DM Q&A: Class: Arcane Archer

[Elaugzar]

Ok... this is a very general question.

What rules and restrictions and stuff for the arcane archer class...

Also i was wondering if you have to be a wizard/sorc on FRC to be able to play an arcane archer. I have a Ranger/Rogue character that i was considering putting levels in AA on...

Last time i was on FRC a dm told me i was able to take levels in AA without wiz/sorc..

[Munroe]

The arcane archer class has a requirement of being able to cast arcane spells. A rogue/ranger can't cast arcane spells so wouldn't be able to multi-class as arcane archer. This is not our rule, it's built into the game. Only wizards, sorcerors, and bards cast arcane spells in NWN. I'm not sure how it is implimented in NWN, but in the Dungeon Master's Guide the requirement is being able to cast 1st level arcane spells. Bards don't get 1st level arcane spells until level 2 if I remember correctly.

Other than that, arcane archer is limited by race (only elves and half-elves may become arcane archers). This is, again, built into NWN already. This is because the arcane archer class is an elven cultural construct. As such, I would definitely encourage anyone playing an arcane archer to roleplay being strongly influenced by their elven cultural heritage. By that I basically mean too frequently elves are played like petite humans but an arcane archer should have some definite ties to his elven background since he has a class that is tied to the elven culture.

[marklar]

you must be able to cast 1st circle arcane spells in nwn also...

i have a question about the AA myself. an AA seems to me a mixture of weapon master and a wizard. but does the AA power come more from expertice with the bow, or the arcane powers? i RP that it's mainly the arcane so i try to RP marklar as a studier of arcane more so then practicing for hours with his bow.

I know this is an opinion question and I should have posted this under another thread. But what do i care? I AM HIGH!!!

[Quadhund/Greenhouse]

The way I look at it:
The attack bonus increase is from your effectiveness from constant use with a bow. And the extra damage that is added to your arrows is from increased focus of the arcane nature on your arrows.