Improved Rapid Shot feat

[Spatula]

You also forgot to mention, as a disadvantage, that bows are hella easier to Sunder than swords are.

Yeah, they can take a 5' step to avoid an AoO, but when their opponent readies a 5' step and Sunder, they're going to be SOL.

If an archer (or spellcaster) is confronted with a bruiser standing next to them and doing nothing on their action (or obviously 'readying', since I believe it's supposed to be apparent when a charcter readies an action), the smart course of action is to perform a double move, not 5' step back and fire. Because that's what the bruiser is waiting for. This is assuming the bruiser is considered a threat, of course. Sure, you didn't get to destroy anything that round, but then neither did the bruiser.

 

[Scion]

The +2 bonus from flanking comes at a cost. The +2 bonus from IRS comes at a cost too, of course - a feat.

Of course, creatures can become immune to flanking, they cant become immune to the feat.

 

[Darklone]

One point why the Archer Ranger may be so viable nowadays: Favored Enemy bonus is damage bonus. Damage bonus is the only problem of the archer.

 

[Darklone]

If an archer (or spellcaster) is confronted with a bruiser standing next to them and doing nothing on their action (or obviously 'readying', since I believe it's supposed to be apparent when a charcter readies an action), the smart course of action is to perform a double move, not 5' step back and fire. Because that's what the bruiser is waiting for. This is assuming the bruiser is considered a threat, of course. Sure, you didn't get to destroy anything that round, but then neither did the bruiser.

I'd rather take care to have archers with a high movement... single move and shot, preferably tumbling, is lots better if the opponent does not reach you

 

[James McMurray]

Don't you mean single move and Manyshot?

 

[Korak]

Don't you mean single move and Manyshot?

No, actually his mount moves away while he takes a full attack. Everyone knows mounted archery is superior

 

[LordAO]

Improved Precise Shot is also very powerful, as are Rapid Shot and Manyshot.

Its a pity that melee characters don't have feats that are quite this powerful.

I'm sorry, but Manyshot in 3.5 is PATHETIC. I have never found an instance where Rapid Shot is not better, save one. And that's if you have True Strike, Hunter's Mercy, or another such spell, since all the arrows fired with Manyshot use the same attack roll.

 

[James McMurray]

Or if you're limited to a standard action (slowed, readied, etc.), in which case Manyshot is vastly superior.

 

[Spatula]

I'm sorry, but Manyshot in 3.5 is PATHETIC. I have never found an instance where Rapid Shot is not better, save one. And that's if you have True Strike, Hunter's Mercy, or another such spell, since all the arrows fired with Manyshot use the same attack roll.

You can't take move action & use rapid shot in the same round.

 

[Darklone]

I'm sorry, but Manyshot in 3.5 is PATHETIC. I have never found an instance where Rapid Shot is not better, save one. And that's if you have True Strike, Hunter's Mercy, or another such spell, since all the arrows fired with Manyshot use the same attack roll.

Agreeing with Spatula and James. Surprise rounds and the move away & shot action do happen rather often in my games

Or slowed archers.