Author Topic: Yet Another Arcane Archer Rewrite  (Read 3518 times)

Offline Garryl

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Yet Another Arcane Archer Rewrite
« on: November 29, 2011, 01:18:55 AM »
Arcane Archer, a rewrite of the core Prestige Class. Ideally, an Arcane Archer should be the Green Arrow, with an arrow for everything. If he doesn't have an arrow for the situation, he gets the writers to make him one (I mean, finds a way to expand his spell list). Of course, I don't know how accurate that picture is since I never read Green Arrow, but the idealized point should still stand, right?
   This version, rather than trying to balance advancing spellcasting with a heavy martial requirement like many AA fixes try, just gives it its own spellcasting progression. This version isn't for mages who want to spruce up their spellcasting with archery (and who would normally take the original only for a 2-level dip anyways to fire AMF arrows or something). Instead, it's for archers who want a little magic in their bows. Hopefully, it should be a good, solid, 10-level class worth taking to the end.
   Imbue Arrow shoves the magic right in, while Spell Volley makes sure that the spellcasting doesn't interfere with what archers normally do, providing ventilation to the internal organs of the soon-to-be-corpses across the room. Seeker Arrow, Phase Arrow, and Arrow of Death are basically unchanged, other than adding more uses and providing some clarifications that similar abilities later on had, although Arrow of Death also gets a bit of a buff through an improved save DC, some extra damage (comparable to what your spells could have done) and the option to paralyze instead of killing. Hail of Arrows also lets you spread your imbued arrows far and wide, which can be very helpful to spread around buff spells, if you so choose. Speaking of which, Imbue Arrow no longer gives you full access to area spells immediately, but starts off as a ranged version of the Duskblade's Arcane Channeling (and upgrades to the full-attack version if you include Hail of Arrows), and lets you employ the few buffs you have at range.
   Note that the spell list only contains spells from the PHB. DMs with access to other sources are encouraged to add additional spells as appropriate. Also, Dex-based spellcasting, because why not? (Also, because it feels right.)
   Oh, and feel free to drop the racial requirement if you feel like it. I only kept it for historical purposes.


Requirements
   Race: Elf or Half-Elf (or a subrace thereof).
   Base Attack Bonus: +6
   Feats: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (any bow).
   Skills: Concentration 2 ranks, Spellcraft 2 ranks

Table: The Arcane Archer      Hit Die: d8
        Base                                                               -----------------Spellcasting-----------------
        Attack    Fort Ref  Will                                           ----Spells per Day---    -----Spells Known----
Level   Bonus     Save Save Save    Special                                1st   2nd   3rd   4th    1st   2nd   3rd   4th
1       +1        +2   +2   +0      Enhance Bow, Toxophilite Mage          0     -     -     -      2*    -     -     -
2       +2        +3   +3   +0      Imbue Arrow (cone, ray, touch)         1     -     -     -      3     -     -     -
3       +3        +3   +3   +1      Spell Volley (single shot)             2     0     -     -      3     2*    -     -
4       +4        +4   +4   +1      Seeker Arrow                           3     1     -     -      4     3     -     -
5       +5        +4   +4   +1      Imbue Arrow (area)                     3     2     0     -      4     3     2*    -
6       +6        +5   +5   +2      Phase Arrow                            3     3     1     -      4     4     3     -
7       +7        +5   +5   +2      Archer's Magic                         3     3     2     0      4     4     3     2*
8       +8        +6   +6   +2      Hail of Arrows                         3     3     3     1      4     4     4     3
9       +9        +6   +6   +3      Spell Volley (full attack)             3     3     3     2      4     4     4     3
10      +10       +7   +7   +3      Arrow of Death                         3     3     3     3      4     4     4     4

*Provided the Arcane Archer has sufficient Dexterity to have a bonus spell of this level.

Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Balance, Climb, Concentration, Craft, Hide, Jump, Listen, Move Silently, Ride, Spellcraft, Spot, Survival, Tumble, Use Rope

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Arcane Archer Spell List
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« Last Edit: May 09, 2012, 06:26:50 PM by Garryl »

Offline veekie

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Re: Yet Another Arcane Archer Rewrite
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2011, 08:38:05 AM »
Hmm....that is a really nifty addition to archery there. Nice thinking.
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