I'm not really a number cruncher so I don't know if this would actually in effect be gimped. Basically I'm thinking Magus(Myrmidarch) 4/Ranger(Infiltrator) 3/Arcane Archer X. What feats / spells would make this bowman more viable if possible?
Knee-jerk advice without actually getting my books out (headed to sleep):
Myrmidarch Arcane Archer is cool in theory. In practice, kind of hard to work with. I advise against the Ranger levels, so that you can better take advantage of Magus' class feature and spell progression. You'll definitely be pumping INT even more than the average Magus. Look into stacking Magus archetypes. Probably want to take the Extra Arcana feat as much as reasonably possible while still boosting your favorite Ranged Spellstrike spells.
It'd be a late entry, but Myrmidarch 11/Arcane Archer 9 would be an effective combination. You'd have not only Imbue Arrow, but the ability to channel ranged touch spells through a full attack. The magus Arcane Pool abilities stack quite nicely with the extra AA arrow imbues, which also stack with the magic already on the item. Use Greater Magic Weapon to cover your enhancement bonuses and just load up on elemental damage. Full attacking while channeling Scorching Rays through your +5 Flaming Burst Shocking Burst Corrosive Burst Icy Burst Holy arrows just seems like loads of fun :)
I agree with SunsetPsychosis suggestion. It's also a good route due to the capability of being able to cast Arcane spells in Medium Armor. Seriously, being able to cast spells in steel Lamellar is freaking awesome.
Any reason not to take Arcane Archer as soon as the character reaches 9th level?
EDIT: Doh; yeah, the full round range strike ><;
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Ranger 6 / Wizard 1 genericallly; Improved Precise makes life so much better for archers that it is worth putting off.
Generically Eldrich Knight does the Arcane Archer's shtick better though, as they only lose 2 caster levels and they are better off archery route anyway (lack of armor plays well with ranged attacks). You lose 2 BAB and don't get Precise till 13th, but you've got amazing ray options for rounds where the bow doesn't work, and you're only 2 levels from a full caster.
I'm trying wizard 6/ fighter 3. You get to be the "Arcane Archer" sooner rather than later. The concept of using spells that have duration in order to enhance your bow attacks. The fighter allows the feats and you can cast 3rd level spells. There are a great deal of spells that help your damage and make up for the bab loss from wizard. Just don't dump str or dex, and you might not even have to max out int (as focused shot is kinda crappy for full attacks, and for the most part you won't be casting on creatures for a save). Good luck.
Thalin,
Oh why didn't I read your post closely before starting a new thread? I'll second Thalin's post. The eldrich knight looks better than arcane archer with a bonus combat feat and castor level advancement, plus ability to qualify for better combat feats by their diverse training. I'd say Wizard 5/Fighter 1/ Eldrich -.
-KZ
The main issue, and probably the biggest, with the Wizard/Fighter build is that you still suffer Arcane Spell Failure. Sure you can get Arcane Armor Training and Mastery, but that only reduces the problem, not negate it.
This is one of the main reasons I see the Magus as a better base for the Arcane Archer and Eldritch Knight. At full progression of Magus, you can cast Fireball in full plate without the spell going fizzle, now think about that for a second.
Now I grant you, that the Magus doesn't possess the full combat capability of the Fighter or the Arcane clout of the Wizard, but there are ways around that if you build right.
I'm not really a number cruncher so I don't know if this would actually in effect be gimped. Basically I'm thinking Magus(Myrmidarch) 4/Ranger(Infiltrator) 3/Arcane Archer X. What feats / spells would make this bowman more viable if possible?
I have trying to work on a build my self and what i have come up with is
2 Ranger/8 Sorcerer with the Verdant Bloodline out of the APG/10 Arcane Archeryou still have the stealth of a ranger
you will get 7th level spells
and a good BaB of 16/11/6/1
and with the verdant blood line you get a built in ring of sustanace