Archer build - Thoughts/Improvements.

[Thorsson]

Thorsson, do you know the AC mobs on BG have?

Yes. And I also know that not every attack is at the maximum AB and that criticals require a confirmation roll. Because you *can* hit with a lower AB, doesn't mean you *autohit*.

[mrm3ntalist]

Thorsson, do you know the AC mobs on BG have?

Yes. And I also know that not every attack is at the maximum AB and that criticals require a confirmation roll. Because you *can* hit with a lower AB, doesn't mean you *autohit*.

I am not even talking about the maximum AB. Such build will hit even on rolls of 2 on the first and second attacks.

The giants in the graypeaks have 37, the frost giant warriors 30, the avengers in the vault 31, the lichs 35. Knowing the numbers above and the fact that the sneak archer only cares about the first 2 attacks, would you say that an ab of 37 + 4EB +2Dex ( 43 - 8manyshot = 35 ) will miss often - then taking into account the bonuses hitting from hips and the possible use of potions of heroism.

For the 95% of the content it will hit even when he rolls a 2 on the second attack.

To the OP
This build - http://nwn2db.com/build/?236805 - is a very clever one mechanically. It will be able to hit very well, use consumables for bossfights and the epic dodge will allow you to run away shrugging away a possible hit. I believe it will do nicely.

One change you can make - one more Great Dex in place of one shot. That way you can use a +3dex item for a total of 32Dex. Losing one shot is not bad on a sneak build

[Tsidkenu]

Some of the reasons I didn't go with other kinds of builds are:

1. I like to play quirky characters.
2. I wanted a non-elf!!!

I love halfling characters so I went with that, and Strongheart gets a bonus feat with this kind of build is desperate for. I'm not sure if halfling +1 size bonus to attacks is included in the AB calculation but as MrM3nt pointed out the build's AB can get into the mid-high 40's with a +3 dex item (39 AB), +4 shortbow (43 AB), scroll/potions of Greater Heroism (47 AB) and potions of bless/aid (49 AB), all of which are easily available.

Some have said that the build has low AB but try telling that to the orcs I was soloing at level 9 and the minotaurs at level 11. Some of you also don't seem to understand/used the OOBI Ranged Precision before either. It is a single, bonus, click & forget attack in addition to your other attacks for the round. I've just hit fifteen (BAB 11) and with Rapid Shot + Ranged Precision my character has three, not two, attacks in the first 'flurry.'

This makes it more powerful than it appears on paper. Add to that the fact that Ranged Precision is a ranged touch attack and bypasses Dex/Dodge AC on most mobs, it is an almost guaranteed hit. I also don't always use Multishot because with Ranged Precision being so useful, most mobs are coming at me with less than half health by the time HIPS is ready to use again. I don't need to use Multishot most of the time because I know they're going to die with another Ranged Precision + Sneak salvo. I chose it because its a prereq for Improved Rapid Shot, and that +2 AB is useful during the mid-levels (the same reason I chose Rapid Shot at level 1, because having two attacks at -2 is far better than one attack at normal BAB!)

This build is suited for slow-paced, aim-shoot-hide-reposition solo tactics or as a party support DPS which not everyone has the time and patience for. If you don't like that kind of play, try one of the assassin builds. They may have superior aspects mechanically, but that is not what I build characters for.

[Thorsson]

I am not even talking about the maximum AB. Such build will hit even on rolls of 2 on the first and second attacks.

When they reach level 30, yes.