Arcane Archer

[Nvvyn]

While looking at the Arcane Archer, I've always thought it looked like a really great PrC, but I've heard very little about it on the boards, can anyone please post whether they have played the PrC, and if so, what character levels did you take to get the PrC and how effective was the chaaracter? what are some of the stronger points of the Arcane Archer? Feel free to add any additions including maybe a nice little story

... nvvy likes story time

 

[Rybaer]

A player in my home campaign has played a ranger/arcane archer for quite some time now. I think he's up to something like ranger 6/ arcane archer 4.

In general, he's extremely powerful with the bow. Does considerable damage and rarely ever misses. The downside for this prestige class so far is that he hasn't had much opportunity to use some of the other abilities it offers. Much of that is due to the very limited spell selection of the ranger levels he has. A fighter/wizard or fighter/sorc might offer a bit more magical kick.

If you're looking for story material of this guy in action, click the links to the storyhour in my sig. Tons of material on this character (Nigel) in action.

 

[LordAO]

How did a Ranger become an Arcane Archer? They have to be able to cast 1st level ARCANE spells. Rangers get divine spells.

 

[Rybaer]

How did a Ranger become an Arcane Archer? They have to be able to cast 1st level ARCANE spells. Rangers get divine spells.

I let that particular requirement slide...or at least be fulfilled by the ranger's "divine" spellcasting. In one sense, that has hurt him with the ranger's poor to non-existant selection of good spells to use in conjunction with the Imbue Arrow ability. In fact, I don't think he's ever used it. He did get access to the class one level earlier, but by that time he was already able to hit anything at will. The extra +1 inherent bonus to all arrows from the AA class was virtually irrelevant.

 

[Thanee]

The problem with the Arcane Archer is, that his single most useful ability is outclassed by a mere 3rd level spell (Greater Magic Weapon), except in some rare circumstances.

The imbue ability is rather useless, because either you have the magical prowess to use it properly, then you don't really need the Arcane Archer levels, or you don't. Maybe with a low level spell like Web, it could be of some use.

The Order of the Bow Initiate is probably a better choice and the Deepwood Sniper also looks quite promising. The Arcane Archer is nice, nothing more.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Orco42]

The problem with the Arcane Archer is, that his single most useful ability is outclassed by a mere 3rd level spell (Greater Magic Weapon), except in some rare circumstances.

Not if you are an Epic Arcane Archer.

But there is one major downside to the class. You have to be an elf (or half elf, and that is half too much).

I would go for OoB or Deepwood Archer.

By the way I don't remember can you use Power Critical on ranged attacks? If so go for a DA.

 

[Rybaer]

Thanee's summed it up rather well - the AA is nice, but really doesn't add that much interesting or advantageous. They'll be really good with a bow, but that's about it.

I had another player using a Deepwood Sniper in another (brief) game. Very lethal at higher levels. He had many shots a round, most would hit, and a fair number would crit. And those crit multipliers, stacked with the Improved Crit feat, were just obscene.

 

[Thanee]

Not if you are an Epic Arcane Archer.

Of course not! How could I forget the high usefulness of Arcane Archers in the epic metagame!

BTW, isn't there a way to increase the spell caps, so that Greater Magic Weapon could make +6 - +10 enhancements? Or does this only apply to dice caps?

But there is one major downside to the class. You have to be an elf (or half elf, and that is half too much).

Having to be an elf is not really a downside (rather the opposite), but that's a matter of personal perception and preferance, I suppose.

Bye
Thanee

 

[hong]

They'll be really good with a bow, but that's about it.

It would seem to me that the arcane archer is thus a perfect example of how a prestige class should be designed....

 

[Orco42]

BTW, isn't there a way to increase the spell caps, so that Greater Magic Weapon could make +6 - +10 enhancements? Or does this only apply to dice caps?

No. You are thinking of Enhance Spell which only works for damage dice.

Having to be an elf is not really a downside (rather the opposite), but that's a matter of personal perception and preferance, I suppose.

Oh.... your one of them elf luvers. Blah! Elves are so ugly I can't stand 'em. Tiny little bones that break all the time, and not enough flesh to hold on too.

Now orc's are hotties. Mmmm.... big teeth and bigger axes. That's my kinda girl.