Here is my most recent build:
Assassin | NWN2 Character Builder
It's effectiveness depends on SOZ conventions with regard to enchantment of arrows.
Not great with "mobs" of opponents, but other-wise exceedingly powerful with full enchantments to Bow and Arrows. (..see the break-down in the Notes section.)
Assassin (ranged attack build):
Yes, even without SOZ's arrow enchantments, archers can be rather excellent.mr_sir wrote: Some of the strongest builds I've played have been archers.
They won't perform well against "mobs", (when compared to a melee build with the Cleaves and additional Strength damage), UNLESS they have support/distractions. (..fortunately Rangers have access at level 4 to their animal companion.)
easy there, with that judge+jury+executioner attitude of yours.mr_sir wrote:On what evidence are you making this assumption? Some of the strongest builds I've played have been archers.
i'm just describing regular gameplay of a game called nwn2, if you don't get it.
soloing soz with an archer character with level adjustment +2 is not exactly feasible - and this is a fact.
even in a party it's the poorest among the possible choices, if we talk thoughtfully developed builds.
on the other hand, if one wants to reload every 5 seconds instead of playing the game, then go ahead
No images allowed? WTF
WTF As objectively as possible, please read your first statement:baron667 wrote:easy there, with that judge+jury+executioner attitude of yours.
"an archer will never make a difference in this game no matter what.
just a wasted slot.
but since you're just speculating and not playing these characters, it's ok. "
Now read his statement:
"On what evidence are you making this assumption? Some of the strongest builds I've played have been archers."
Which statement has more "attitude"?
Now in a game called NWN2 there are many modules. If you are specifically talking about the OC, then that is NOT what this build was designed for. (..please re-read the build.)
HOWEVER,
Even with a 2 level penalty this build will be mostly effective by a (no-level penalty) 10th level, if used as directed (..and commanding your party members to "hold their position" at the start of every "map"). With the occasional "canned" fights however you will only be good support (..excepting the addition of your animal companion).
Add-in your animal companion however, and things start looking a LOT better for this character in the OC. That won't happen until a (no-level penalty) 6th level, but in-game that isn't very far. (..I usually hit that a bit before the Druid girl joins the party.)
Still, I would agree that this particular build for the OC is only marginal when compared to better builds for the OC.
(..but not the "poorest". )Also,
High BAB classes are pretty much an exception to the racial level penalty rule. Not only do they have better BAB's, but their attribute attack modifiers are almost always higher as well. (..and this build is no exception.) Basically this means that they will still hit their targets *with* the penalty, so their primary mode of attack is still quite effective. Rapid Shot can help compensate initially for the 2-level delay in an additional attack at a (no-level penalty) 6th level.
For ranged attackers generally (vs. melee'ers):
It's basically:
2 additional attacks per round (Many Shot + Rapid Shot) vs. a melee'ers "Cleaves".
Additionally *both* can add damage via Strength damage, but a decent melee'er often has at *least* +2 to +4 damage per attack beyond a ranged attacker. A melee'er can also add Power Attack. However a Ranged attacker can also add additional damage via arrows (if only the equivalent of one enchantment), which usually adds-up to an average of +3 to +5 (..assuming you have access to such arrows).
It isn't *equal*, but the net result between the two types is broadly comparable.
There is absolutely no need to get a defensive and aggressive attitude, I was simply asking on what evidence you reached the conclusion that archers never make a difference in NWN2. Instead of answering this politely and maturely, you have decided to just ridicule by implying I am not even aware of which game it is, and that I reload all the time. I suggest you re-read the thread, as continuing to attack members responses in this manner is not acceptable.baron667 wrote:easy there, with that judge+jury+executioner attitude of yours.
i'm just describing regular gameplay of a game called nwn2, if you don't get it.
soloing soz with an archer character with level adjustment +2 is not exactly feasible - and this is a fact.
even in a party it's the poorest among the possible choices, if we talk thoughtfully developed builds.
on the other hand, if one wants to reload every 5 seconds instead of playing the game, then go ahead