I have been trying to make a class that made being an Arcane Archer less painful.
For inspiration I looked at the Zen Archer (Mainly for Bonus Feats), Ranger, Gun Slinger (for Nimble), Sorcerer, and Magus.
So I am here is what I have so far:
Hybrid for format
HD: d8
BAB 3/4
Level 1: Bonus Feat, Cantrips,
Level 2: Point Blank Mastery, Enhance Arrows (Magic)
Level 3: Nimble 1
Level 4: Bonus Feat, Imbue Arrow
Level 5:
Level 6: Enhance Arrows (Elemental)
Level 7: Nimble 2,
Level 8: Bonus Feat, Seeker Arrow
Level 9:
Level 10: Enhanced Arrow (Distance)
Level 11: Nimble 3,
Level 12: Bonus Feat, Phase Arrow
Level 13:
Level 14: Enhanced Arrow (Elemental Burst)
Level 15: Nimble 4,
Level 16: Bonus Feat, Hail of Arrows
Level 17:
Level 18: Enhanced Arrows (Aligned)
Level 19: Nimble 5,
Level 20: Bonus Feat, Arrow of Death
So basically what I feel like its missing is something like Deeds, Bloodline Powers, or Judgement type things. Suggestions? And also I am going to build a custom spell list that adds some Ranger Spells into the list as well. So Halp I am trying my damnedest to make this balanced. Also the order in which the class abilities can be changed. So Yeah anything to help.
My suggestion? Just make it a magus archetype.
It gets way to specific to be an archetype. And the Magus Spell list sucks anyway. So I am making own cause I like it. And its fun. Hate me.
Getting way specific is what archetypes are for. Full classes usually have multiple build options.
Anyway, looks like a very rough draft. Balancing is a sort of fine-tuning step, we can't really say how this compares to other classes accurately until you've got a more complete draft.
What's the essence of the arcane archer that you're trying to capture?
What kind of spellcaster are you looking at here? A 6-level spellcaster?
Okay so going to rework the it as a Magus Archetype.
Using the magus chassis and creating an archetype seems like a good idea. I did something similar here, maybe it helps.
Keep something in mind when designing it as a magus archetype. The first instinct might be to create a ranged spell combat. However, spell combat is a really powerful ability balanced by the fact it's melee only. Amanuensis's take averts this by making an ability that works similar to spell combat but only works for ranged touch attack spells. I recommend replacing spell combat with something interestng and creative.
I actually think you should keep it as its own class. So many things would need to be changed to compensate for ranged over melee to keep it from being overpowered, that it'll be its own class again by the time you're done.
If it were me, I would keep it simple: 2 parent classes: Fighter/Wizard.
3/4 BAB, d8HD
Re-flavor Armor Training to act more like Nimble, and make casting from the Arcane Archer's spell list while wearing Light Armor possible. Weapon Training is for Bows/Crossbows only. They get Bonus feats every 4 levels, and they get a specialty school (with 2 oppositions schools) and Arcane Bond. Aaaand their spell list ends at level 6 spells.