hello there im looking to optimize an arcane archer for an upcoming campaign were starting at 9th lvl were rollign 5d6 taking the highest 3 while rerolling 1's so im expecting high stats as for classes up to arcane Archer I would like to use fighter over ranger as my Dm has told me that we wont be fighting any one specific type of enemy. Im only asking in a new thread because the guide to class's sticky thread does not have an optimized arcane archer. as a final not e my dm has said that we will be getting templates later so recommendations would be great
The advantage of playing Fighter 6 is Weapon Training and 2 more bonus feats. The advantage of playing Ranger 6 is having Improved Precise Shot, access to ranger spells (or Defensive Bow Stance from the Skirmisher archetype), Favored Enemy (or "favored enemy +4, that guy right there, 2/day, from the Guide archetype), other stuff, and more skills.
It's up to you, really; personally, I prefer the Ranger.
On the caster side, I like wizard - foresight diviner.
Other than that, you're basically an archer first, arcane a distant second.
Have you considered Myrmidarch Magus?
Problem is, it's Sorcerer 5, Dragon Disciple 4, and it's 2 more levels to go before the OP can take the Prestige Class he wants to play.
Im looking for one thats focused on damage dealing, ranger is a bad idea because were never gonna be fighting the same enemy twice
ranger is a bad idea because were never gonna be fighting the same enemy twice
You're really hung up on that - you should check out the options available to Rangers.
Fighter/wizard build:
fighter (weapon master) 1/wizard 2 (foresight diviner)/fighter +4/aa 2
Feats & features:
1: Point Blank shot, precise shot
2: Arcane Bond, Scribe Scroll, Forewarned, Prescience
3: weapon focus: longbow
4: Rapid Shot, weapon guard +1
5: Nimble Step/Elven Accuracy/deadly shot, weapon training +1
6: weapon specialization
7: Manyshot, clustered shot, reliable strike 1/day
8: enhance arrow (+1)
9: Point Blank Master/Snapshot, Imbue Arrow, Casting +1 level.
Spells memorized: True Strike, Gravity Bow, Grease, Shield; See Invisibility, Glitterdust, Arro Eruption.
Main Gear: Bracers of Falcon's Aim, Duelist's Gloves, +4 Adaptive composite longbow.
Before stat bonuses, your full attack is +15(*2)/+15/+10, 1d8+9, 19-20/*3.
For arcane archer, I like Fighter 5/Wizard 2 or Fighter 4 (Weapon Master)/Wizard 4. Lore Warden is nice too; you get more skill points for the loss of medium and heavy armor that you probably won't miss anyway,
I would play like an assassin: Use your spells for utility: Get into places, be disguised, etc. all things a normal archer can't do.
When you spiderclimb up the tower and start killing everyone, your party will remember. When you are flying and invisible, killing everyone unlike most any other archer, you'll be happy.
Use those low level spells with creativity, and though you will deal less damage than a straight fighter, you WILL be a better, more well rounded character than can overcome more situations, with more solutions than "I stand and full attack with my bow".
Since your caster level is compromised, Arcane Strike does less, Arcane Armor Training (and decent armor) does more.
I would suggest stopping arcane archer at 8th level of said class; Slaying Arrow is thematic (especially since i suggest playing more like a ranged assassin) but its DC is going to be lower than you like, and somewhat useless to you.