Paladin / sorc / arcane archer

[miniassassin]

Im playing in a campaign where arcane magic was lost for centuries and the god of magic is coming back. I am thinking of taking my paladin into arcane archer, but i am unsure how to balance it nicely out.

To give a look this is what i look like currently as a boon at the end of the first session has opened arcane choices up.

Human
Paladin 1st(divine hunter archtype)/sorceror 1st(celestial bloodline)

Feats(dm allowed two traits to trade for feat): precise shot, point blank shot, rapid shot, skill focus diplomacy.

My stats rolled amazing and are such with racial
16/18/14/14/12/18

Currently wearing chain shirt though due to arcane spell failure chance i will be investing in arcane armor mastery or using a less failure chances armor.

I am thinking of going arcane archer as i wanted to continue down a more martial class while having that touch of magic to add flare and edge in a world where we will be of the elite few who have access to arcane.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?

[Lemmy]

Hm... Paladin 5 -> Sorc 1; Arc.Archer 4 -> Paladin/Sorc mix with levels in each one depending on what you want to focus more.

I also suggest getting rid of Skill Focus(Diplomacy), since it's a class skill and you have great Cha already. Take the Traits for Focused Mind and Magical Knack (Sorcerer)

I've never tried a Sorcadin build. Hope it works well for you.

[Aroach1188]

Are you looking for a more casting or archery?

[PSY850]

I think thats a pretty nice mix to go with. The handful of paladin levels and 1 sorc level to get the AA going, then when you get out or decide you need more divine goodness going back into paladin. My approach to the AA went ranger instead but paladin would definatly have a little more versatility in the healing and magical issues department.

I'd say focus your sorceror spells known on some good long duration buffs and utility when possible, maybe branching out into some travel spells.Something like creative problem solving with the arcane magic, agressive negotiations with the uber buffed bow, and keeping yourself and your allies alive with paladin spells and abilities.

Asta
PSY

[miniassassin]

Thanks for the suggestions, i'll be sure to come on to the message boards after a few sessions and give a general idea of how it is working out.

[Lemmy]

Now that I thik about it...

Paladin 5 -> Sorc 2 -> Arc. Archer 4 -> Sorc 9 seems to me like the best path.

It gives you a +15 BAB. With arcane buffs, Smite Evil and Divine Bond, you'll be much more impressive than most 3/4 BAB classes.

Ah, I'd suggest taking the Oath of Vengeance archetype, so your loss of daily Smite Evil is not that big. Specially if you take the Extra Lay on Hands feat a couple times.

I think you can even safely ignore UMD, since most spells you'd want from wands are in the Paladin or Sorcerer spell list anyway.

Arcane Armor is good feat choices. Arc.Strike I'm not sure, it could be useful for when you decide to cause physical damage instead of using spells, but it'll be at most a +3 (with Magical Knack[Sorcerer]).

Power Attack is a must if you plan on switch-hitting. Get Furious Focus too, to compensate for the loss in BAB.

If you somehow get 12 levels of sorcerer (Paladin 5/Arc.Acher 3/Sorc 12, maybe?), learn Anti-Magic field to imbue your arrows with. Casters will Sh** in their pants when they see you.

Also focus more on buffs and battlefield control spells, since your spell save DC won't be very high. Spells who target Reflex save can be useful, though, as that is the least common good save (Create Pit is your friend!).

I guess that's all I can say about the build. Nothing else comes to mind right now. Enjoy your character.