Morning everyone,
I'm looking to make a fun Kitsune Eldritch Archer but I'm not sure what a good strategy for class building.
So, I've been bouncing between starting off Ranger or Fighter. I'm leaning heavily towards Fighter. Now should a archetype into Ranger, a Caster class, or stay the Fighter course? The Archer archetype doesn't really seem to pay off with starting off as either a Fighter or Ranger.
Thoughts??
If this helps, this is NOT for PFS but a regular group.
I think fighter might be the beast deal, especially considering that a critical hit would result in either a critical strike and a critical spell strike.
As for dedications, consider that if you take one before lvl 6, you'd probably not able to take eldritch archer asap ( there are some dedications which also give you archetype skill feat, but ranger/caster archetype are not among those).
I suggest you not to take a dedication until lvl 6, and take then eldritch archer.
Anyway, the only downside of being an eldritch arthcer is that you'd need something to move and benefit in the same time of your eldritch shot.
I really like the goblin scuttle ( available through adopted ancestry ) which allows you to disengage if an ally comes next to you or, since you are an archer, maybe even a mature companion might do the trick ( then being a ranger would definitely help you out, because as a fighter you'd need to get a dedication to get a companion ).
An alternative, is using haste.
It would require some money between lvl 8 and lvl 12, but starting from lvl 12 ( given a ring of wizardry ) you'll be given 3 haste per day. By level 14 you might have 4 ( or 5, if you have the next ring of wizardry tier ) per day.
Tough choice indeed.
You have to decide if you prefer to be more combat oriented ( fighter ) or a way more versatile character ( ranger ).
ps: since it's a regular group I have to ask, is this with or without the free archetype variant?
As it stands, without the free archetype variant. If we do go that route, thoughts?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Casting Haste on yourself seems a bit inefficient, it takes two turns to merely regain the actions that you used on the spell. I would rather hope for a friendly spellcaster if you have one. Enchanting Arrow seems better if you can't spare 3 actions one turn.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The Ranger's best archery routine, Hunt Prey + Hunted Shot doesn't mesh well with Eldritch Archer. Sure there might be precision damage, but Eldritch Shot is 3 actions so doesn't work when switching to a new target.
A Fighter's higher proficiency and Point Blank Shot blend better with the archetype. Of course if 3-action attacks are uncommon due to tougher battles or lack of front defenders, the whole archetype's questionable.
Trying to slip in an earlier archetype is also questionable. Though having more Cantrips would make it tempting to try it also keeps you from reaching your PC's image that much longer. Factor in how long the campaign's intended to run plus maybe compare some sample 12th level builds.
I'd probably do it if based around Eldritch Shot and in a campaign headed into high levels, but maybe not if using the archetype for its other abilities.
Another option is Rogue, which has its own access to Cantrips w/o slowing down your access to Eldritch Archer. Sneak Attack would depend a bit on having an ally who can make your targets flat-footed, but if you do have somebody that's big boost to damage. A Thief would also make a good switch-hitter w/ Dex to damage and maybe a bludgeoning/slashing weapon for some variety. (Plus them skills!)
Fighter is better if you want the one big attack with a spell effect on it.
Ranger with Flurry may be better it you want to be more of an archer and fire off lots of shots ( you will need Double Prey etc). As a Ranger archer I'd be multiclassing to pick up Point Blank Shot anyway.