Archers

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Hi, this is Patrick. In your opinion, are archers a good character kit? I tried being an archer, but I really don't know if they're worth it.

 

Yes they're very good. They shoot arrows very fast, 4 or 5 per round. If you have one put the boots of speed on him. He will shoot even faster with the boots and will be able to out run you enemies. He is even better if you use greater wirlwind with him. Thats ten arrows per round but it will use a lot of arrows so I suggest finding the quiver of plenty and having it upgraded by Cespenar. Then any long bow will be as good as those two short bows that have an unlimated amount of arrows.

 

Yep, archers rock !

Another short topic about this (just 5 days old)
http://www.sorcerers.net/ubb/Forum10/HTML/000581.html

 

Hi, this Methylviolet. Yes, we didn't search for the topic as I wanted the boy to feel that he could jump right in and ask a question. Unfortunately Mom's wisdom is now questioned as I think archers are lousy. Hm!

 

I don't they are lousy per say, it's just that there is really no need for an archer in ToB. Melee gets the job done better and more efficiently. I've found pumping high level character full of arrows doesn't do as much good as rushing in with a sword, especially for a fighter class. I've tried it myself, and just became frustrated in the long run. Also, while the never ending +2 arrow supply will save you alot of money, they just don't do the damge that some of the other, more expensive arrows can do, so after a while of playing a character whose main attack was with the bow, I just got fed up and decided they were a waste of money. It's a nice RP idea, but it didn't work out as well for me at least as I had hoped.

 

Playing my archer I found him (just like the kensai) to start to be really fun to play at the higher levels. He was first overshadowed by my mc fighter-mage and I had to change my game-style (which is a little difficult since most enemies tend to rush in for melee). Archer duels are rather rare and imprudent since they reduce your loot of arrows so my archer usually meleed archers

I mainly agree about the ranged weapon damage compared to a good melee punch BUT when I imported my archer to ToB he did about 20+ damage @ 4 attacks (usually about one critical hit per round) per round unhasted. He was very effective to kill enemy mages in all stages of the game. Additionally, he was surprisingly effective in melee, especially with the gaunts of extraordinary weapon expertise.

The archer is always worth a try.

[This message has been edited by Ragusa (edited November 05, 2001).]

 

Just a brief question on the archer kit. After achieving grand mastery in the bow of your choice, is it better to put proficiency points in "two-handed weapon" or "single weapon"?

Thanx

S

 

I would say bows are considered two handed. You can't have a bow and a shield equipped at the same time. So I would put the point in two handed weapon style.

 

Certainly a bow is two-handed - but why would you therefore choose another two handed weapon too ?
Due to the archers mediocre AC I'd rather suggest single weapon style and a one-handed weapon.

 

Archers are a neat idea but suck in practice. You are a ranger that loses the benefit of two free slots in dual wielding. You have limited armor options. You can't specialize in anything other than missile weapons. There are so many better options. Now if there was an NPC archer, she might be worth draggin around occasionally.

 

I agree completly Blackthorn! For roleplaying purposes I never wear anything heavier than leather with a ranger anyway. The archer is the ONLY ranger who can go above specialization so I don't think that's a restriction at all. Stalkers are fun too, since they make more use of the hide in shadows ability.