If I can't get a minimum of 14 strength I won't even play an archer, and I don't really feel happy unless it's 16. And at that level any respectable archer will have a belt that helps at least their strength and dexterity.
My ranger archer has an 18, though he's a switch hitter.
Perhaps I'm just too much of a devotee of Treantmonk and his switch-hitter advice.
Since it has the effect of a cylindrical wind wall that does not impair the recipient's ranged attacks:
Arrows and bolts are deflected upward and miss, while any other normal ranged weapon passing through the wall has a 30% miss chance. (A giant-thrown boulder, a siege engine projectile, and other massive ranged weapons are not affected.) Gases, most gaseous breath weapons, and creatures in gaseous form cannot pass through the wall (although it is no barrier to incorporeal creatures).
Note that this is very specific: Arrows and bolts (only) are automatic misses, other "normal ranged weapons" have a 30% miss chance, and gasses are kept out. That's it. Magic attacks are technically not "normal ranged weapons" (although rays of elemental substances are often considered to be affected); most magic that does not rely on an attack roll/only requires line of effect (magic missile, hold person, etc.) ignores the fickle winds completely.
It's great at protecting against enemy archers and a green dragon's breath weapon, provides limited protection against firearms and thrown weapons (and some magic rays), and is useless against almost everything else.
I'm glad you understand how you sounded! :)
What do I do to counter Fickle Winds? Simple! I send my Allosaurus mount at them. Oddly enough, while being a Luring Cavalier makes me a great archer, it also means I get a pet that covers up my weak points. Weird how things work like that.
Alternatively, if I'm a fighter, I hit them with the greataxe I lug around for just such an occasion. Same with Zen archer, ranger, Paladin, etc. Remember folks: It's nice to specialize, but not to the point of crippling yourself in other aspects. Even just having a basic +1 weapon with Power attack is enough in most cases for those rare occasions where you're useless.
Perhaps I'm just too much of a devotee of Treantmonk and his switch-hitter advice.It's effective, but not required.
Also not nearly as necessary as it was when he wrote that guide. The switch hitter guide was Core, back before Point Blank Master came into existence.
