D&D 3E/3.5 Deflect arrows question (3.5) and general character help

[brehobit]

I'm 95% sure I know the answer to this question, but I thought I'd ask anyways...

When using a bow, are you considered to be using both hands and therefore can't use the deflect arrows feat?

I assume not, but I've got a weird character (cleric bow user) who may end up with this feat so I thought I'd ask...

While I'm on the topic, say you could take any 3.5 PHB feat for a cleric as a bonus. He's 5th level and has:

Abilities: Str 14, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10
Feats: Martial Weapon Proficiency (Longbow), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (Longbow), Weapon Focus (Longbow)

Gets to add +4 to stats (probably dex) due to weird in-game stuff (I'm planning on dex) and has an over-powered longbow (basically a +4 weapon).

I'm thinking of taking unarmed strike just so I can take AoO in combat and then maybe take deflect arrows at level 6...

Game is fairly undead heavy, mostly demons and devils though. No real "magic stores" or such, though we can make items with the right feats.

Thoughts?

 

[Dandu]

When using a bow, are you considered to be using both hands and therefore can't use the deflect arrows feat?

Letting go of a weapon, or putting your hand on one, is a free action.

I'm thinking of taking unarmed strike just so I can take AoO in combat

Arrowmind.

and then maybe take deflect arrows at level 6...

Waste of a feat. Correction: waste of two feats.

 

[brehobit]

Letting go of a weapon, or putting your hand on one, is a free action.

Humm, good point.

Problem with feats is that I can only use PHB feats and spells. Arrowmind is neither right? I just don't see any other feats worth taking...

 

[Dandu]

Problem with feats is that I can only use PHB feats and spells. Arrowmind is neither right? I just don't see any other feats worth taking...

What's wrong with Extend, Empower, or Quicken spell?

 

[brehobit]

What's wrong with Extend, Empower, or Quicken spell?

At 5th level? I can't quicken anything, and I'm not sure what I'd want to empower or extend.

 

[Dandu]

At 5th level? I can't quicken anything, and I'm not sure what I'd want to empower or extend.

Resist Energy
Death Knell
Summon Monster I & II
Sanctuary
Shield Other

 

[FEADIN]

Improved initiative, it's always good to be the first.
Skill focus : Concentration.
Extend spell (all my clerics get this one).

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Gets to add +4 to stats (probably dex) due to weird in-game stuff (I'm planning on dex) and has an over-powered longbow (basically a +4 weapon).

Why not just learn Zen Archery, get the +4 to Wisdom, and simultaneously improve your attack rolls and spell slots per day and save DCs? Is there a particular archery feat you need such obscenely high dex to qualify for? Point Blank, Precise, and Rapid Shot is generally enough for a Cleric Archer. Especially if you have Travel domain to Fly (and can then use scrolls and wands of Fly, too).

Game is fairly undead heavy, mostly demons and devils though.

Improved Turning?

No real "magic stores" or such, though we can make items with the right feats.

Craft Magic Arms and Armor is a nice feat to have. Wondrous Item is also useful.

EDIT: Zen Archery isn't core? Wow...

 

[Dandu]

Improved initiative, it's always good to be the first.
Skill focus : Concentration.
Extend spell (all my clerics get this one).

Not necessary at all.

 

[frankthedm]

Shield Other

On a cleric with a 12 con? you sure that's worthwhile? True extending shield other is useful so it won't anchor the caster close to the target, keeping longbow range useful and keeping the caster out of charge range of the foes. But being an archer means your friends get beat on bad since you don't have their backs and foes are often melee centric in this game.

Maybe I am biased since my own attempts to play a ranged character often clashed with allies who were gleeful to shed their own HP to race to melee but the thought of sharing my HP with them just does not compute. edit Maybe on a dwarf cleric with more con than wisdom...