A few questions about AA build

[Marathados]

I. Which one is better? The first one with Assassin at 20 or the second one with Arcane Archer at 20?

1. http://nwn2db.com/build/?251384

2. http://nwn2db.com/build/?251385

Pros of 1.: +1 poison save, same ab, assassin spellbook lvl 2 (cat's grace mostly)
Cons of 1.: -1 to fortitude save

Pros of 2.: +1 fortitude save, Arrow of Death (not that great though)
Cons of 2.: Well, missing the pros of 1.?

II. Would it be wise to drop Dex to 27? And what could I replace the Great Dex with? If dropped, I would get One Shot later...

III. Better alternative than Armor Skin on lvl 30? Epic Prowess or a Melee Weapon Mastery maybe?

Thanks in advance for the input!

[Storm Munin]

Why rogue?

A more common build are fighter8/elemental archer5 (yay mastery ranged and elemental damage)/assassin8/aa9
If you want One Shot go dex, else consider building for mighty +8.

The late HIPS (lv 24) doesnt matter as long as you stay buffed and avoid soloing some epic bosses.

/m

[Marathados]

Rogue is part of the character background and therefore has mostly RP reasons.

I do know the common EA builds of course.

[Valefort]

I. The difference is really tiny

I'd go for 4 assassin because of skill points.

II. It's fine to drop dex to 27, you might consider blinding speed feat since now it is an instantly activated haste that has 4 uses/day and lasting 10 rounds each.

III. Uhm ... not really, maybe weapon finesse ? Maybe for some reason you'll take a sword and board at one point and you will want to hit things.

[Marathados]

So I am pondering about the usefulness of the "One Shot" feat...

Would the "Frontline Archer" feat be preferrable?

Builds:

The one with "One Shot": http://nwn2db.com/build/?251384

The one with "Frontline Archer": http://nwn2db.com/build/?262551 (Knockdown stands for the feat))

Two things, that do come to mind:

1. With "Frontline Archer" supposedly the +4d6 sneak/death attack would come into play?
2. Would the "Steadfast Determination" feat be an even better option (Switching "Lightning Reflexes" for "Toughness" and "Frontline Archer" for "Steadfast Determination") on the second build?

Feedback, as always, very welcome!

[Tsidkenu]

Love frontline archer. Very underutilised feat and, as a sneak attack archer, you'll find utility for it while you run to HIPS again being often within 30ft of mobs to land SAs.

I never got high enough level with my rogue archer to test if One Shot maximised sneak attack damage. That could be an interesting finisher if it could.

[Marathados]

Love frontline archer. Very underutilised feat and, as a sneak attack archer, you'll find utility for it while you run to HIPS again being often within 30ft of mobs to land SAs.

I never got high enough level with my rogue archer to test if One Shot maximised sneak attack damage. That could be an interesting finisher if it could.

Hm, I see.

Thing is though, I am no HIPSer, just have the +4d6 sneak attack damage from rogue and assassin levels, that I am not often able to use (At least outside of a party).

Am wondering if the "One Shot" would be worth it with the long cooldown in general. It does make a nice alpha shot for sure.

"Frontline Archer" might also be nice for the times I am soloing, which does happen although I do prefer not to...

[Tsidkenu]

If you're not a HIPSer then I would recommend Frontline as your #2 hits the fan panic manoeuvre before you leg it

The opposed roll is d20 +Dex mod vs d20 + Str, so with such high Dex it'll be useful. Even more useful if you took it earlier in the build.

I personally would dump Luck of Heroes to take Rapid Shot early too, because having 2 attacks at level 2 is absolutely amazing (and my strongheart rogue archer actually had 2 attacks from level 1, which made levelling a breeze combined with a bit of tactical corner sneaking!)

Some other folks would probably recommend keeping LoH but I just don't see why archers need AC except vs other ranged mobs. HIPS, kiting and good positioning with party members are the keys to surviving as an archer in my opinion.

[Marathados]

If you're not a HIPSer then I would recommend Frontline as your #2 hits the fan panic manoeuvre before you leg it

The opposed roll is d20 +Dex mod vs d20 + Str, so with such high Dex it'll be useful. Even more useful if you took it earlier in the build.

I personally would dump Luck of Heroes to take Rapid Shot early too, because having 2 attacks at level 2 is absolutely amazing (and my strongheart rogue archer actually had 2 attacks from level 1, which made levelling a breeze combined with a bit of tactical corner sneaking!)

Some other folks would probably recommend keeping LoH but I just don't see why archers need AC except vs other ranged mobs. HIPS, kiting and good positioning with party members are the keys to surviving as an archer in my opinion.

Ah, I see.

As I am at Lvl 25 already, taking it earlier is not an option anymore.

With regards to the AC, I tend to like mine of around 45. Especially when soloing.

So to sum it up, in your opinion "Frontline Archer" would be preferrable to "One Shot" ?