2nd level Zen Archer Feat Selection Help

[Gwaedh]

I'm playing a Zen Archer and I'm leveling him up to 2nd level. I'm having trouble decided what to do with my bonus monk feat. My current feats are: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, and Big Game Hunter (+1 to hit/+2 dam Large or Larger creatures). I also have weapon focus bow as a class feat. I want him to be as strong a martial character as I can make him.

I was planning to take dodge (because I didn't see anything else exciting), but I mentioned to my DM that some of the Zen Archer Monk feats seemed silly, specifically Rapid Shot and Many Shot since you can't use them with flurry. He ruled that those feats should stack with FOB, even though the rules say otherwise.

Now I'm having trouble deciding between dodge and Rapid Shot. I really like the idea of getting three arrows into the air a round, but the -2 attach penalty on all three shots from RS really makes me wince. Anyone have thoughts on the value of RS at low levels?

In case it matters here are quick stats; human, Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 17, Chr 9. AC is 15.

Thanks in advance everyone.

[StreamOfTheSky]

If he's letting them stack, take Rapid or Manyshot, absolutely. Maybe take Manyshot first if the total of -4 scares you. But long run, it will be worth the -4 for 2 extra attacks at highest BAB against many foes. AC of the foe will obviously make the difference.

Also, you should try to get the party arcanist ot drop a mage armor on you, it would really help you w/ AC.

[Grizzly the Archer]

Don't take dodge this early. Since your gm is letting it stack I would go with Rapid shot. However, as stream mentioned, the -4 to hit with the flurry is going to hurt you. however, its better than taking manyshot due to you rolling for the other arrow, instead of it being lumped together.

Makes me wonder now since manyshot is stacking, i'm thinking 3 arrows on the first attack, since it says on the full round its on the first steak 2 suited. Out, it could be they they don't stack (even if ruled they could), since the feat says two arrows nothing more, at the first stack. So the extra feat would be a waste.

Wait till mid levels our so, to take dodge, even if stacking, archers gave a lot if feats to be really awesome. To will still bed imp. Precise shot, maybe snap shot and imp. snap shot. Even if the zen archer can threaten 5', its still not 15'. Ask again if benefit would stack, and if so, how? A in, 3 suites on first attack, or 2 arrows/2 arrows/other attacks.

[Gwaedh]

Many Shot isnt available to me till 6th level.

I hadnt thought about using RS selectively, depending on the AC of the opponent. But that makes perfect sense. Just because i have doest mean that i always need to use it every time. Thank you!

I'm planning to get a wand of Mage Armor for the witch in our party when i have the funds. I really wish gravity bow was on the witch spell list :-)

[StreamOfTheSky]

The witch can't spare a level 1 spell slot to help you out? :(

If not, buy him a pearl of power, not a wand. It's 1000 gp instead of 750, but it'll be at his caster level instead of CL 1, so it'll last longer and be less prone to dispelling.

[Gwaedh]

Honestly the witch (not the player) is something of a self important B****. Honestly I'm not sure how cooperative she will be if i buy her a wand (or P of P, great idea btw).

I'd never expect her to use a spell slot for me. But we are only second level, so she has just 3 1st level spells and generally keeps cure light wounds in one as she is our only healer. So giving up 50% of her spell capacity would be a significant thing to ask anyway.

[Paladin of Baha-who?]

No reason for gendered insults, even directed at the character rather than the player. Calling her a self-important jerk is just as effective. Still, would she not be preparing Mage Armor anyway? It's a very effective buffing spell. If you're providing her with a pearl of Power then she can't really complain about wasting the prepared spell unless she wasn't going to use mage armor at all, in which case I wonder what other spell she has prepared?

[deuxhero]

Tell the witch to get a wand of cure light wounds, it is far more cost effective.

Isn't really using a spell slot either with the PoP, it's doubling their own mage armor's slot.