Arcane archers
Moderators: Forum Moderators, Active DMs
-
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2016 8:33 pm
Arcane archers
I'm looking for an AA build, maybe containing ranger (would fit the RP concept) or rogue or both, anyone got some good suggestions?
Maybe a good sneak, preferably a good damage dealer and preferably with 11 AA levels for the +6 enchantment. Character is a half-elf.
Or would a non-sneak AA work better, say bard/fighter/AA, anyone got any experiences they would like to share?
Thank you for your time.
Maybe a good sneak, preferably a good damage dealer and preferably with 11 AA levels for the +6 enchantment. Character is a half-elf.
Or would a non-sneak AA work better, say bard/fighter/AA, anyone got any experiences they would like to share?
Thank you for your time.
Last edited by Gulddrengen on Thu Aug 03, 2017 7:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Arcane archers
For the sneakysneak AA the solid build, I imagine, would be going Rogue at least 13 for Epic Dodge, at least one level of Ranger (archer path to nab two free feats!), and finally AA as much as you like. By starting Rogue, you can leave your WIS below 11 to retain your hit dice for purposes of Dispel instead of your measly Ranger caster level (I'll happily elaborate if needed). The optimal build might be Rogue8/Ranger2/AA10 pre-epic into Rogue13/Ranger3/AA14, though that can be easily changed.
Another concept I've been fiddling with is BardorWarlock8/SD13/AA9. It's prone to dispel, has less consistent damage, but gets the shadow summon, which might help your soloing significantly.
Another concept I've been fiddling with is BardorWarlock8/SD13/AA9. It's prone to dispel, has less consistent damage, but gets the shadow summon, which might help your soloing significantly.
Characters: all poor babies suffering from neglect
Re: Arcane archers
You need at least three lvls in any class you pick.
Re: Arcane archers
Oh duh, of course. Then it's Ranger4/Rogue17/AA9 or Ranger4/Rogue13/AA13.
Characters: all poor babies suffering from neglect
Re: Arcane archers
It sounds like you're looking for a Ranger/Rogue/AA. In which case, I'd go 5/16/9. If I remember correctly, you should be able to grab Epic Dodge. You'll be relying a lot on Sneak Attacks for damage.
Additionally, some other builds to consider:
Bard 5/Monk 6/AA 19
Bard 4/Paladin 7/AA 19 | Bard 7/Paladin 4/ AA 19
Bard 5/Fighter 6/AA 19
You'll probably notice a common trend here; the more AA, the better, in general.
Additionally, some other builds to consider:
Bard 5/Monk 6/AA 19
Bard 4/Paladin 7/AA 19 | Bard 7/Paladin 4/ AA 19
Bard 5/Fighter 6/AA 19
You'll probably notice a common trend here; the more AA, the better, in general.
Re: Arcane archers
Might be interesting to do a ranger/shadow dancer/ arcane archer combo. The shadow guards while you pop arrows into critters' faces. Ranger 6/ SD 13/ AA 11 is a possible build for this.
-
- Posts: 2364
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:34 am
Re: Arcane archers
Huh, has some nice stuff going for it. +6 arrows, level 23 Shadow w/ 73% conceal, 7d6 sneak attack as long as you keep your Shadow close. Absolutely get Epic Shadowlord and edodge, and weapon finesse so your Shadow has some offensive capability.Jagel wrote:Might be interesting to do a ranger/shadow dancer/ arcane archer combo. The shadow guards while you pop arrows into critters' faces. Ranger 6/ SD 13/ AA 11 is a possible build for this.
Big tradeoffs,though. No UMD and low discipline (max 16 ranks if cross-classed), so definitely not a PvP build, and if your Shadow goes down in PvE you're in trouble.
Rolled: Helene d'Arque, Sara Lyonall
Shelved: Kels Vetian, Cin ys'Andalis, Saul Haidt
Playing: Oshe Jordain
Shelved: Kels Vetian, Cin ys'Andalis, Saul Haidt
Playing: Oshe Jordain
Re: Arcane archers
You can achieve the same with Bard or Warlock for two less AB, but netting UMD instead. With Ranger, you'd have to go Ranger7 to dump Discipline as it's not a class skill for either AA or SD.
Characters: all poor babies suffering from neglect
Re: Arcane archers
Go for way more AA. Or you might as well be melee. (AB is what differentiates you)
The best current build in the arelith meta for AA is prolly bard/aa/(BG,Pala, Harper paragon).
With a moderate starting cha bonus and gear you get a lot of benefit. (Saves, divine might damage)
Ranger isn't great with an AA mix as you'll generally need to dip bard anyway for UMD, spellcraft and tumble.
Generally speaking stealthier/sneak attack aa's aren't great from a pure mechanical stand point. Even if you ignore true seeing, you're essentially removing the advantage of using a ranged weapon in order to get off a slightly higher damage for a couple of attacks. Something that a melee will do far better due to the increased Apr with dual welding and the way that flurries work.
The best current build in the arelith meta for AA is prolly bard/aa/(BG,Pala, Harper paragon).
With a moderate starting cha bonus and gear you get a lot of benefit. (Saves, divine might damage)
Ranger isn't great with an AA mix as you'll generally need to dip bard anyway for UMD, spellcraft and tumble.
Generally speaking stealthier/sneak attack aa's aren't great from a pure mechanical stand point. Even if you ignore true seeing, you're essentially removing the advantage of using a ranged weapon in order to get off a slightly higher damage for a couple of attacks. Something that a melee will do far better due to the increased Apr with dual welding and the way that flurries work.
Thankfully this team is no longer being used.
Sockss#5567 for nwn mechanics questions.
Sockss#5567 for nwn mechanics questions.
Re: Arcane archers
9 monk, 4 bard, 17 aa. The classic. Probably the only archer build worth playing given how difficult it already is to level archers up.
if you really want ranger for RP reasons, start with 6 ranger (archer path) so you can craft free arrows, and then you can just start the aa lvls and see how it goes. There's no right or wrong anymore after that point. third class rogue or bard.
if you really want ranger for RP reasons, start with 6 ranger (archer path) so you can craft free arrows, and then you can just start the aa lvls and see how it goes. There's no right or wrong anymore after that point. third class rogue or bard.
Currently playing: Seth Xylo
Re: Arcane archers
The classic is 6/5/19 Mo/Ba/AA.Astral wrote:9 monk, 4 bard, 17 aa. The classic. Probably the only archer build worth playing given how difficult it already is to level archers up.
if you really want ranger for RP reasons, start with 6 ranger (archer path) so you can craft free arrows, and then you can just start the aa lvls and see how it goes. There's no right or wrong anymore after that point. third class rogue or bard.
Other good AAs are 6/5/19 Paladin/Bard/AA and 10/4/16 AA/Bard/PM, though the latter is a bit of a meme build. The issue with AA and Rogue is that they're polar opposites; AA is designed to boost damage at range, so you don't NEED to get close. Rogue requires you to get close and, while e-dodge is nice, you won't have the AC to survive later attacks.
"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Garrbear wrote:quite bluntly we can't balance the server around people who don't play well
Irongron wrote:My main takeaway from this is that Jack is apparently personable
Re: Arcane archers
Jack Oat wrote:The classic is 6/5/19 Mo/Ba/AA.Astral wrote:9 monk, 4 bard, 17 aa. The classic. Probably the only archer build worth playing given how difficult it already is to level archers up.
if you really want ranger for RP reasons, start with 6 ranger (archer path) so you can craft free arrows, and then you can just start the aa lvls and see how it goes. There's no right or wrong anymore after that point. third class rogue or bard.
Other good AAs are 6/5/19 Paladin/Bard/AA and 10/4/16 AA/Bard/PM, though the latter is a bit of a meme build. The issue with AA and Rogue is that they're polar opposites; AA is designed to boost damage at range, so you don't NEED to get close. Rogue requires you to get close and, while e-dodge is nice, you won't have the AC to survive later attacks.
6 monk, 5 bard, 19 aa is a bit for an over kill. 9 monk lvls give 30% movement (essential for archers) and improved evasion. I wouldn't build a divine archer unless I've played archers for years and know how to kite in laggy conditions. Otherwise, I'd die more than I'd actually make the impact I want on the battle. I really recommend Monk as a base class for archers. My two scents. Also, Zen Archery is a thing.
Currently playing: Seth Xylo
Re: Arcane archers
It might not be "optimal" but it was fun when I played a 7 Ranger/ 4 Fighter/ 13 AA... the damage put out by 3 essence arrows was insane!
AC sucked a lot, by called shot meant nothing would reach me
AC sucked a lot, by called shot meant nothing would reach me
Last edited by Kirito on Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Arcane archers
Except things with 70+ discipline and/or lesser restore pots. Just to point that out because Called Shot isn't without counters and you shouldn't build your archer around that.Kirito wrote: AC sucked a lot, by called shothe meant nothing would r3ach me
Currently playing: Seth Xylo
Re: Arcane archers
Sorry, should have clarified, I was talking pve when saying nothing could reach.Astral wrote:Except things with 70+ discipline and/or lesser restore pots. Just to point that out because Called Shot isn't without counters and you shouldn't build your archer around that.Kirito wrote: AC sucked a lot, by called shot meant nothing would reach me
-
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2016 8:33 pm
Re: Arcane archers
Been considering Rogue 16 Ranger 3 AA 11.
Re: Arcane archers
just want to remind you that 6th lvl ranger (archer path) gets to make arrow bundles for free. Worth considering it in the build.Gulddrengen wrote:Been considering Rogue 16 Ranger 3 AA 11.
Currently playing: Seth Xylo
-
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sun Jul 02, 2017 10:35 pm
Re: Arcane archers
Swap one rogue for one ranger at 30 so you can get Discpline and Epic Skill Focus: Discpline. I have this build wrote up if you want it. Keep in mind leveling archers is a god awful time.Gulddrengen wrote:Been considering Rogue 16 Ranger 3 AA 11.
-
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2016 8:33 pm
Re: Arcane archers
Sure, would like to see it.
-
- Posts: 800
- Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 5:25 pm
Re: Arcane archers
6/5/19 Paladin/Bard/AA is probably the best on this list, capable of getting the most damage while also having excellent AB.
Re: Arcane archers
On paper, my friend. In reality all archers without monk lvls die a lot for silly reasons. The movement speed is priceless. And if you go Zen Archery your spot check will potentially reach 80s and you will be VERY resilient against most forms of CC.High Primate wrote:6/5/19 Paladin/Bard/AA is probably the best on this list, capable of getting the most damage while also having excellent AB.
Currently playing: Seth Xylo