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Thread: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
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2010-08-04, 09:49 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Aug 2009
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- Longueuil, QC
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[Pathfinder] To build an archer
We've got a new game just starting up for Pathfinder, and one of the character concepts I was looking at was an archer.
Archery in general seems to have gotten a boost from 3.5, and my DM is not likely to be abusing things like Wind Wall to shut me down, so I think I could actually play an archery-focused character and contribute a good amount of damage.
The thing is, I really don't know where to start. Fighters have gotten some new fighter-only feats, as well as that scaling attack/damage boost, so I was thinking of going that route. But I'm just not sure. Nothing is set in stone except the basic idea of archery, so I'm open to all suggestions - race, class, etc. are all up for debate.
Here are the basics:
Pathfinder SRD only (No 3.5, etc.)
15 point buy
Starting level 5
Wealth as normal for that level
What I'd like here is a basic character build idea: would I go fighter 20? Ranger 20? Splash wizard for arcane archer? Honestly, whichever is the most efficient works fine for me.
Secondly, a quick and general question - as an archer, would it be more beneficial for me to focus my level ups and belt slot on Strength (for damage) or Dexterity (for to-hit?)
Please bear in mind that this is Pathfinder SRD only, which may make things like Weapon Focus/Greater Weapon Focus a better choice than they were in 3.5. Or not. I don't know.
Either way, I've rambled enough. Thank you in advance for your advice!
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2010-08-04, 10:04 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
I go fighter. Sixth level is easier to demonstrate for me.
H. Point Blank Shot
1. Precise Shot
f1. Weapon Focus: Longbow
f2. Rapid Shot
3. Improved Initative
f4. Weapon Specialization
5. Deadly aim
F6. Multishot
14 str
16 dex
Weapon Training: Bows 1
standard: +12/+7 1d8+3 each arrow, 3 arrows (3d8+9)
Rapid: +10/+10/+5 1d8+3 each arrow, 4 arrows (4d8+12)
If you can hit really well, or have a cleric casting prayer and your team casting haste, you can be a beast.
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2010-08-04, 10:07 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Aug 2009
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
That's kind of the exact layout I was thinking, Kalric, except with the stats maybe tweaked around a bit and taking toughness over improved initiative.
Though I have my doubts about pure fighter, due to remembering just how well they did in 3.5. In other words, not very.
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2010-08-04, 10:10 PM (ISO 8601)
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- May 2004
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- Enterprise, Alabama
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
Well, what does Arcane archer give:
You have to be Elven or 1/2
Unlike 3.5, your non-magical arrows become better (flaming, distance, Flaming burst sadly replaces Flaming, holy, etc)
So you get a cheap arrows that do stuff.
Imbue can be useful.
7/10 casting.
Taking it 4th seems the best.
Feat: Rapid Shot or Vital Strike seems a neccesity.
Are you going for one big attack or multi?
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2010-08-04, 10:14 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Jan 2008
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2010-08-04, 10:15 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Jan 2007
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- RI
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2010-08-04, 10:18 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Oct 2009
Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
Yeah, Paladins are awesome in PF, and they can really lay the smack down as an archer.
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2010-08-04, 10:25 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Nov 2007
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- Indianapolis
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
You're playing Pathfinder Core, basically. They didn't improve the martial classes that much- none of them are excelling choices for archery. You'll do about as well with any of the full BAB options. Fighter gets reasonable bonuses, Ranger is good if you want skills and Favored Enemy is pretty good if you know/have been told the campaign will favor certain types (or you can convince your GM to let you retrain.) Barbarian works, but you have to worry about where to set the draw-weight of your bow compared to your variable Strength score.
Gish-archers, on the other hand, have it a lot easier, because they made Dragon Disciple and Arcane Archer not suck. Something like Fighter 4/Sorcerer 1/Dragon Disciple 4/Arcane Archer X/Eldritch Knight X is an effective build now instead of being horribly self-gimped.
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2010-08-04, 11:09 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Jun 2009
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- Atlanta, Georgia
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
What about Holy Warrior cleric for archer? (That is the cleric variant in Chronicles that trades both domains for full BAB, D10 HD, and proficiency in deity's favored weapon). Viable?
Last edited by Gnaeus; 2010-08-04 at 11:09 PM.
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2010-08-04, 11:17 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2008
Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
Paladin is great, also inquisitor (get the playtest of the new classes, I think its release 1) works well. Inquisitor doesn't get as big a bonus for one enemy, but it lasts for a whole combat.
Ranger 1, wiz 4, eldritch knight 3, AA 8 (9 if you want the free align, 10 is mostly worthless), finish with EK is my recommendation for AA. Fighter 1 can replace ranger 1 if you prefer.Originally Posted by Alabenson
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2010-08-04, 11:22 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Oct 2009
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
Archer Paladins remind me of The Silver Flame from the Eberron Setting. That sounds like a fun character to play.
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2010-08-04, 11:23 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Jun 2006
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- Fairfield, CA
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
The inquisitor makes a KILLER archer, to be frank. Friend of mine rolled up an ECL 18 one for a one-shot, and he had five to eight attacks a round (depending on feat usage, etc) for 15d6. It was...well, let's just say we won't be seeing those fire giants anymore.
Last edited by Fax Celestis; 2010-08-04 at 11:23 PM.
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2010-08-04, 11:25 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Aug 2008
Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
Oh also look up Treantmonk's switch hitter build. Its not really a build so much as a loose guide to PF archery.
Originally Posted by Alabenson
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2010-08-04, 11:40 PM (ISO 8601)
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
Oooh - now see, I hadn't even thought of the inquisitor! The problem I'd run into here though, is that's pretty MAD - Strength, Dex, and Wisdom would all play decent-sized parts in the build, and I don't quite know how I'd keep up with them all. Some advice on stats here would be essential.
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2010-08-05, 02:32 AM (ISO 8601)
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2010-08-05, 07:23 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
How much non-PF material can you use? 'cause there's still plenty of goodies you can add with multiclassing. But PF Fighter actually gets decent boosts to Archery over the levels, and yeah, casters are as good as ever. Pally isn't horrible either and Ranger still works.
And yes, Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim are the key. Then you just pick a boost to to hit/damage (most classes have some scaling bonus) and go with it. You may wish to consider Ranger-dip for a Fighter-base build just to get some of the skills in class; Fighter skills still suck.Campaign Journal: Uncovering the Lost World - A Player's Diary in Low-Magic D&D (Latest Update: 8.3.2014)
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2010-08-05, 10:18 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Oct 2005
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer
If you can get your hands on the new Advance Players Guide for Pathfinder there is feat that you now can get at right after weapon spec feat or a ranger that just needs weapon focus that will allow you fire will in melee with out taking an attack oppurnity. Sorry at work right now so I not quite sure the name. There is also an Archer alternative class features that will allow to do some combat manuveurs from a range up to 30 feat. You do give up armor training for it. But at 9th level you can fire any bow and not take an attack of oppurnity.
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2010-08-05, 10:33 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Oct 2008
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2010-08-05, 10:42 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: [Pathfinder] To build an archer