So, I've read several threads and guides, but they don't seem to help with my particular situation, so hence the new thread.
Problem #1: 15-point buy with limited "Dump Stat" ability
This is turning out to be a big problem. Our GM will allow us to min/max to a point, but maybe only allowing for 1 low score. Given this issue, I've decided for dwarf because of the +Con and +Wis modifier since I don't need the Charisma.
My stats (including racial modifiers) for 15 point buy:
STR: 12 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 8 WIS 18 CHA 6
With CHA at 6, I highly doubt I'll be allowed to drop INT below 8 (even that's a stretch). While I was considering lowering DEX, I realized that several archery feats have a DEX requirement of 13, and some of them are needed early on. Well, if you're going to have a 13, might as well move it to 14 and get the +2. So, I had to decide what to cut. I'm debating lowering CON to 12 and STR up to 14, but Strength-based composite bows are very expensive and our campaign has limited funds for the first four levels (extremely limited, level 3 still at 0gp in our Carrion Crown campaign). So, by the time we get coin, it will probably be level 4 or 5. The other factor is I'm hoping that +strength items are easier to find by the time I can afford a strength based composite bow.
Problem #2: Most guides and builds assume a high level campaign.
I doubt this campaign ever gets past level 12-15. Also, since gold so far has been EXTREMELY hard to come by, I can't assume using a bunch of fancy magical items, which again most guides and advice threads assume like boots of speed, etc.
Can someone help me with some decent feat selections for a game that tops out at 12-15 that doesn't rely on "just use your magical X item"?
I was considering something like this (edited to remove feats at 4 and 8)
1-Precise Shot (monk bonus), Toughness
2-Point Blank Shot (monk bonus)
3-Deadly Aim
5-Defensive Combat Training
6-Improved Precise Shot (monk bonus)
7-Improved Initiative (couldn't think of anything else)
9-Hammer the Gap
Problem #3: I'm an idiot when it comes to monk styles.
Are there some monk styles I should learn instead? If so, which blends well with a Zen Archer, again assuming the campaign ends around level 12-15?
Problem #4: Qinggong Monk Combination and PRD source question.
I see some folks really harp on also using the Qinggong Monk WITH the Zen Archer archetype. I wasn't sure why, so can someone tell me what exactly the benefit is? Second, is there a rule that can be sourced from the PRD that shows I can take both archetypes? My GM is all about the PRD, and if it doesn't say it in the PRD, it doesn't exist.
So, to summarize this long post:
Question 1: Should I move my stats around on my 15 point buy?
Question 2: Should I change my feat selection for a game ending around 12-15?
Question 3: Should I use monk styles, and if so, which ones? I assume they go as feats, so it relates to Question 2.
Question 4: What is the key benefit of Qingong for a Zen Archer and can anyone source the PRD saying you can take both archetypes?
Thanks a lot. I know those are a lot of questions, so if you know an answer to any of them, please just post that and I'll be most grateful.
Sorry, I'm going to answer these out of order.
2. Sorry Maezer, but the Zen archer does get bonus feats, the list of options is just different.
1. I really hate having a stat below 8, but that is just me. Depending on your party make up, if you can make sure you stay out of melee, then I would swap some con for some str, just for the extra damage, but that is just me. The extra drt will also help keep you in light load.
3. Not sure, as I have never personally make a Zen archer, though I want to.
4. Looks like Maezer found your answer.
2 cont. I would switch toughness for improved initiative. Going first in combat is great, plus if you go before an enemy, he/she is flat footed, which will help your lower to hit when using deadly aim, and ensure some damage. It will also help levels 1-2 when you are using a 14 dex to hit.
As for your deflect arrows question, I don't have time to look it up but I believe you have to state at the end of your turn that you remove 1 hand from your bow(free action). Then you can deflect and do AoO, you then just would not be able to do AoO with the bow, which you can't really do anyway. Someone else should check verify though.
UPDATE
So, I've changed a few things around.
STR: 14 DEX 13 CON 10 INT 8 WIS 18 CHA 7
This still gives me the Dex 13 needed, but really cuts the HP down.
Feats:
1-Precise Shot (bonus), Improved Initiative
2-Point Blank Shot (bonus)
3-Deadly Aim (requires 13 Dex)
5-Deflect Arrows (okay, I just announce I'm removing my hand at the end of my turn as a free action, got it)
6-Improved Precise Shot (bonus)
7-?
9-?
10-Improved Critical (bonus)
So I see the FAQ, which should be good enough for the GM on Qinggong Monk. I assume at level 4 I would take Barkskin instead of Slow Fall, but the rest of the Ki powers I'm a bit unsure of.
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You could start with DEX 12 and bump it to 13 at 4th level in order to take Deadly Aim at 5th. I would do that if my GM didn't allow me to reduce INT.
Alternatively you could start with WIS 17 and have more points to put elsewhere. Probably a better option actually.
I have a Zen Archer with Snake Style, but I wouldn't say that it's essential to the build in any way. A lot of people would argue its a waste, but whatever. The nice thing about a Zen Archer is that you don't actually need to take any Archery feats with your standard feats so you have flexibility to customize your Archer...
Improved Critical is not needed if you have Bracers of Falcon's Aim, which every archer should have.
Our campaign is no gold, no magical items so far (level 3). I have no idea if that kind of stuff will be available. But should we get something by level 10, I could change the feat.
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Well to mask a bit of min/max you could do this.
15 point buy
Str 12
Dex 15
Con 10 (12)race
Int 8
Wiz 16 (18)race
Cha 8 (6)race
Make him OLD
New modifiers
Str 10
Dex 13
Con 10
Int 10
Wiz 20
Cha 8
If for some reason you could get the feat Ki Diversity with Zen Combatant using a bow(Unlikely GM approval) and a +5-7 Composite bow you could go crazy damage.
(Zen Combatant: You may spend 1 point from your ki pool as a swift action to substitute your Wisdom score for your Strength or Dexterity for all melee or ranged attacks you make that round. )
Hey, I just thought of something that should help make your life a little easier. A monk can unarmed strike even when his/her hands are full, because the monk can use knees, elbows, feet, whatever is available at the time, so you do not have to remove a hand from your bow. Should make it so there is one thing less to remember.
The beauty of the qigong archetype is that it gives you options. If you like the regular power, you just take it as normal. If not, take something else. Barkskin at level 4 is awesome, because it uses your monk level as caster level and scales up. True Strike is also fun. (My Zen Archer also took Deny Death after a nasty near-TPK: now she'll never bleed out and will wake up much sooner than the next day.)
I second the votes for Bracers of Falcon's Aim, and I would also probably take my Wis down to 17 to have 3 more points to spend elsewhere.