Another Person looking for help on a build

[ZeKillaOfDoom]

So I have a level 5 ranger, looking to make an arcane archer. I was planning on a one level dip in arcane spellcasting for my requirements. Need to be able to cast level 1 arcane spells, and need a bab of +6 (currently 5). I was thinking Duskblade might be a good one, but their spells frankly aren't all that impressive though the armored mage thing is nice.
Anyone have some advice?

[Xerlith]

Well... It seems it'd be better if you told us why you want to be an Arcane Archer.
Since the class doesn't progress spellcasting, there's little difference in what class you'll use to qualify. Your 2nd level ability (Imbue Arrow) will be lost anyway, since you don't get access to most of the spells that could prove useful with it.

Frankly, if you want to make an archer with a touch of magic, you'll be better off going Consecrated Harrier, Justice of Weald and Woe, Assassin or even a straight Ranger.

If you want to be a master archer, you can go volley route with Scout4/Ranger X Swift Hunter...

Et caetera, et caetera.

As for the actual class, I would advise Trapsmith. It gives 3 levels of spells through 5 levels of the class, with Haste being a 1st level spell for them.

Hell, I would go Ranger5/Trapsmith1/Swiftblade7/Arcane Archer2

Completely unoptimized.
But oh what fun.

Also, CaptnQ made a thing. (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=5044.msg197446#msg197446) Use it.

[ZeKillaOfDoom]

Firstly, thanks for the post. . . Been trying to make a decentish archer for a long time, but there's not as much you can do with them.
Secondly, I was in a campaign with evil characters. . . Being good, this didn't quite gel together too well. It came to a head this last session. It was one of the best experiences I've had in D&D. I ended up betraying them with all of the guys they were planning to kill in the room. So it was the DM and I against three others! Ended up killing off one of my fellow pc's (he had made an aweful character and was waiting to die). Fantastic.
Long and short, my character's dead. :)
Lastly, great link!
P.S. I generally don't play for optimization, I like to make effective, but flawed characters. . . Makes the game more fun. :)
-Killa

[gorfnab]

Firstly, thanks for the post. . . Been trying to make a decentish archer for a long time, but there's not as much you can do with them.

There is a lot of things you can do with archery based builds if you have the right references and materials.
The Archery Handbook (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=2892)
Toxophilite - The Archery Handbook (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?269705-Toxophilite-The-Archery-Handbook)
KSB Snow Owl's Archer Build Thread (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=194)
Piggy Knowles' Archer Build Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?284283-Piggy-Knowles-Archer-Build-Thread)
Swift Hunter Handbook (http://www.brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=103.0)

What books do you have available? What is your current build? How much rework can be done to your character or are you stuck with what you have so far?

[ZeKillaOfDoom]

Ummm, we use most books, no settings, but generally anything. I personally like to stick to core, complete, and a few others. Those are some seriously good links. Wish I hade found those sooner.
As I said. . . . Character's dead. No hope of resurrection :(.
I will be revisiting an archer again, but for now I'm on to sorcerer!
Thank you for the help!
-Killa