Quote Originally Posted by Ghost Dragon View Post
Well, this feature is basically a direct copy of Eldritch Blast with Agonising blast invocation. I hear what you're saying about it having the same number of attacks, but it is essentially just giving one cantrip with one invocation as a whole feature. I don't know about "completely" redundant, as I've tried to word this that all features are only usable using a bow, and in my opinion the Eldritch Knight is biased towards melee.
I changed its stat to use Wisdom instead of Dexterity so it is definitely caster based and on point buy scores should reduce some damage output. I originally had it as a spell attack, but that meant that it could not use Sharp Shooter feat or Hunter's mark as they specifically state 'Weapon attack'. Would changing it back to a spell attack help in your opinion? I really want to keep this feature due to the look of "conjuring the arrows" (as well as hoping to alleviate the whole "running out of ammo" thing), so for a fix, and taking into account what I've just said, what would you recommend?
You know, I totally didn't see the warlock inspiration. I guess that's just my anti-warlock bias showing. The thing is, EB+AB is one of the best damage-dealing set-ups in the game, and is a major selling point of warlocks as a class.

Keying it off Wis is not a severe nerf, because that's a ranger's second stat anyway. I agree with keeping it as a weapon attack. I support your efforts to eliminate ammo tracking (and I say this as a huge Dwarf Fortress fan). Force damage fits the fluff (and is a highly desirable damage type). My problem is that no other half-caster has anything close to this level of at-will damage. They've already got flexibility, durability and nova damage; they can't be good at everything.

Ok, the EK can use melee weapons. But would you play one if arcane archer was on the table? That's part of the reason I suggested doing it as a PrC - Eldritch Knight / Arcane Archer would be a sensible multiclass.

As for amending it in its current form, I would recommend dropping the extra attacks in favour of d12 damage dice. That gives you a small boost (and compensates for the fact you can't use crossbows), without going overboard. Perhaps incorporate something similar to Guidance on the attack rolls. If you feel like you need a 17th level feature, maybe crank the damage up to 3d4 or something. Or let it stack with Enhance Arrows.

Quote Originally Posted by Ghost Dragon View Post
Intentionally that way, trying not to step on Wizard toes in terms of broad utility and flexibility (plus the original PrC seemed aimed at aiding damaging spells to be put into arrow attacks and didn't have any defensive features). Eldritch Knight isn't much better in terms of only damage stuff (I did try and put some defensive and utility spells in there, mage armor, shield, misty step, fly, mirror image, Rary's telepathic bond etc) but I see what you are saying. I was actually trying to allow the spells selection to be the difference in terms of defensive options for the subclass by spell selection. With eight spells per level one could skip damage spells at almost every level when choosing their arcane spells. If you could suggest any others that might replace some that would make it more "peaceful" that would be good. I was looking at them and thinking of the Hunter as reference knowing it has defensive features in there but I was just trying to fit in what I had in my head and what's on the original PrC. Any suggestions?
The offensiveness isn't a huge problem - the hunter isn't much better. I can't think of anything offhand... maybe someone else will come up with something.