No-magic Archer Build

[MrBumberdumble]

Hey Carnivore,

I do realize this isn't the optimal build to do what he wants, but for RP reasons, he wants to go the ranger/scout route as I described above, and go the manyshot route.

So, that said, I'm just looking for feat help with the build I outlined above.  Thanks for the help guys.  I'm still unsure about the layout of the high level feats I mentioned above.

[MrBumberdumble]

Is there a way to get more attacks with Manyshot?

I could post a build, but first, 2 questions: what percentage of enemies will be evil, and would the DM allow you to take a to-hit penalty from Power Attack with a bow without getting a bonus to the damage with it?

Not sure about evil.  My guess would be the majority of enemies will be evil.  As far as the power attack thing, he would probably be ok with it. 

[skydragonknight]

Able sniper is the prereq for Woodland Archer, so switch them around and you should be good. There are better things than Weapon Focus, but that's so far down the road I wouldn't worry.

Scout has a specific list of bonus feats, but if your DM is somewhat flexable those choices should be alright (Deadeye Shot should be a Scout bonus given it's prereqs, and Weapon Focus/Imp. Critical are on the same power level as the other feats on the list).

If you can't get one approved as a scout bonus, I'd suggest Quick Reconnoiter, the anti-ambush feat: make spot/listen checks for free every round (which for the sake of sanity you should always treat as a roll of 10 unless he asks everyone to roll).

[carnivore]

ok .... for the build you specified ... i would choose these for feats:


12th lvl: Woodland Archer, Hear the Unseen(Scout bonus)
15th lvl: Improved Rapid Shot
16th lvl: Weapon Focus (Bow)(Scout bonus)
18th lvl: Improved Precise Shot
20th lvl: Quick Reconoiter(Scout bonus)

Deadeye Shot is not worth it, since you must Ready an Action, and it would be better if you just Fired some shots

Able Sniper is not worth it, since the Target needs to be out of your Skirmish range(30') for it to work

Improved Critical is not worth it, since the Bows have such a low Crit to begin with

 

[MrBumberdumble]

Out of curiosity, why Improved Rapid Shot if he's going to always be Manyshotting?

Good call on the other stuff.  Thanks.

[carnivore]

for when things are farther away than 30' .... Manyshot is only for targets within 30'


 

[MrBumberdumble]

for when things are farther away than 30' .... Manyshot is only for targets within 30'


 

Awesome.  Any recommendations for magic items that he can request from the DM?

Other than the obvious (Energy bow of splitting, Bracers of Archery, Blankety Blank of Dexterity)

[carnivore]

Awesome.  Any recommendations for magic items that he can request from the DM?

Other than the obvious (Energy bow of splitting, Bracers of Archery, Blankety Blank of Dexterity)

what is the price range?

what is the starting level?

what is the point buy for Attributes?

can you give any more info about how the characters are made(starting equipment,etc..)?

 

[MrBumberdumble]

Awesome.  Any recommendations for magic items that he can request from the DM?

Other than the obvious (Energy bow of splitting, Bracers of Archery, Blankety Blank of Dexterity)

what is the price range?

what is the starting level?

what is the point buy for Attributes?

can you give any more info about how the characters are made(starting equipment,etc..)?

 

Starting level is 1.  Price range doesn't matter.  The DM just wants a list from each of us, and he will pick out which ones he wants to give us at various points over the campaign.  

Attributes were rolled 4d6 drop lowest.  He's got an 18 dex.  I don't remember the other stats.

Starting equipment is basically whatever we had on the farm, so not much.  His character is a Bowyer/Fletcher's son, so he has a basic long bow and arrows.

Edit:  When I say price range doesn't matter, I would love if you could recommend some items of each category (minor, moderate, major), since we'll get minor stuff earlier on.

[carnivore]

will get something back later

 

[MrBumberdumble]

will get something back later

 

Thanks again for all the help good sir.

[Amechra]

Whoops, just found massive mistakes with the build, so I'm sorry.

[carnivore]

here is an example of how your equipment might progress ...... remember, there is a lot of other stuff you need as well, this focuses mainly on Combat related equipment

2nd
MW Composite Bow

4th lvl:
MW Mighty Composite Bow

5th lvl:
+2 Str item or +2 Dex

6th
+1 Mithral Breastplate

8th
+1 Mighty Composite Bow with +1 Special(Bane is a good choice or Flaming)

10th
+1 Force Mighty Composite Bow

11th
+4 Str of +4 Dex item

12th
+6 Str or Dex item

14th
+1 Force Splitting Mighty Composite Bow

etc......

 

[MrBumberdumble]

Nice dude.  Thank you.

Do you have any suggestions for ways to improve his chance to hit other than the weapon, bracers of archery, and (insert item name) of Dexterity?

[carnivore]

feats:
Weapon Focus = +1 attack
Greater Weapon Focus = +1 Attack(Stacks)
Ranged Weapon Mastery(PHBII) = +2 Attack and Damage and +20' range(stacks with WF and GWF)
Knowledge Devotion(CC) = variable Insight bonus to Att and Dam
Mountain Warrior(RoS) = +1 Attack when on higher ground/Elevation
Chaos Devotion(CC) = variable Sacred or Profane bonus : 1d6,1d8 or 1d10 to attack depending on Character level
Law Devotion(CC) = Sacred or Profane bonus :+3,+5,+7 to attack depending on Character level



items:
51000gp Admirals Bicorn(Stormwrack)Constant effect +2 Morale bonus to attack rolls, saves, and skill checks for wearer and allies within sound of wearer’s voice(100').

750gp Potion of Heroism(DMG)  50 Min Duration +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks.... does not stack with Admirals Bicorn

77500gp Skin of the Hero(XPH) : This psychoactive skin continually grants the wearer a +3 deflection bonus to Armor Class, a +3 resistance bonus on all saving throws, and a +3 enhancement bonus on attack rolls..... does not stack with other Enhancement bonuses, Overlaps



Invisibility gives +2 to attack with ranged weapons


these are a small list ... there are more

 

[skydragonknight]

Of the possible feats, I'd go with Knowledge devotion personally, whenever you can fit it in- probably level 12 or later. That feat and a few skill points (probably 1 of each except nature, which should be at least 5) will give +1 or occassionally, +2 to attack and damage. Beats weapon focus any day.

Law/chaos devotions are good, but are 1/day/feat and would be harder to roleplay. Knowledge devotion is extremely easy to role-play what with having favored enemies: "I learn the weaknesses of those I hunt."

[MrBumberdumble]

Of the possible feats, I'd go with Knowledge devotion personally, whenever you can fit it in- probably level 12 or later. That feat and a few skill points (probably 1 of each except nature, which should be at least 5) will give +1 or occassionally, +2 to attack and damage. Beats weapon focus any day.

Law/chaos devotions are good, but are 1/day/feat and would be harder to roleplay. Knowledge devotion is extremely easy to role-play what with having favored enemies: "I learn the weaknesses of those I hunt."

Yup.  Actually dropping weapon focus for this feat.  I just talked to him about it.  He was already planning on taking all of the knowledges he could, so it works really well.