Swift Hunter tips + archery

[Curmudgeon]

is having splitting on every dagger I have a viable choice?

No, that's not legal at all. Splitting has a restriction:

must be a bow, crossbow, arrow, or bolt

[Optimator]

I always liked the Wounding enhancement on bows. Especially for a greater many shot-using Swift Hunter.

[Kansaschaser]

How do you get past the restriction in Manyshot?
Only the first arrow gets precision damage... see below.

Look in the Expanded Psionics Handbook. There is a feat in there called Greater Manyshot. It allows you to do precision based damage on every arrow fired, instead of just one of the arrows.

[Person_Man]

Ranger 17 is generally taken for the yummy Hide in Plain Sight. Then again, it comes late and Stalker of Kharesh gets it much earlier. And Favored Enemy: Evil, which is just good.

I too am a fan of Stalker of Kharesh. If you do your progression right, you end up getting +10 vs. all Evil enemies. It's particularly nice when combined with the Wise to Your Ways feat (Ghostwalk - 3.0 material) which gives you your Favored Enemy bonus to most Saves against your Favored Enemy.

More importantly, it lets you pick 4 non-Evil enemies for your other Favored Enemies (constructs, elementals, etc), which allows your Skirmish damage to apply to pretty much everyone.

[Darrin]

(Ghostwalk - 3.0 material)

Ghostwalk did get a 3.5 update.

(It wasn't a very thorough update, mind you... keep your filthy hands off my bargain-priced Gloves of Stori-- I mean, Gloves of the Master Strategist.)

[Eldariel]

More importantly, it lets you pick 4 non-Evil enemies for your other Favored Enemies (constructs, elementals, etc), which allows your Skirmish damage to apply to pretty much everyone.

The huge advantage I find with FE: Evil is that it bypasses most of the annoying higher level NPCs (BBEG, high-level lieutenants, any other hostile organizations you may clash with) with Fortifications Armor, magical protection or similar that you wouldn't be bypassing otherwise unless you happened to guess the race correctly (god forbid you face such foes of different races). In general, things that lack native critical protection but have it from another source.

Outsiders, Humans or Dragons, chances are it's going to be Evil anyways so you get free bypass on those defenses. And since Undead are categorically Evil, it covers that too. I like Nemesis: Evil for the free Evildar and extra 1d6 you get with it.

[Eisirt]

Other magic items:
Goggles of Sniper’s Shot (8,000gp) – Allows you to use precision based damage at any range.
Headband of Arrow Mind (8,000gp) – Allows you to threaten with a bow and you do not provoke attacks of opportunity when shooting with a bow.
Armbands of Guided Shot (8,000gp) – Your ranged attacks do not take a penalty due to distance.

Anyone have an idea on where these items come from, haven't found them in the MIC or any of the books I have.

[The Random NPC]

Those seem to be custom magic items, Arrow Mind and Sniper's Shot are spells in the Spell Compendium if i recall correctly.

[SylvanPrincess]

More generally, I'm curious about interesting archer builds,

had a recent thought about swifthunter archer. the psionic ranger variant from DSP in a swift hunter build would be awesome because it selects powers from the psychic warrior list. animal afinity, psionic lions charge, etc (both good for a 2 weapon fighter. i think a psionic swift hunter with greater manyshot would be awesome, dealing precision based damaged to each target for each arrow.

thoughts?

[Coidzor]

What psychic warrior powers are especially valuable to an archer? I think there's skate for better move speed (for improved kiting ability, potentially, but probably not that useful usually) and expansion offhand, with expansion just being useful for becoming a bigger target and having higher base damage dice at the cost of a double penalty to one's ability to hit... If one can threaten with the bow though, that does give reach to aid in preventing others from reaching one's self.

So I think I need my memory refreshed.

Edit: Hustle is, of course, always nice...

[SylvanPrincess]

What psychic warrior powers are especially valuable to an archer? I think there's skate for better move speed (for improved kiting ability, potentially, but probably not that useful usually) and expansion offhand, with expansion just being useful for becoming a bigger target and having higher base damage dice at the cost of a double penalty to one's ability to hit... If one can threaten with the bow though, that does give reach to aid in preventing others from reaching one's self.

So I think I need my memory refreshed.

Edit: Hustle is, of course, always nice...

i admit, it seems a better option for two weapon fighting. however, some feats like up the walls work great in a skirmish build. vampiric blade would be awesome if it could be applied to a bow + greater many shot. there are bunch of good defensive abilities, but generally youre right, bow isnt as good. still, a psionic swifthunter would be cool

[Forged Fury]

I put together a kalashtar swift hunter/seer, using Expanded Knowledge to pick up Dimension Hop. Good powers to enhance scouting and Dimension Hop was ruled to qualify for skirmish. Since I was already taking the BAB hit, I took Seer to 5th level. Dimension Hop can also be augmented to enable Improved Skirmish to activate. The kalashtar's racial power point boost also helps fuel the ability.

Not as effective as many true Swift Hunter combos, but I thought it was pretty appropriate for a Kalashtar swift hunter.

[Kansaschaser]

Anyone have an idea on where these items come from, haven't found them in the MIC or any of the books I have.

They are indeed custom magic items. They are all based on the spells in the name of the item.

Goggles of Sniper’s Shot (8,000gp) - Sniper's Shot (Sorcerer/Wizard 1st, Spell Compendium)
Headband of Arrow Mind (8,000gp) - Arrow Mind (Sorcerer/Wizard 1st, Spell Compendium)
Armbands of Guided Shot (8,000gp) - Guided Shot (Sorcerer/Wizard 1st, Spell Compendium)

You could put some of these effects on the same item. If you add two of the effects together, the cost would be 24,000. Example: Sniper Shot and Guided Shot on the same bracer would be 24,000. If you add all three together on the same item, the cost would be 32,000. Depending on your DM's ruleing, it may cost a little more if the spell does not fit the slot.

[true_shinken]

They are indeed custom magic items. They are all based on the spells in the name of the item.

Psst, those are guidelines, not rules.
Meaning if such an item is possible, it will cost as much as the DM feels like.

[Kansaschaser]

Psst, those are guidelines, not rules.
Meaning if such an item is possible, it will cost as much as the DM feels like.

Well, these prices are based on the item creation rules in the DMG. If your DM uses different rules, then these prices are not accurate. Please check with your DM before buying these items.

[ffone]

Well, these prices are based on the item creation rules in the DMG. If your DM uses different rules, then these prices are not accurate. Please check with your DM before buying these items.

Again - they are not rules (or entitlements), they are guidelines.

[Kansaschaser]

Again - they are not rules (or entitlements), they are guidelines.

They look like rules to me. I consider most of the stuff listed in the Players Handbook and the Dungeon Masters Guide to be rules unless they have a sidebar that says "optional" or something.

And since you don't consider them "rules (or entitlements)", what do you think the cost of these items should be? Any archer and/or ranged skirmisher I build typically purchase these items.

[Curmudgeon]

They look like rules to me. I consider most of the stuff listed in the Players Handbook and the Dungeon Masters Guide to be rules unless they have a sidebar that says "optional" or something.

Here's the sidebar (from DMG page 282):

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: MAGIC ITEM GOLD PIECE VALUES
Many factors must be considered when determining the price of magic items you invent. The easiest way to come up with a price is to match the new item to an item priced in this chapter and use its price as a guide. Otherwise, use the guidelines summarized on Table 7–33: Estimating Magic Item Gold Piece Values.

So: those table prices are only guidelines, and aren't considered before the primary cost determining factor: matching to existing items with similar capabilities.

[Siosilvar]

They look like rules to me. I consider most of the stuff listed in the Players Handbook and the Dungeon Masters Guide to be rules unless they have a sidebar that says "optional" or something.

And since you don't consider them "rules (or entitlements)", what do you think the cost of these items should be? Any archer and/or ranged skirmisher I build typically purchase these items.

VARIANT: NEW MAGIC ITEMS
In the same way that you can invent new spells and monsters for your campaign, you can invent new magic items. In the same way that a PC spellcaster can research a new spell, a PC may be able to invent a new kind of magic item. And just as you have to be careful about new spells, you need to be careful with new magic items.

Use the magic item descriptions in this chapter as examples on which to base new magic items. A new magic item needs all the information that similar, existing magic items have, possibly including activation type, activation time, and caster level. You should also be ready to determine the market value of a new magic item, even one that the PCs simply find, in case a character wants to sell or duplicate it.

Behind the Curtain: Magic Item Gold Piece Values
Many factors must be considered when determining the price of magic items you invent. The easiest way to come up with a price is to match the new item to an item priced in this chapter and use its price as a guide. Otherwise, use the guidelines summarized on Table 7-33: Estimating Magic Item Gold Piece Values.

Table 7-33: Estimating Magic Item Gold Piece Values

That enough for you? (underlines added)

Let me find my copy of the SpC to see if the 8000 is a decent price...

[Kansaschaser]

Here's the sidebar (from DMG page 282): So: those table prices are only guidelines, and aren't considered before the primary cost determining factor: matching to existing items with similar capabilities.

The price I quoted is the price as layed out by the rules/guidelines/options (or whatever you want to call them).

If you think they should be different, then let me know what YOU think the price should be. These items are a "must have" for most ranged characters.

[Curmudgeon]

If you think they should be different, then let me know what YOU think the price should be. These items are a "must have" for most ranged characters.

How are the ranged characters supposed to be making these items? They don't exist in any of the standard WotC books, so they require the Craft Wondrous Item feat to make.

[Siosilvar]

Goggles of Sniper’s Shot (8,000gp) – Allows you to use precision based damage at any range.

Headband of Arrow Mind (8,000gp) – Allows you to threaten with a bow and you do not provoke attacks of opportunity when shooting with a bow.

Armbands of Guided Shot (8,000gp) – Your ranged attacks do not take a penalty due to distance.

Guided Shot not only ignores distance, but gives you the effect of Improved Precise Shot, a feat with 11th level prerequisites.

So, the prices I'd suggest:
Continuous Sniper's Shot: 8,000gp
Continuous Arrow Mind: ...however much Gloves of Storing cost, and then a little bit. You get the same effect (attack both melee and ranged at will or close to will) but don't have to spend a swift action or enchant two weapons.
Continuous Guided Shot: 25,000gp (or less, depending on how much IPS is worth to you)
[hr]
EDIT:

How are the ranged characters supposed to be making these items? They don't exist in any of the standard WotC books, so they require the Craft Wondrous Item feat to make.

By being a 6th-level Ranger or having their Sor/Wiz friend make it, I imagine.

[Kansaschaser]

How are the ranged characters supposed to be making these items? They don't exist in any of the standard WotC books, so they require the Craft Wondrous Item feat to make.

Yes, most magic items require the appropriate item creation feat, but that gose without saying.

Continuous Use Item
Spell Level (1st) x Caster Level (1st) x 2,000 gold = 2,000 gold.

If a continuous item has an effect based on a spell with a duration measured in rounds, multiply the cost by 4.

TOTAL COST = 8,000 gold

See, it's very simple to figure out the cost according to the "guidelines/rules/options". If your DM strays too far from this formula, you might as well go through the DMG and the Magic Item Compendium and re-write all the prices since the pre-made items pretty much follow these "guidelines/rules/options".

If your DM will not allow these three magic items, you might do well to get Scrolls, Wands, or Staffs with the spells Arrow Mind, Guided Shot, and Sniper Shot.

[Greenish]

Continuous Use Item
Spell Level (1st) x Caster Level (1st) x 2,000 gold = 2,000 gold.

If a continuous item has an effect based on a spell with a duration measured in rounds, multiply the cost by 4.

TOTAL COST = 8,000 gold

Psst, Arrow Mind has minutes/level duration.

[Kansaschaser]

Guided Shot not only ignores distance, but gives you the effect of Improved Precise Shot, a feat with 11th level prerequisites.

So, the prices I'd suggest:
Continuous Sniper's Shot: 8,000gp
Continuous Arrow Mind: ...however much Gloves of Storing cost, and then a little bit. You get the same effect (attack both melee and ranged at will or close to will) but don't have to spend a swift action or enchant two weapons.
Continuous Guided Shot: 25,000gp (or less, depending on how much IPS is worth to you)
<hr>
EDIT:


By being a 6th-level Ranger or having their Sor/Wiz friend make it, I imagine.

Wow, if you were my DM, I'd just get some scrolls or something. That's way too expensive. Or I would just dip one or two levels of Wizard/Sorcerer since they are all 1st level spells. Jeeze!

[Siosilvar]

Wow, if you were my DM, I'd just get some scrolls or something. That's way too expensive. Or I would just dip one or two levels of Wizard/Sorcerer since they are all 1st level spells. Jeeze!

Sniper's Shot is fine, Arrow Mind is priced using a similar item.

Guided Shot I just guessed at, but an 11th level ability with other benefits isn't going to be cheap.

[Kansaschaser]

Psst, Arrow Mind has minutes/level duration.

If Arrow Mind has minutes per level, then it would be even cheaper. It would only be 4,000 gold, not 8,000.

[Kansaschaser]

Sniper's Shot is fine, Arrow Mind is priced using a similar item.

Guided Shot I just guessed at, but an 11th level ability with other benefits isn't going to be cheap.

If your DM is like Siosilvar, then dip into two levels of Specialist Wizard (Divination) since they are all divination spells. You would need an intelligence of at least 11. Get a ring of Wizardry I. You can then memorize each spell 3 times per day, and that's without a high intelligence bonus. If your Intelligence is higher, you can then memorize more as needed.

If you have a lower intelligence, then pick up Sorcerer instead. Again, 11 charisma needed and you're good to go.

Don't forget that you can also make scrolls and/or potions of each spell. It wouldn't cost much to make a scroll or potion of each of these spells.

[Siosilvar]

If your DM is like Siosilvar,

That was uncalled for.

EDIT: Though the idea is fine... you're using 2 levels and 20,000gp to avoid spending twice that for the same effects but constant. Who's too expensive now? You only get 20 levels in your career (and usually not even that).

[Greenish]

Wow, if you were my DM, I'd just get some scrolls or something. That's way too expensive. Or I would just dip one or two levels of Wizard/Sorcerer since they are all 1st level spells. Jeeze!

And then you'd pay in actions. They're all swift/immediate, so you can only use one of them per turn, and Sniper's Shot and Guided Shot only last one round, so you couldn't benefit from both (unless you're RKV or similar).

Then you could, as a focused diviner, cast them a grand total of 4 times a day.


By the by, were there any spells with duration of 1 round (not round/level) around when the guidelines were written? It seems the former should sport a larger cost multiplier.

[Edit]:

Don't forget that you can also make scrolls and/or potions of each spell. It wouldn't cost much to make a scroll or potion of each of these spells.

Potions are standard action to drink. Scrolls are standard actions to read. Making a 1 round duration spell into either would be silly.