It seems like the extra damage from smite could really make an AA shine and the synergy with CHA for Sorcerer is kind of a 'duh'. Then again, I am a a little slow. I guess my primary question is, 'Will it work well?' Also, what is a solid choice of bloodline for a character of this type?
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The problem is the arcane archer isn't that great a prestige class. Eldritch knight has better spell progression, and basically only loses the ability to make his arrows flaming, etc.
For most games, your spells aren't going to be that great for imbue arrow because you'll still be casting first level spells at level 8; as a sorcerer you might be picking up your second level of spells at level 10.
Sorcerer with a few levels of paladin going into eldritch knight to buff himself at least has more spells and an extra feat under his belt.
I second Sorc + Paladin EK. There's just so much more stat synergy
My intention was definitely to go Eldritch Knight once I meet the pesky "ability to cast 3rd level arcane spells" requirement. I couldn't agree more that the arcane archer's 7/10 spell progression isn't as solid as the Eldritch Knight's 9/10. The problem with going straight into EK (for me at least, since I want to get into the PrC ASAP) is you really have to focus on the casting aspect and that means you're not hitting as hard/often. It would take 6 levels of sorcerer for 3rd level spells, and then one more of Paladin for the martial proficiency for EK. You lose out on all the really cool Paladin goodies (1 use of Smite Evil, the Divine Bond weapon feature, lay on hands, channel energy)...essentially, the things that make him/her a Paladin.
James,
I've got a fighter right now that is level 7 and wrecks house. He's not an "optimized" character for sure, as I went with the shielded fighter archetype from the APG. He is, however, extremely resilient and tough to hit. Also, my group is kind of miserly about magic weapons, so it's tough to do exorbitant amounts of damage with a Masterwork cold iron longsword.
I'm not sure why, but I've just always loved the flavor of guys that blend magic and martial skill. A lot of people's first reaction when I say that is, "Well, just go bard." But, the bard always seemed king of fruity to me because of the whole performance aspect.
But once I read about the Magus in Ultimate Magic, I immediately bought the book and subsequently rolled up a character. He's incredibly fun to play (much more so than my fighter) and, as a 6th level character, frequently tells my group's supposedly 'tougher' paladin and ranger to go fight a gargoyle as he takes out their stone giant boss one on one.
All I'm really trying to do is replicate the same kind of magic/martial blend in a ranged character. I know it's difficult and, as is becoming apparent based on everyone's reactions, suboptimal. but I really like the feel of the way the class (hypothetically) would play.