3rd Level Archer Feat

[James McMurray]

I don't know offhand. That's why I said to check them out.

 

[Skullfyre]

Don't they all have BAB prereq of +5?

Eltern

ranged disarm, ranged pin, and ranged sunder
Yes they do.

 

[ohGr]

Personally, i've always been a fan of Quickdraw for archers. I've found it quite useful to be able to make a full attack in the first round of combat (or an attack in a surprise round), when most of the melee'ers spend that round maneuvering and usually have to settle for only one attack, if that (and usually no attack in a surprise round). That one additional round of attacks before your opponent gets the chance to do unto you can make a big difference.

 

[Shazman]

My top picks would be weapon finesse or weapon focus with a melee weapon (for when you just have to get into melee), iron will, improved initiative, or quick draw.

 

[dulsin]

Improved Initiative

Get your licks in early!

 

[Eltern]

Personally, i've always been a fan of Quickdraw for archers. I've found it quite useful to be able to make a full attack in the first round of combat (or an attack in a surprise round), when most of the melee'ers spend that round maneuvering and usually have to settle for only one attack, if that (and usually no attack in a surprise round). That one additional round of attacks before your opponent gets the chance to do unto you can make a big difference.

I don't follow you, what is it that the archer can do, other than make their one attack? Are you saying pulling out the actual bow?

Eltern

 

[The Hanged Man]

I believe with Quickdraw talking about long-term tactics, not just one round.

If you win initative and have surprise as an archer, you get Manyshot in the Surprise round (melee guys are still trying to move into range), then you get your full iterative attacks, all before the melee guy gets in even one lick (hopefully). Then you Quickdraw your melee weapon and go toe to toe with a severely weakened (hopefully) melee guy. The main advantage, though, is it lets you take an AoO if one opens up.

I'd go for Improved Initative or Iron Will. That'll make your PC more survivable. You'll be plenty effective dealing damage the rate your going. Many fighter PC's focus only on maxing damage output. You can't do damage if you're dead, or Dominated by the BBEG.

 

[MichaelH]

If your bow is not ready it requires a move action to draw like any other weapon. Quick draw allows you to pull your bow as a free action and get a full attack instead of just one shot as a standard action. It also allows you to drop your bow and draw a melee weapon for a full attack if that becomes necessary.

 

[LordAO]

If your DM allows you, I would reccomend checking out the Quintessential Fighter by Mongoose Publishing. They have some pretty cool feats in there. They also have some fighting styles, and I remember one called the Black Feather style that is quite mean for archers.

Zen Archery from Sword and Fist is also a good option, but only if you are going for the Order of the Bow Initiate prestige class. Rapid Reload can be good if you are interested in using a crossbow. And Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, Dodge, etc are also good picks (as others have mentioned).