Suggestions for an archer

[drdevoid]

The Wood Elf is from FRCS (and 3.0 DMG pg 57 after the NPC starting wealth table).

It's +2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, -2 Int, -2 Cha; favored class: Ranger (which makes Gaiden's build incur no MC penalty). It is otherwise the same as the PHb Elf, I believe.

You could also go Wild Elf (+2 Dex -2 Int; favored class: sorceror to ditch the Con penalty).

I would go wood elf (since you still have a 12 int) if you stick to your original build and take a ranger level.

Start with the Ranger level for mucho skills and the free TWF (why not, ya know?) because 5th level fighter gets you nothing. Heck get a "Lens of Detection" and you aren't a bad tracker, "Secret Door Detector," or rogue fill in (provided the cleric casts "find traps" and you lend him the lens). Your DM might even be relieved that you have a non-archery feat that you use ;-)

Manyshot is a feat that you really need to test out before you take it just to get a sense of its utility. My opinion is that using a full attack with rapid shot will always net you more dmg until you hit BAB 16, but I'm not crunching the numbers on it, that's a guess. On the flip side after 16th you are one crazy Legolas-esque archer.

If you do take Manyshot (and even if you don't), rack up the bonus damage weapon abilities before you put on the +2 (and higher) enhancement. Your total attack bonus with Bracers/Dex/Bow/Arrow (and later Wis) will always be onpar or above with your raging/frenzied/charging comrades. You don't really need the stacking bonus to hit, the DR penetration is based off the arrow and the extra damage dice will typically outpace the flat enhancement bonus damage. Even when you face energy resistant creatures with two energy types on the bow one will probably break through and will still likely do more damage.

If you drop Manyshot another option (that I can't believe I forgot) is Weapon Finesse (rapier). If you are going to go melee, you might as well hit the baddies.

I like a sonic/electric combo (thunder and lightning) or sonic/cold (a bitter howling wind) thematically. The Holy recommendation is also a very good idea. Holy/Bane is my preferred combo (much cheaper in 3.5, but it's expensive in 3.0 to get that "death to the infidels" feel) so holy/element is another option.

-Joe

 

[drdevoid]

Going with Gaiden's build, perpare (or get a wand of) Divine Favor. If you get a wand, purchase one at a higher caster level and/or crafted with Persistent Spell (from T&B). This is another classic cleric archer min/max.

Personally I prefer Gloves of Dex to wands/potions of cat's grace if just to save my character sheet from becoming riddled with holes due to constant erasing.

I think there is some third party (4th level?) spell called Golem's Strength that grants a 1d10+4 strength enhancement at 1 round/level. I suppose you could argue for a dexterity version called Pixie Grace or something and get a wand of that. If that's allowed get an empowered wand of it. (Frankly, if that's allowed god help you all- those Drow ain't stupid they'll do it too)

realized you are going non-caster after the post, sorry

 

[drdevoid]

Actually - if I drop the bonus on the armour to +1 LF, I can get a +2 enhancement on the buckler and end up 1000G better off... (as well as 1 pt of AC) *does that*

Your DM may not let you get the bonuses from an enhcanted buckler while you are using a bow. The Buckler description states that you can't gain its AC bonus when using a weapon in your off hand. I assume that means when wielding a weapon two handed.

You could argue that you continue to receive the enhancement bonus even if you didn't get the bonus from the mundane shield (it's part of your overall magic AC aura), but that's a pretty weak argument. I wouldn't allow it- the magic increases the shield's protective aura not yours (even without concrete facing rules it still goes against the intent of the rule).

Go amulet of natural armor and ring of protection instead. It costs the same amount and the bonuses (natural armor and deflection) stack.

 

[Gaiden]

Your DM may not let you get the bonuses from an enhcanted buckler while you are using a bow. The Buckler description states that you can't gain its AC bonus when using a weapon in your off hand. I assume that means when wielding a weapon two handed.

You could argue that you continue to receive the enhancement bonus even if you didn't get the bonus from the mundane shield (it's part of your overall magic AC aura), but that's a pretty weak argument. I wouldn't allow it- the magic increases the shield's protective aura not yours (even without concrete facing rules it still goes against the intent of the rule).

Go amulet of natural armor and ring of protection instead. It costs the same amount and the bonuses (natural armor and deflection) stack.

As an archer your AC is pretty much meaningless. You really ought not to be getting into melee ever. Get boots of springing and striding and get the cleric a pearl of power - 1st level. That way you can have him cast protection from evil on you, or shielf of faith - he is pretty much guaranteed to prepare at least one of those. The only AC you really need to worry about is going to be other missile weapons and or ranged touch attacks from spells. So buff up your dex, dodge, and deflection AC bonuses and don't worry about the others. Personally, I'd go more for mobility. Speaking of such, I'd suggest ranks in tumble if possible (even cross classed). With your high dex, 6 ranks in tumble will really help with maneuvering out of melee.

 

[drdevoid]

As an archer your AC is pretty much meaningless. You really ought not to be getting into melee ever. Get boots of springing and striding and get the cleric a pearl of power - 1st level. That way you can have him cast protection from evil on you, or shielf of faith - he is pretty much guaranteed to prepare at least one of those. The only AC you really need to worry about is going to be other missile weapons and or ranged touch attacks from spells. So buff up your dex, dodge, and deflection AC bonuses and don't worry about the others. Personally, I'd go more for mobility. Speaking of such, I'd suggest ranks in tumble if possible (even cross classed). With your high dex, 6 ranks in tumble will really help with maneuvering out of melee.

I completely agree with you, but with the 2nd level OotBI class ability removing the AoO penalty from using a bow while threatened, one wants to stand and deliver as many full volleys as possible. So I would not get anymore than a +1 amulet of nat armor or a +1 buckler at first (for when (not if) the bow is sundered or disarmed- 3.0 archers often irritate DMs and get more than they bargained for).

So yes:

-Get Boots of Striding and Springing, then move on to Boots of Speed. Both of these were errated in 3.0; however, so they aren't the phenomenally good buys as they were printed in the DMG. You may want to check with your DM about the prices.

-Keep pumping your touch AC (the 3 Ds- dex/dodge/deflection) but safeguard a little against being flat-footed or in melee. (Because sometimes Melee fighting happens, even to good archers.)

-Definitely tumble (for so many reasons including a better fighting defensively and total defense bonus)

-Consider the Dodge/Mobility/Shot on the Run track seriously.

 

[Bauglir]

Your DM may not let you get the bonuses from an enhcanted buckler while you are using a bow. The Buckler description states that you can't gain its AC bonus when using a weapon in your off hand. I assume that means when wielding a weapon two handed.

You could argue that you continue to receive the enhancement bonus even if you didn't get the bonus from the mundane shield (it's part of your overall magic AC aura), but that's a pretty weak argument. I wouldn't allow it- the magic increases the shield's protective aura not yours (even without concrete facing rules it still goes against the intent of the rule).

Go amulet of natural armor and ring of protection instead. It costs the same amount and the bonuses (natural armor and deflection) stack.

I believe that only applies when wielding a weapon in the off hand (ie TWF). I'll mention it to the DM and if he says no I'll switch to the ring+amulet. Cheers

Thanks for the wood-elf info drdevoid. I think I will go with that (*starts into the daunting task of redoing skills*). Also I'll change the bow - now I'm actually torn between +1 holy or +1 shock,screaming as I quite like the thunder and lightning imagery