Elf Wiziard / Arcane Archer

[bsquishwizzy]

Ok, I was originally looking at Ranger / Wizard for a toon I'm going to TR soon. I'm also considering going Wizard \ Ranger as well (with a majority of the levels in Wizard). My thought here is to run up the Elf Tree to get AA, grab Grace and Skill (Aereanal), and put remaining points into PM and a few into EK. I'd get Wraith form around 18, but the Character Planner seems a little murky when it comes to opening up the Elven AA tree. So I'm running a little blind here. The AA tree that comes up says "Ranger", so I'm not sure it applies to what I want to do.

I'm considering Wizard 16 \ Ranger 3 \ Fighter 1 and Wizard 16 \ Ranger 4 (4 levels of ranger for the BAB needed for a relatively early Multishot). Any advice outside of "don't do it?"

I'm also open to looking into other Elf Ranger splits aside from Ranger \ Rogue, and Ranger \ Barb which I'm either doing, or have already done. However, in that case, I'd like Ranger to be the predominant class in the mix, and I'd like the bow to be main weapon. No monk builds please, as those are fairly easy to look up.

[TheGuyYouKnow]

are you looking to get useful DC with wizard? or buffs and dots
is bow going to be your main damage? or just for manyshot
do you have harper tree?
do you want evasion or full plate with ek/elf ASF reduction

[unbongwah]

If you have Harper, then I think the more obvious choice is elf wiz 18 / ftr 2: INT-based PM / AA hybrid. Caster DCs & Spell Pen will suffer a bit, but you get the fun of Manyshot+IPS. You also gain med/hvy armor prof free for added PRR/MRR; max Arcane Fluidity to reduce ASF, ofc.

Stats: CON 12-ish, enough DEX to meet feat pre-reqs w/tome (best case:base DEX 15 + 6 tome), rest into INT
Leveling order: Ftr 1 is taken whenever you need the extra feat and/or +1 BAB. Ftr 2 is taken at lvl 20 so you have the BAB for IPS. For simplicity's sake, let's assume wiz 1, ftr 1, wiz 2-18, ftr 2. [You could take MS @ lvl 11 if you did wiz 1-10, ftr 1, wiz 11-18, ftr 2, but then you just delay something else until lvl 12.]
Feats (regular): PBS (1), Prec Shot (3), Precision (6), Insightful Reflexes (9), Manyshot (12), IC:Ranged (15), <whatever> (18), Overwhelming Crit (21), Combat Archery (24)
Feats (ftr): Rapid Shot (ftr 1 @ lvl 2), IPS (ftr 2 @ lvl 20)
Feats (wiz): the usual metamagics
Enhancements: 14 APs elf (AA unlock), 12 APs Harper (KtA, Strategic Combat), at least 21 APs PM (wraith form). After that, it's a question of whether you want Slaying Arrow (in which case everything else goes into AA); or you want more caster buffs (e.g., T5 PM, lich form, maybe Evo Archmage for MM spam).

It's still far from ideal, but I presume you knew that going in.

[bsquishwizzy]

are you looking to get useful DC with wizard? or buffs and dots
is bow going to be your main damage? or just for manyshot
do you have harper tree?
do you want evasion or full plate with ek/elf ASF reduction

Spell pen would be thrown on the scrap heap. Being utterly reliant on DCs is not in the game plan.

I'd probably go medium armor, and invest in Dodge.

[bsquishwizzy]

If you have Harper, then I think the more obvious choice is elf wiz 18 / ftr 2: INT-based PM / AA hybrid. Caster DCs & Spell Pen will suffer a bit, but you get the fun of Manyshot+IPS. You also gain med/hvy armor prof free for added PRR/MRR; max Arcane Fluidity to reduce ASF, ofc.

Stats: CON 12-ish, enough DEX to meet feat pre-reqs w/tome (best case:base DEX 15 + 6 tome), rest into INT
Leveling order: Ftr 1 is taken whenever you need the extra feat and/or +1 BAB. Ftr 2 is taken at lvl 20 so you have the BAB for IPS. For simplicity's sake, let's assume wiz 1, ftr 1, wiz 2-18, ftr 2. [You could take MS @ lvl 11 if you did wiz 1-10, ftr 1, wiz 11-18, ftr 2, but then you just delay something else until lvl 12.]
Feats (regular): PBS (1), Prec Shot (3), Precision (6), Insightful Reflexes (9), Manyshot (12), IC:Ranged (15), <whatever> (18), Overwhelming Crit (21), Combat Archery (24)
Feats (ftr): Rapid Shot (ftr 1 @ lvl 2), IPS (ftr 2 @ lvl 20)
Feats (wiz): the usual metamagics
Enhancements: 14 APs elf (AA unlock), 12 APs Harper (KtA, Strategic Combat), at least 21 APs PM (wraith form). After that, it's a question of whether you want Slaying Arrow (in which case everything else goes into AA); or you want more caster buffs (e.g., T5 PM, lich form, maybe Evo Archmage for MM spam).

It's still far from ideal, but I presume you knew that going in.

This actually sounds like a semi-decent plan. Now that I’ve got details, I guess what I’m targeting is: Multishot, Shot on the Run, and Paralyzing Arrows from Elf / AA. My initial thought was that I’d take in 3 levels of Ranger for TWF, Rapid Shot, and something else (I can’t remember at the moment). Plus, 3 levels of Ranger got me 2 more BAB, which got me to Multishot earlier. So, the question is: if I go 2 levels of fighter instead, do I scrap TWF and go Sword and Board? Or do I try to fit that in?

And, if I go this route, Slaying Arrow seems sorta weaksauce when I have FoD, Wail, DoTs, and so on. But paralyzing in heroics is nice to have because of the range I can apply it.

[unbongwah]

And, if I go this route, Slaying Arrow seems sorta weaksauce when I have FoD, Wail, DoTs, and so on. But paralyzing in heroics is nice to have because of the range I can apply it.

So: 14 APs elf, 23 APs AA, 12 APs Harper, rest into PM?

[Enoach]

I have an Elf Ftr/Mnk/Wiz 8/6/6. Its my anti-Ranger EK/AA Monkarcher.

Now for me the Wizard levels are more for the buffs and use of the EK Tree for Improved Shield and Mage Armor. Also for the 2nd Core of a single elemental damage stance which adds a little bit to the damage, nice also at lower levels.

I do like the above Harper option and I'm going to keep that in mind if/when 10K and Manyshot will not work together.

[bsquishwizzy]

So: 14 APs elf, 23 APs AA, 12 APs Harper, rest into PM?

Sounds like a plan.

[unbongwah]

Shot on the Run isn't worth the 3-feat cost; besides, as you can see, almost all of your heroic & epic feats are taken up with better ranged DPS feats.

[bsquishwizzy]

Shot on the Run isn't worth the 3-feat cost; besides, as you can see, almost all of your heroic & epic feats are taken up with better ranged DPS feats.

Ok.

[unbongwah]

Let's give this a shot...

Lich Archer
18/2 Wizard/Fighter
True Neutral Elf


Level Order

1. Wizard . . . . .6. Wizard. . . . .11. Wizard . . . . 16. Wizard
2. Fighter. . . . .7. Wizard. . . . .12. Wizard . . . . 17. Wizard
3. Wizard . . . . .8. Wizard. . . . .13. Wizard . . . . 18. Wizard
4. Wizard . . . . .9. Wizard. . . . .14. Wizard . . . . 19. Wizard
5. Wizard . . . . 10. Wizard. . . . .15. Wizard . . . . 20. Fighter


Stats
. . . . . . . .34pt. . .36pt . . Tome. . .Level Up
. . . . . . . .----. . .---- . . ----. . .--------
Strength. . . . .8 . . . .8. . . . . . . . 4: INT
Dexterity . . . 15 . . . 15. . . .+6 . . . 8: INT
Constitution. . 15 . . . 15. . . . . . . .12: INT
Intelligence. . 18 . . . 18. . . . . . . .16: INT
Wisdom. . . . . .8 . . . .8. . . . . . . .20: INT
Charisma. . . . .8 . . . 10. . . . . . . .24: INT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28: INT

Feats

.1. . . . : Point Blank Shot
.1 Wizard : Maximize Spell
.2 Fighter: Rapid Shot
.3. . . . : Precise Shot
.6. . . . : Precision
.6 Wizard : Quicken Spell
.9. . . . : Insightful Reflexes
11 Wizard : Heighten Spell
12. . . . : Manyshot
15. . . . : Improved Critical: Ranged
16 Wizard : Spell Focus: Necromancy
18. . . . : Greater Spell Focus: Necromancy
20 Fighter: Improved Precise Shot
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Combat Archery
26 Destiny: Epic Spell Power: Negative
27 Epic . : Epic Reflexes
28 Destiny: Hellball


Enhancements (80 AP)

Elf (14 AP)

Elven Accuracy
Aerenal Weapon Training, Arcane Fluidity III
Aerenal Weapon Training, Arcanum I
Arcane Archer

Pale Master (31 AP)

Dark Reaping, Zombie Form, Vampire Form, Wraith Form, Lich Form
Spell Critical, Negative Energy Conduit III
Efficient Maximize III, Spell Critical, Bone Armor III
Cloak of Night II, Spell Critical, Intelligence
Spell Critical, Intelligence

Elf-Arcane Archer (23 AP)

Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows, Metalline Arrows
Conjure Arrows, Energy of the Wild II
Force Arrows II
Shattermantle Shot I, Terror Arrows III, Soul Magic
Paralyzing Arrows III

Harper Agent (12 AP)

Agent of Good I
Harper Enchantment, Strategic Combat
Versatile Adept II, Know the Angles III
Strategic Combat


Destiny (24 AP)

Shirardi Champion

Wild Shots III, Healing Spring II
Prism, Pin II, Fey Spring I, Fey Form I
Rainbow, Otto's Whistler II
Double Rainbow
Stand and Deliver, Nerve Venom III
Rain of Arrows

Twists of Fate (18 fate points)

Energy Burst: Electricity (Tier 4 Draconic)
School Specialist: Necromancy (Tier 2 Magister)
Brace for Impact (Tier 1 Sentinel)

I'm still not convinced this is a good idea, but at least the pieces all fit, I think. I would probably level as a conventional Palemaster and only add archery at higher lvls.

Naturally, if you don't have a +6 DEX tome, you'll have to shift build pts from CON to DEX to make up the difference.

[bsquishwizzy]

Let's give this a shot...
I'm still not convinced this is a good idea, but at least the pieces all fit, I think. I would probably level as a conventional Palemaster and only add archery at higher lvls.

Naturally, if you don't have a +6 DEX tome, you'll have to shift build pts from CON to DEX to make up the difference.

Well, here’s the deal: I already got a pure PM, a pure Sorc, and an EK in my stable. Plus I’ve done the AM thing. What I generally want a ranged toon – ideally a Ranger - that doesn’t go the typical Monkcher path.

As far as Rangers go, I’ve done pure, Ranger / Rogue, and Ranger / Barb. It USED to be something with the original form of Slaying arrows. Now? A bow-based Ranger is a bit of a snooze fest. So I thought I’d add a little teeth and throw wizard in there somehow.

So…I can get some of the flavor of Ranger if I go Elf AA, and still focus on Ranged combat. Plus, I get to play with the Elf AA line which I’ve never worked with before.

So I’ll give this a whirl. Thanks.

[Buffyanne]

I think you are much better served going rogue instead of ranger with the changes to mechanic. You are going to be a much better great xbow user relying on INT. APs might be tight as you have to go elf, AA, harper, PM, mechanic and assassin. Then again I would want 18 Rogue levels for best results. Something to take a look at though, xbows are much better than regular bows atm.

[bsquishwizzy]

I think you are much better served going rogue instead of ranger with the changes to mechanic. You are going to be a much better great xbow user relying on INT. APs might be tight as you have to go elf, AA, harper, PM, mechanic and assassin. Then again I would want 18 Rogue levels for best results. Something to take a look at though, xbows are much better than regular bows atm.

How does an XBow overall compare to a Longbow w/ Multishot?

[Buffyanne]

How does an XBow overall compare to a Longbow w/ Multishot?

Well xbows are really good since the last update. They fire much faster and the Mechanic tree has tons of things in it that enhance xbows. And of course you can use AA stuff for xbows as well. Great xbows are really nice now, and you can get great xbow proficiency with only 1 AP spent in the Mechanic tree. There are of course a lot more named longbows than xbows in the game, but for a ranged character the xbow is much better right now since the last update, unless you plan on running in fury of the wild and using furyshot.

[Imercius_Argonesson]

With the suggestion of crossbow, would you invest more points into rogue to unlock more of the enhancement tree or stick to 18/2 split for evasion, trapping and still many wizard levels.

Also what if you have no large dex tome? I have +2 in all. 2 wiz lives and sorc life (random first life). I usually level pale trapper. But find it struggles in reaper.

I would love to level heroic using low skull reaper, I have the Harper tree and wandered about elf arcane archer. Using wiz for buffs, cc and possibly some insta kill or air/dots on appropriate mobs. Otherwise bow related dps for bosses and most mobs.

Doe crossbow require less dex to be effective?

From what I figure no +5 or +6 time means I wouldn't meet requirement for improved precise shot without significant dex investment and level up. So what if I skipped and put more into con and wis. Also do rapid shot and rapid reload stack?

Crossbow would be point blank, precise shot, rapid reload, rapid shot
Then insightful reflex, wiz pl, maximise, extend and heighten.

Use Harper for int hit and DMG. Ek for shield and armour.
Elf for arcane archer.
Then rest in arcane archer/archmage or pm?
Lich would be good for extra con and intended plus further per/mrr.

Does this sound reasonable?
My focus is soloable hence I have always taken trap skills. And I would like to start reaper low skull levels at heroic.

[Imercius_Argonesson]

With the suggestion of crossbow, would you invest more points into rogue to unlock more of the enhancement tree or stick to 18/2 split for evasion, trapping and still many wizard levels.

Also what if you have no large dex tome? I have +2 in all. 2 wiz lives and sorc life (random first life). I usually level pale trapper. But find it struggles in reaper.

I would love to level heroic using low skull reaper, I have the Harper tree and wandered about elf arcane archer. Using wiz for buffs, cc and possibly some insta kill or air/dots on appropriate mobs. Otherwise bow related dps for bosses and most mobs.

Doe crossbow require less dex to be effective?

From what I figure no +5 or +6 time means I wouldn't meet requirement for improved precise shot without significant dex investment and level up. So what if I skipped and put more into con and wis. Also do rapid shot and rapid reload stack?

Crossbow would be point blank, precise shot, rapid reload, rapid shot
Then insightful reflex, wiz pl, maximise, extend and heighten.

Use Harper for int hit and DMG. Ek for shield and armour.
Elf for arcane archer.
Then rest in arcane archer/archmage or pm?
Lich would be good for extra con and intended plus further per/mrr.

Does this sound reasonable?
My focus is soloable hence I have always taken trap skills. And I would like to start reaper low skull levels at heroic.

Ap would need to be
Elf 11
Arcane archer 21(paralysing shot)
Harper 11 for.int hit and DMG
Palemaster 35 for lich
So would have to skip archmage and eldritch knight.
Unless skipped getting lich and stop at wraith form.

[Coffey]

Just to save people from disappointment, since update 36 shortbow and longbow only work with arcane archery trees. Any other weapon equipped turns the imbue toggle off.

[lukamaro]

Ok, I was originally looking at Ranger / Wizard for a toon I'm going to TR soon. I'm also considering going Wizard \ Ranger as well (with a majority of the levels in Wizard). My thought here is to run up the Elf Tree to get AA, grab Grace and Skill (Aereanal), and put remaining points into PM and a few into EK. I'd get Wraith form around 18, but the Character Planner seems a little murky when it comes to opening up the Elven AA tree. So I'm running a little blind here. The AA tree that comes up says "Ranger", so I'm not sure it applies to what I want to do.

I'm considering Wizard 16 \ Ranger 3 \ Fighter 1 and Wizard 16 \ Ranger 4 (4 levels of ranger for the BAB needed for a relatively early Multishot). Any advice outside of "don't do it?"

I'm also open to looking into other Elf Ranger splits aside from Ranger \ Rogue, and Ranger \ Barb which I'm either doing, or have already done. However, in that case, I'd like Ranger to be the predominant class in the mix, and I'd like the bow to be main weapon. No monk builds please, as those are fairly easy to look up.

going off past play of a true Arcane Archer, Wiz/Ranger, i suggest 14 wizard and 6 ranger.
max your spell power and stick with one element and get all the extra die in AA tree.
Use one of the bonus wiz feats for enchantment.
Now bear in mind, add a touch to Dex and you can also splash Rogue.
If your starting wis and int is 16, with current gear and enhancements you can boost this and you will proc most of the time on the DC arrows and spells.
If you drop the CC idea and go damage you can dump wis and put it all in int and tap into harpers tree.
Do this and you will see average dmg of around 10k a pull on the bow when in manyshot and 1-3k on normal shots.
Doubleshot is your friend. big time. when not in manyshot having 50+ doubleshot will almost guarantee multiple arrows
Run with IPS and you can clear a room real fast.
Then you have all the Wiz spells to play with on top of that. Buffs, CC, AOE evocation and InstaKills.
If you use wiz for the buffs and not offense, think about adding monk and 10k stars.
a 9 monk, 6 ranger, 5 wiz with HIGH WIS will destroy anything that moves while you run with perma haste and displace.
With haste, quickdraw and quicken, you can almost fit a spell in between every pull on the bow without a hitch. very small delay on that atm. Sorc might be able to pull it off better.
Lots of ways to go with ranger wiz, as we didnt even touch the idea of a vampire tempest.
All in all its a fun build to mess around with and works well in reaper and epics.