadowjumps increased or something to capitalize on it... Shmeh, flavor's mutable. My Shadar Kai is whatever race I say it is. (Actually, this is exactly one of the solutions I've considered floating for converting one of my old characters, a Human Wilder/Rogue/Elocator/Quori Nightmare(don't ask), into either a Starlock with a few Fey powers, or a Feylock with a few Star powers. Taking a teleporty race seems like an enviable way to get the teleportation, without sinking Warlock resources into it. And, my character's 'human' if I say he is, damn it.
#16 vaalingrade_ashland_02 Dec 10, 2008 18:59:32	I don't think that the Shadowdancer had a racial prereq in 3.5. The Arcane Archer did however. Edit: ShadowDancer has skill and feat Prereqs only. And we should all point and laugh at the racial prereq.
#17 Crimson_Concerto Dec 10, 2008 19:19:43	And we should all point and laugh at the racial prereq. I think we should point and laugh at ALL racial prerequisites (and alignment prerequisites too in 3.5).
#18 mouthymerc Dec 10, 2008 21:41:11	Personally, for the shadowdancer I would go rogue/fey warlock. Aim for powers from the warlock group like Ethereal Stride or Otherwind Stride to create the shadow jump effect. Other warlock powers can help create the other shadow magic effects. Pick up the rapier proficiency and Ritual Caster (for the illusion rituals) and I think you would have a pretty good rendition of a shadowdancer. The paragon path Rakish Swashbuckler (Martial Power) might be worthwhile for enhancing the sword aspect, otherwise the Master Infiltrator paragon path may work out well. If you have access to the Forgotten Realms Players Guide then a swordmage/fey warlock/umbriri is pretty good, too.
#19 supertriqui Dec 10, 2008 22:26:20	And we should all point and laugh at the racial prereq. We should do so with Martial power too then
#20 viktor_von_doom Dec 10, 2008 23:14:00	We should do so with Martial power too then 98% of those make sense to me personally, then theres stupid crap like Tactical Inspiration......
#21 danieldrsa Dec 11, 2008 5:06:51	thanks for all suggestions I liked more the Artificer/Ranger Build for the Arcane Archer, because its more like shooting and doing damage with the bow (dont know why, but i feel this way). The idea of just using a bow as an implement also catch me, but the major problem i see is that it will be limited by spell ranges. The strong point of arcane archer is using the bow range for using area spells, and the target you shoot takes more damage than the others in the area, because of the magic arrow enhancement. This is why i think an official Arcane Archer would be pretty cool. As for racial prerequisites in 4th edition, i think it makes sense, as some PP require some races. Arcane Archer should be Elves, and perhaps, Eladrins (for in the beggining all were elves).
#22 samyueru Dec 11, 2008 5:20:07	Well the shadowdancer's "main schtick" to me was "teleport from shadow to shadow but only so much per day", which could be converted in an encounter short-teleport which requires darkness or shadow. Or even something like, a per-encounter teleport that teleports you 3 squares, or 6 squares if you used it when at least partially concealed. It teleports you 10 squares if you were in shadows. Or something. It's far too early in the morning for this kind of nonsense...
#23 vaalingrade_ashland_02 Dec 11, 2008 7:41:46	98% of those make sense to me personally, then theres stupid crap like Tactical Inspiration...... And nearly all the Eladrin feats, which aren't eladrin flavored so much as 'eladrin are allowed to have more fun at all classes than everyone else'.