My initial goal when I started this build was to make an Arcane Archer who had access to the Tumble skill, Use Magic Device skill, and the Weapon Specialization feats. It does have a large number of similarities to the Reliable Archer, but was created independently. This is my first Epic Character posted into the forum so critique away at whatever mistakes I made.
Arcane Archer Build(Haven't thought of a title to give it)
[New Character]
Race: Half Elf Alignment: Any non-lawful Class: Fighter(1) Abilities: Str 14 +2 Dex 16 +3 Con 14 +2 Int 14 +2 Wis 10 =0 Cha 08 -1
[Character Progression]
Skills: Fighter - Discipline, Heal, Open Lock(1) Bard - Discipline, Heal, Spellcraft(40), Tumble(40), Use Magic Device Arcane Archer - Heal
[Race] -Half-Elf chosen as race to avoid XP penalty.
[Feats] Blind Fight Called Shot Dodge Epic Prowess Epic Weapon Focus(longbow) Epic Weapon Specialization(longbow) Great Dexterity VIII Improved Critical(longbow) Luck of Heroes Mobility Natural Armor Point Blank Shot Rapid Shot Toughness Weapon Focus(longbow) Weapon Specialization(longbow)
-Fighter may be necessary to recieve all feats. -Blind Fight chosen with belief that it works with ranged weapons. -Luck of Heroes is not critical. Something else may be more useful(Iron Will?). -Arcane Archers already have a high AB so a different feat may be more useful than Epic Prowess.
[Skills] -9 points may be placed in Perform, but the result would be a very weak Bardsong: -Spellcraft to 40 to add 8 to saving throws against spells. -Tumble to 40 to add 8 to AC. -Use Magic Device to 43 to allow use of scrolls and most items. -1 cross-class point in Open Lock allows a roll of 33 at level 40. -43 points in Heal. -43 Points in Discipline. -25 spare skill points.
[Fighter] -Fighter chosen for Weapon Specialization and extra feats. -6 initial fighter levels grants +6 BAB for Arcane Archer prerequisite. -Odd number of fighter levels needed pre-epic for two feats at level 21.
[Bard] -Bard chosen for Tumble, Use Magic Weapon, and Spellcraft. -Bard at level 7 for Arcane Archer prerequisite. -Bard at levels 7, 12, 17 allow for multiples of 5 invested into skills. -Bard at level 40 to finish skills
[Arcane Archer] -Arcane Archer chosen at 39 with belief that Imbue Arrow improves on even Arcane Archer levels. If this is
not true, go Fighter for better HD.
[Strengths] -Very high AB. -Good hit points for a ranged character. -Good AC for a ranged character.
[Weaknesses] -Low damage. -No Uncanny Dodge.
[Tactics] -Cripple targets with Called Shot.
[Items] -A bow with elemental damage if at all possible. -Since most modules and servers aren't built with archers in mind, look for equipment designed for other classes that can help you.
Edited By griphook on 05/03/05 19:59
The enhancement bonus to arrows improves on odd numbered arcane acher levels.
What about Bard 9 / Fighter 4 / AA 27? Looses 1 AB, but gets more skill points and spell power ...
Diggin' this one up as it seems to be a popular class combo for AA munchkinheads. Surprised it's the only build posted!
As I understand it, you need to have two bard levels for you can take your first AA. Bards only have cantrips at first level, and 1st-level arcane spell-casting is the AA requirement. I would suggest taking the bard levels at 3, 7, 12, and 40. Taking them at levels 3 and 12 gives you the opportunity to take Extra Music, Lingering Song, or Curse Song and leverage the bard song a little bit at lower levels. You may have to sacrifice some currrent skills/feats to do this, but it's something to consider.
I'm guessing (but don't know) that Imbue Arrow gets maximum damamge well before level 27/28, so I'd go with Fighter 9/Bard 4/AA 27. Also, I *think* you need to take the 8th fighter level at 22 to get the epic weapon spec.
Surprised it's the only build posted!