Improved Skirmish (already mentioned) and skirmisher boots (MIC, I think) are big helps in making a viable ranged scout. (IMO, Improved Skirmish is so good, its creation is basically WotC's way of saying, "Oops. Scout was too weak.")
Thanks everyone, I think I know what direction to go now I have been introduced to some cool feats. Just one last question, any suggestions for a PrC or another class to dip into? I don't really have any direction for this character other than I want to be a scout strong in archery?
Thanks everyone, I think I know what direction to go now I have been introduced to some cool feats. Just one last question, any suggestions for a PrC or another class to dip into? I don't really have any direction for this character other than I want to be a scout strong in archery?
The problem is, archery is very feat intensive, even with a couple bonus feats. Worse, the scout list is terrible.
Pulling from Crystalkeep because I'm too lazy to check the C.Adv book.
"Acrobatic, Acrobatic Skirmisher, Agile, Alertness, Athletic, Blind-Fight, Brachiation, Combat Expertise, Danger Dense, Dodge, Endurance, Far Shot, Great Fortitude, Hear the Unseen, Hinder(DR344 p103), Improved Acrobatic Skirmisher, Improved Initiative, Improved Swimming, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Mobility, Mounted Fighting, Passive Reconnoiter, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Quick Reconnoiter, Ranged Skirmisher, Rapid Reload, Scout the Path, Shot on the Run, Skill Focus, Spring Attack, Track."
First off, many of those are just bad feats.
"And such small portions," LOL. Fortunately for you, you don't get too of them. Specifically, levels 4, 8, 12, you would be looking at Dodge, Mobility, and Shot on the Run. Levels 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 could be something like Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, and Manyshot. Level 15 is Greater Manyshot, and Level 18 is Improved Precise Shot. That's my take; feat intensive, sure, but you have strong mobile options, strong full attack options, and against low AC opponents, your hideous Greater Manyshot spray.
It is decidely a mistake to think you will be able to skirmish all the time. Multiple attack options are vital, and accuracy and range can help. My player's build did not go the Greater Manyshot route until much higher level, instead going Far Shot, Rapid Shot, and W focus (shortbow). He usually used skirmish attacks, but a good percentage of the time, he just sprayed clouds of arrows from halfway across the battlefield, ignoring cover, like a Veritech.
Generally i agree with streamofthesky dodge , mobility are bad feats and shot on the run is not a bad one but since you need the other 2 to get it...
You should gather some gold and invest it on many pairs of skirmisher boots (as one mentioned above) I know it sounds funny but a second attack every time you skirmish ? MARVELOUS !