Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

I'm consider making a zen archer. I put together a build here: http://nwn2db.com/build/?297225

One thing I have read a lot is people recommending the Natural Bond feat, but it sounds from the description that this would only be useful if I was not looking at 30 ranger. Is this the case or am I missing something important?

I am a little unsure on feat selections, so any insight would be greatly appreciated! I also bounced around between wood elf and Aasimar. I would probably prefer elven for rp and to avoid ECL, but it gives up 30HP and delays some epic feats (http://nwn2db.com/build/?297227)

Any and all input / suggestions / criticisms welcome!

UnGround wrote:One thing I have read a lot is people recommending the Natural Bond feat, but it sounds from the description that this would only be useful if I was not looking at 30 ranger. Is this the case or am I missing something important?

Natural Bond is important for Ranger because their pet is 3 levels lower than Druid. Natural Bond gives full 30 level progression to the Ranger Pet.

UnGround wrote:I am a little unsure on feat selections, so any insight would be greatly appreciated!

I would switch out Power Critical for Improved Critical. If you want both, you can drop Dodge as that's not worth much. Even then, I would go Steadfast Determination so as not to fail saves on a roll of 1. In epics I would drop Epic Toughness for another Great WIS. You have Owl's Wisdom so ending on even is ideal. Rangers have a first level spell that grants Blind Fight (Embrace the Wild) for minute per caster level. Switch Blindfight out for Extend Spell. With all your spell slots, having some ability to use a spell level higher for some spells will be of benefit.

UnGround wrote:I also bounced around between wood elf and Aasimar. I would probably prefer elven for rp and to avoid ECL, but it gives up 30HP and delays some epic feats

You're an archer so can likely afford a hit to HP (you also have evasion). If you want an elf, be an elf!

UnGround wrote:Any and all input / suggestions / criticisms welcome!

See the wiki here: https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title ... ger_spells and read up on what your spells give you... As a WIS Ranger you'll have a lot of slots so the reserve spells are a definite benefit you should make use of (Arrowsplit, Bloodfreeze Arrow, Darkflame Arrow). There are also multiple buffs to increase AB for Manyshot, AC, etc. which opens up your item slots (there is a +4 WIS amulet that would be great if you end on even WIS).

Another interesting option for a Zen Archer is Phantom, surprisingly. Phantom gets wisdom to AC so you're not losing out in the defence department

25/5 SD is the standard untouchable split with Epic Dodge, although 21/9 assassin would also be excellent for 10d6 death attack to your Manyshots. I've toyed with the idea of 17/3 sd/10 oobi or perhaps even 26/4 warlock spamming darkness as your cover.

Ranger is a stronger choice overall, I feel, simply because the wisdom bonuses will be a firm boon to your ranger spellcasting and you will actually be able to afford spell slots on buffing up your companion to act as your ever-present tank.

Bear in mind, though, that going for a medium bab class is going to lose you a significant amount of AB. And Manyshot already costs you 8 AB to use.

Not much of an issue when you can use potions to mitigate most of it (bless, aid + Gtr Heroism is +6) & attacking out of stealth.

Thank you everyone, great insights! Good to know about natural bond. I am still torn between elf and Aasimar, but I think I have what I need.