Decent Ranger (Archer path) and Arcane Archer Build

[Cybernet21]

So i got the idea of making a elven Ranger and Arcane Archer that is either True Neutral or Neutral Good,but i really am bad at building so dont know how the level spread and etc should go.Anyone willing to help?

[Baseili]

I'm not so great at builds either but Ranger/AA is pretty straight forward, it all depends on your choices.

You'll need to take at least 6 levels of Ranger to qualify for Arcane Archer, the two must have feats being weapon focus and point blank shot leaving you with a third. I'd suggest going weapon finesse -> point blank shot -> weapon focus, though you could swap them around and add in rapid shot at level 6. Either way you get +2 piercing damage at level 4.
Beyond that it's really up to you:

You could go Ranger/AA - 6/21 - 10/17 - 12/15 with 3 levels for either rogue (umd/sneak) bard (umd/taunt) or barb (move speed/taunt).

6/21 would get you +11 arrow enchantment, 15d6 imbued arrow and two bonus feats, though you'll be using iron arrows.

10/17 would net you cats grace(if wis 12), uncanny dodge, evasion, woodland stride plus 5 favoured enemies at +3 damage, damask arrows, +9 enchanted arrows and 13d6 imbued.

12/15 is the same as above but loses a +1 enchanted arrow and 1d6 of imbued for another +2 piercing (+4 in total) while gaining a 3rd circle ranger spellslot.

The last three levels are entirely up to you, add a third dip class for skills or increase either AA or Ranger. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable can probably help out more.

[Kirito]

I've played a 5?/6/19 Ranger/Fighter/Arcane archer.

It was a glass cannon, and worked amazingly when paired and guarded, but soloing was a nightmare.
Bard/Monk/Arcane Archer is the go to archer I think (the movement increase helps a lot)

[Cybernet21]

Those are some insightful aspects,but i really suck at building and would like a more detailed build such as ability scores,feats,skills and ability score increases(and when is the best time to take level on each class),if someone can help with that i would appreciate it XD.

I got the idea of going more level of Ranger than Arcane Archer but still having enough Arcane Archer levels that make the AA class decent,wich is where the danger is. I'm not much of a PvP guy but i want a build that is decent at it and awesome at PvE(since my current character is good at PvE but not awesome and would like to see the feeling of having at least one character that is awesome on PvE) and i still dont have much idea of mechanics and building on D&D/NWN that is why i would appreciate a lot if someone came up with a detailed build (i know here are a few people there that simply love makng builds,hopefully )

[PresidentCthulhu]

Well I never play tested this and it was meant to be a drow, but I came up with this (might be useful, dunno)
Str: 8 Dex: 13 Con: 16 (14) Int: 10 (12) Wis: 17 (19) Cha: 8(10)
Skills: Hide, Move silently, Discipline, Tumble, Animal empathy -> pump up
Lore (about 5), Set trap (only leftover points) -> rest
1 Ranger (1) Zen archery, Trackless step, Favored enemy
2 Ranger (2)
3 Ranger (3) Point blank shot
4 Ranger (4) +2 dmg with bows
5 Ranger (5) Favored enemy
6 Ranger (6) Weapon focus (Longbow), Animal companion
7 Arcane archer (1) Enchant arrow
8 Arcane archer (2) Imbue arrow
9 Arcane archer (3) Improved critical (Longbow)
10 Arcane archer (4) Seeker arrow I
11 Arcane archer (5)
12 Arcane archer (6) Blind fight, Seeker arrow II
13 Arcane archer (7)
14 Arcane archer (8) Hail of arrows
15 Arcane archer (9) Rapid shot
16 Arcane archer (10) Arrow of death
17 Ranger (7) Woodland stride, Uncanny dodge
18 Ranger (8) Called shot
19 Ranger (9) Evasion
20 Ranger (10) Favored enemy
21 Monk (1) Epic weapon focus (Longbow), Bunch of useless feats, Monk AC
22 Monk (2) Deflect arrows
23 Monk (3) Monk speed, still mind
24 Arcane archer (11) Epic prowess
25 Ranger (11)
26 Ranger (12) +4 dmg with bows
27 Ranger (13) Epic skill focus: Discipline
28 Ranger (14)
29 Ranger (15) Favored enemy
30 Ranger (16) Hide in plain sight +1 something

[Freyason]

Possibly?

Ranger(6), Rogue(5), Arcane Archer(19), Elf

STR: 12
DEX: 20 (30)
CON: 14
WIS: 12
INT: 14
CHA: 8

Elf: (Hardiness vs. Enchantments, Keen Sense, Low-light Vision, Skill Affinity: Listen, Skill Affinity: Search, Skill Affinity: Spot, Sleeplessness, int)
01: Ranger(1): Strong Soul, Favored Enemy: Humans, {Dual Wield}
02: Ranger(2)
03: Ranger(3): Weapon Focus: Longbow
04: Ranger(4): DEX+1, (DEX=21)
05: Rogue(1)
06: Rogue(2): Called Shot, {Evasion}
07: Rogue(3): {Uncanny Dodge I}
08: Arcane Archer(1): DEX+1, (DEX=22)
09: Arcane Archer(2): Improved Critical: Longbow
10: Arcane Archer(3)
11: Arcane Archer(4)
12: Arcane Archer(5): DEX+1, Blind Fight, (DEX=23)
13: Arcane Archer(6)
14: Arcane Archer(7)
15: Arcane Archer(8): Toughness
16: Arcane Archer(9): DEX+1, (DEX=24)
17: Rogue(4)
18: Ranger(5): Great Fortitude, Favored Enemy: Elves
19: Arcane Archer(10)
20: Ranger(6): DEX+1, (DEX=25)
21: Arcane Archer(11): Epic Weapon Focus: Longbow
22: Arcane Archer(12)
23: Arcane Archer(13)
24: Arcane Archer(14): DEX+1, Epic Prowess, Great Dexterity I, (DEX=27)
25: Arcane Archer(15)
26: Arcane Archer(16)
27: Rogue(5): Great Dexterity II, (DEX=28)
28: Arcane Archer(17): DEX+1, (DEX=29)
29: Arcane Archer(18): Great Dexterity III, (DEX=30)
30: Arcane Archer(19): Epic Skill Focus: Discipline

Hitpoints: 332
Skillpoints: 218
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 23/13/28
Saving Throw bonuses: Mind Effects: +2, Death: +1
BAB: 24
AB (max, naked): 26 (melee), 48 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 26/29
Spell Casting: Ranger(1)
Alignment Changes: 0

[Cybernet21]

Alright from seeing what people are suggesting here and what i researched about it seems i want at least 16 levels on ranger,10 levels of AA. With the last 4 levels left i can fit another class if needed not sure wich yet or put them on AA.

Ability Scores i am aiming for at the start (with gifts):
STR:15(Gift,can even out with Gear)
DEX:18 (Gift and Race)
CON:12 (Race)
WIS:13 (dont think 4th level spells are worth it,only polymorph seems worth it to me)
INT:14 (Skillpoints!)
CHA:8(Rangers normally arent that good with social skills)

Skills i want to be going for: Heal,Hide,Move Silently,Spot,Listen,Tumble,Discpline(?) and if anything is left Open Lock (or perhaps search,dont know yet),and Animal Emphaty seems useless when you dont have 3/4 of ranger levels am i correct?

Feats i need to have:Weapon Focus Longbow(weapon i will be using) and Point Blank Shot,for AA

What would be a good build with this? (Still no clue about when to take each feat and Class levels,and good numbers for the skill ranks)

[Rabbid]

If you're dead set on 10 ranger then go 10 ranger 17 AA 3 Rogue or bard. You always want AA to be an odd number as that is the levels that the ab bonus increases and 17 AA is usually a good point anyway.

Feats wise you'll obviously want AA requirements. Also grab called shot as that is your best friend. I'm on my phone atm so can't actually type well but I'll take a look at it later and flesh out more details

I know you said 16 ranger but any Less than 17 AA and you really shouldn't bother. But if you're absolutely sure then I'd go 16 ranger 11 AA 3 UMD dip

[Opustus]

Could also go the DEXy variant Rogue16/Ranger5/AA9 for epic dodging sneak attacking.

[Baseili]

Looking at the stats you've posted, I'd suggest the following:

STR: 12 (14 with gift) - For mighty +2
DEX: 17 (19 with gift)
CON: 12
WIS: 14 - If you're going 16 Ranger you might as well get the full benefit, Freedom of Movement is quite useful and you can turn a tidy profit selling wands if you take the feat.
INT: 14
CHA: 8

As Rabbid has said, the level split is a bit odd. You're about 5 - 6 levels short of the good stuff in each class, the +9 arrows at 17 AA and the Bane of Enemes at Ranger 21. I can see the lure of HiPS but do keep in mind that is only available in nature areas, e.g outdoors, and 16 levels is a high price to pay for it.

I would advise considering what you'd like to do with the character, if you want to be more flexible yet less damaging go more Ranger or if you want to bring death from afar go more Arcane Archer.

[Cybernet21]

Looking at the stats you've posted, I'd suggest the following:

STR: 12 (14 with gift) - For mighty +2
DEX: 17 (19 with gift)
CON: 12
WIS: 14 - If you're going 16 Ranger you might as well get the full benefit, Freedom of Movement is quite useful and you can turn a tidy profit selling wands if you take the feat.
INT: 14
CHA: 8

As Rabbid has said, the level split is a bit odd. You're about 5 - 6 levels short of the good stuff in each class, the +9 arrows at 17 AA and the Bane of Enemes at Ranger 21. I can see the lure of HiPS but do keep in mind that is only available in nature areas, e.g outdoors, and 16 levels is a high price to pay for it.

I would advise considering what you'd like to do with the character, if you want to be more flexible yet less damaging go more Ranger or if you want to bring death from afar go more Arcane Archer.

I mean,i feel like i want the character to be a middle ground between that on the last paragraph and since i want Hide and Move Silently i believe:

I know you said 16 ranger but any Less than 17 AA and you really shouldn't bother. But if you're absolutely sure then I'd go 16 ranger 11 AA 3 UMD dip

Seems like the best way to go,the 3 UMD dip being rogue so i get some form of sneak attack

EDIT: Plus 16 levels on ranger lets my blade thirst be worth it to use on melee weapons should i need them since i wont have weapon focus on any melee weapons

[Baseili]

That's fair enough, though here are a few alternatives that do roughly the same without Arcane Archer:

15 Ranger / 5 Fighter / 10 Shadowdancer
Pros: +6 phyiscal damage, three additional feats, gains HiPS at 25 and Epic Dodge at 30.
Cons: Only +2 to blade thirst, needs tumble (5 cross class, 25 in SD levels), no UMD, phyiscal damage isn't as good as magical, no imbued arrow, arrow of death, hail of arrows.

21 Ranger / 6 Fighter / 3 Rogue
Pros: Bane of Enemies 2d6 damage, +6 physical damage (Longbow Weapon Foci), 2 more Favoured Enemies (+5), four additional feats, +6 piercing damage (Archer Path), Ranger HiPS, UMD, +4 blade thirst, +7 greater magic fang, sneak attacks.
Cons: Phyiscal damage isn't as good as magical, no imbued arrow, arrow of death, hail of arrows.

[One Two Three Five]

AA doesn't do magical damage. The biggest con is you wont pierce DR. But now that dragonshape isn't +6 dr all you'll need to worry about is mages.

[Baseili]

Ah my mistake, though enchanted meant a magical damage bonus.

[Cybernet21]

So after considering a lot (skill distribution still missing,have to get on that),i came with this.Any recommendations to make it a better build (or a playable one because i dont even know if this one is good ) are welcome and appreciated:


Ranger(16), Arcane Archer(11), Rogue(3), Elf

STR: 14 (16)
DEX: 19 (25)
CON: 12
WIS: 14
INT: 14
CHA: 8

Elf: (Hardiness vs. Enchantments, Keen Sense, Low-light Vision, Skill Affinity: Listen, Skill Affinity: Search, Skill Affinity: Spot, Sleeplessness)
01: Ranger(1): Point Blank Shot, Favored Enemy: Goblinoids, {Dual Wield}
02: Ranger(2)
03: Ranger(3): Weapon Focus: Longbow
04: Ranger(4): DEX+1, (DEX=20)
05: Ranger(5): Favored Enemy: Orcs
06: Ranger(6): Called Shot
07: Ranger(7)
08: Ranger(8): STR+1, (STR=15)
09: Ranger(9): Improved Critical: Longbow, {Improved Two-Weapon Fighting}
10: Ranger(10): Favored Enemy: Giants
11: Rogue(1)
12: Rogue(2): STR+1, Weapon Finesse, {Evasion}, (STR=16)
13: Rogue(3): {Uncanny Dodge I}
14: Arcane Archer(1)
15: Arcane Archer(2): Rapid Shot, {Imbue Arrow}
16: Arcane Archer(3): DEX+1, (DEX=21)
17: Ranger(11)
18: Ranger(12): Spell Focus: Conjuration
19: Ranger(13)
20: Ranger(14): DEX+1, (DEX=22)
21: Ranger(15): Greater Spell Focus: Conjuration, Epic Weapon Focus: Longbow
22: Ranger(16)
23: Arcane Archer(4)
24: Arcane Archer(5): DEX+1, Armor Skin, (DEX=23)
25: Arcane Archer(6)
26: Arcane Archer(7)
27: Arcane Archer(8): Great Dexterity I, {Hail of Arrows}, (DEX=24)
28: Arcane Archer(9): DEX+1, (DEX=25)
29: Arcane Archer(10)
30: Arcane Archer(11): Blinding Speed




Hitpoints: 296
Skillpoints: 210
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 18/12/22
Saving Throw bonuses: Mind Effects: +2
BAB: 24
AB (max, naked): 31 (melee), 40 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 19/23
Spell Casting: Ranger(4)
Alignment Changes: 0

EDIT:Didn't edit in the Arelith Changes but i am going Archer path so no dual wielding feats

[Baseili]

Theres a few things that you might consider changing:
Replacing Strength increases with Dexterity, ending with 26 Dex.
Adding Weapon Finesse at level 1 to help leveling.
Removing the Conjuration Spell Foci, adding Blind Fight and ESF: Disc.
Moving the Rogue levels to 21 to keep full BAB, I'd suggest at least 10 Ranger pre-epic to get the damask arrows, I've put the full 16 so that you get HiPS early.

You'll want to have a look at the Favored Enemy guide in order to pick your 5 enemies. Hope this helps.

01: Ranger(1): Weapon Finesse, Favored Enemy:
02: Ranger(2)
03: Ranger(3): Point Blank Shot
04: Ranger(4): DEX+1, (DEX=20)
05: Ranger(5): Favored Enemy
06: Ranger(6): Rapid Shot
07: Ranger(7)
08: Ranger(8): DEX+1, (DEX=21)
09: Ranger(9): Called Shot
10: Ranger(10): Favored Enemy:
11: Ranger(11)
12: Ranger(12): Weapon Focus: Longbow DEX+1, (DEX=22)
13: Ranger(13)
14: Ranger(14): DEX+1, (DEX=23)
15: Ranger(15): Improved Crit, Favored Enemy
16: Ranger(16)
17: Arcane Archer (1)
18: Arcane Archer (2) Blind Fight DEX+1, (DEX=24)
19: Arcane Archer (3)
20: Arcane Archer (4)
21: Rogue (1) Epic Weapon Focus: Longbow (UMD dump)
22: Rogue (2)
23: Rogue (3)
24: Arcane Archer(5): DEX+1, Armor Skin, (DEX=25)
25: Arcane Archer(6)
26: Arcane Archer(7)
27: Arcane Archer(8) : Epic Prowess
28: Arcane Archer(9): DEX+1, (DEX=26)
29: Arcane Archer(10)
30: Arcane Archer(11): Epic Skill Focus: Discipline

[Cybernet21]

That helps a lot yes,thanks! I was going for GSF Conjuration because on Arelith having it makes it so all summon creature spells summon a creature of a level higher wich means when i have acess to 4th level spells i'll be able to summon a dire bear,wich seems more tanky than the spider and i will definetly need tanks when soloing.

And the STR increases were because the modifier is still used for damage,unless i missed something and DEX is used for damage rolls on bows?

[One Two Three Five]

G. conj is prrrretty pointless on a ranger, I'm afraid. You'll need to find a real tank.

[Cybernet21]

G. conj is prrrretty pointless on a ranger, I'm afraid. You'll need to find a real tank.

Ah i see,i wont have my own bear along with my hawk companion then ;-; Well no matter

[Cybernet21]

One last thing on this build guys,thanks for the help so far.Is Animal empathy worth considering if you dont have 3/4 of ranger levels once 30?

EDIT: And should i hold onto skill points for both getting max Tumble and UMD on Rogue levels?Or should i just start with Tumble right away

[Cybernet21]

And after much hardships (for me at least,damm skill distribution XD) here is the finalized build with the skill ranks added in case anyone is interested (still deciding the favored enemies):

Ranger(16), Arcane Archer(11), Rogue(3), Elf

STR: 14
DEX: 19 (26)
CON: 12
WIS: 14
INT: 14
CHA: 8

Elf: (Hardiness vs. Enchantments, Keen Sense, Low-light Vision, Skill Affinity: Listen, Skill Affinity: Search, Skill Affinity: Spot, Sleeplessness)
01: Ranger(1): Weapon Finesse, Favored Enemy I, {Dual Wield}
02: Ranger(2)
03: Ranger(3): Point Blank Shot
04: Ranger(4): DEX+1, (DEX=20)
05: Ranger(5): Favored Enemy II
06: Ranger(6): Rapid Shot
07: Ranger(7)
08: Ranger(8): DEX+1, (DEX=21)
09: Ranger(9): Called Shot, {Improved Two-Weapon Fighting}
10: Ranger(10): Favored Enemy III
11: Ranger(11)
12: Ranger(12): DEX+1, Weapon Focus: Longbow, (DEX=22)
13: Ranger(13)
14: Ranger(14)
15: Ranger(15): Improved Critical: Longbow, Favored Enemy IV
16: Ranger(16): DEX+1, (DEX=23)
17: Arcane Archer(1)
18: Arcane Archer(2): Blind Fight, {Imbue Arrow}
19: Arcane Archer(3)
20: Arcane Archer(4): DEX+1, (DEX=24)
21: Rogue(1): Epic Weapon Focus: Longbow
22: Rogue(2): {Evasion}
23: Rogue(3): {Uncanny Dodge I}
24: Arcane Archer(5): DEX+1, Armor Skin, (DEX=25)
25: Arcane Archer(6)
26: Arcane Archer(7)
27: Arcane Archer(8): Epic Prowess, {Hail of Arrows}
28: Arcane Archer(9): DEX+1, (DEX=26)
29: Arcane Archer(10)
30: Arcane Archer(11): Epic Skill Focus: Discipline











Hitpoints: 296
Skillpoints: 248
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 20/13/22
Saving Throw bonuses: Mind Effects: +2
BAB: 25
AB (max, naked): 34 (melee), 43 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 23/27
Spell Casting: Ranger(4)
Alignment Changes: 0

Animal Empathy 10(9), Discipline 20(32), Heal 31(33), Hide 31(39), Listen 29(33), Move Silently 31(39), Search 12(16), Spot 29(33), Tumble 15(23), UMD 26(25)

[Baseili]

Animal empathy isn't really worth it unless you're going to max it out, sure you might be able to walk past some low level critters and maybe empathy a bear from the trade route but afterwards it'll just be wasted skill points.
Out of curiousity, have you counted the +2 skill points per level of ranger?

[Cybernet21]

Animal empathy isn't really worth it unless you're going to max it out, sure you might be able to walk past some low level critters and maybe empathy a bear from the trade route but afterwards it'll just be wasted skill points.
Out of curiousity, have you counted the +2 skill points per level of ranger?

Yep (i also counted getting 8 more points on level 2 since on the wiki it says you only get the 2 more points on the next level,so i am thinking the two more points i am getting on level 2 are multiplied by 4 since they correspond to level 1 points not sure if true though).So it seems i just take out Animal Emphaty and put it somehwere else then? (Perhaps disable trap)

[Baseili]

You only get 2 skill points at level 1 unfortunately, as for your skills I'd suggest maxing out what you've got and maybe remove Search or level that up instead of Spot/Listen depending if you want to break disguises or detect stealthers. You'll definitely want Disc and Heal at max ranks either way.

[Cybernet21]

I do want spot and listen but am between if opening locks or seeing and disabling traps,i dont know wich one would be more important PvE wise and wich one makes more sense for Ranger RP.

My options seem to go Search and take the 10 points that i had on Animal Emphaty and put on Disable trap,but then i would suck at disabling almost all traps i see. Or take both the points of my Search and of Animal Emphaty and put them on Open Lock and UMD to get 30 and perhaps if some more are just laying around completing the most i can of Tumble on Rogue levels

I'm laying towards the second one.Thanks for he advices all of you

EDIT: Feels so good to have a ton of skill points laying around