Arcane Archer experience?

[Ryujin]

Not very long ago the group that I play with switched from 4e to Pathfinder. The DM in question seems to have an almost pathological fear of readily available magic and stated that it would be a low magic campaign in which items would be very special, almost legendary in status, and additional spells for all arcane classes would need to be acquired by dealing with a ubiquitous Mages' Guild.

I quickly looked through the book and decided upon a Bard, then after hitting level 2 I thought that Arcane Archer would be the Prestige Class that I would most want to play. This would be attained by mixing 4 levels of Bard and 3 levels of Fighter (or perhaps 2 of Fighter and one of Ranger), then switching to Arcane Archer upon reaching 8th.

Now obviously this doesn't make for the most versatile Arcane Archer, that would seem to likely be a Sorcerer and Fighter, or Ranger based build, but Bard seems to be the fastest path to it because of the BAB progression rate. The skill points certainly don't hurt along the way either. Given that it will be a low magic campaign I'm also looking at taking Arcane Strike to boost damage and get past DR.

Given that criteria, does anyone have recommendations they think would be helpful? My intent at 8th is to have the following feats, but I'm open to suggestions. The character is currently 3rd.


Point Blank Shot*
Rapid Shot
Precise Shot*
Weapon Focus (longbow)*
Arcane Strike
Manyshot

* indicates required feats

Thanks.

 

[frankthedm]

Sounds like the type of setting that DM would also be disallowing the Arcane Archer for. Best to double check with the DM if that PRC will be allowed before building toward it.

 

[Azgulor]

Not necessarily. While I limit the number of magic items in my campaigns, I don't necessarily drop arcane or divine classes.

When I look to water down default PF (or D&D) from its default high fantasy to something lower, I usually prune the spell lists for the worst offenders and/or employ alternative magic or casting subsystems. I rarely ban a class unless I'm replacing it with something else.

I might restrict access to it for campaign reasons like limiting arcane archers to elves and half-elves if my campaign establishes that they have the cultural origin or development of that magical tradition but I wouldn't necessarily ban it outright.

Every GM's different, however, so it certainly can't hurt to check and make sure it's an available PrC.

 

[Ryujin]

Thanks for the replies. I've already verified that the DM will permit the Arcane Archer (which is reserved for Elves and Half Elves only, at any rate). I have also verified that the Arcane Strike feat is permissible. Arcane Archers only get a +1 magic bonus to their arrows by default, which isn't really much more than the +1 bonus from a Masterwork weapon. The real kicker is adding Arcane Strike, which will stack for damage with the Arcane Archer arrow bonus. Hit bonuses will be few and far between.

It appears that, as a Bard, my best spell choice in 2nd level spells will be Sound Burst, for a 10' radius of 1d8 damage and a minimal chance of stunning, for use with the arrow as a carrier (2nd level Arcane Archer ability). Of course that's assuming the DM lets me 'find' that spell when the time comes.

 

[neofax]

Depending on your DM, you could also buy nonlethal arrows and buff your party from the rear as a Bard/AA. I used this to full affect in a 3.5 game I was in.

 

[Endarire]

See here and look under Bard for optimizing Inspire Courage.

 

[Ryujin]

Unfortunately I'll likely be stopping Bard advancement at 4th, as 5th level is one of the skips in BAB progression. This precludes advancement of Inspire Courage beyond the initial +1, unless I dip back into Bard from Arcane Archer.

I've been looking at spells like Cat's Grace, Heroism, and Rage for use in boosting both myself, and other members of the party. When the time comes I'll have limited choices though, so Cure Moderate Wounds and Heroism may be the best choices at Bard 4th level. The character is currently Bard 2 / Fighter 1.