I just wanted to share my thoughts on a good "extra" Pc for a standard Ftr-Ftr/Rog-Cler-Wiz party of 4. On my first try at TOEE i remade a character i played in 2nd ed. D&D and later converted to 3rd ed. as well.
I've noticed many posts on "best archer" and comparisons of classes( Bard vs. F/M and so on) A bard is a great asset if the other roles are taken, and i like them well but IMO they are to limited. A F/C/M can do almost all the things a bard can do + more.
The theeme is Archery and Versailtility (and to be an elf of course)
In 2nd ed. she was tripple classed F/C/M with bow focus and boost spells, so i went for the same build.
I rerolled until i got decent stats and ended up with:
STR 9 DEX 20 CON 14 INT 16 WIS 14 CHA 12
Female Elf, Cleric of Corellon Larethian, Warrior & Mage, AL : CG
She leveled up as follows:
1 C1 -Point Blank Shot + Bonus : Focus L.Sword
2 W1 -Bonus : Scribe Scroll
3 F1 -Rapid Shot & Precise Shot
4 C2 -Dex +1 (21)
5 F2 -Focus : Long Bow
6 C3 -Craft Items
7 W2
8 W3 -Dex +1 (22)
9 W4 -Brew Potion
10 W5 -Craft Wand
At the end she had 3 attacks at +22/+22/+17 (+1 more Point Blank) with Gloves of Dex+6,Dex +6,BAB +6/+1,Greater bracers of Archery, Long Bow +3 & Rapid Shot.
She hardly missed her targets and was hard pressed for arrows + lots of boosters for the rest of the party. She could also scribe lvl 5 scrolls she had in her book.
An Elven Bard with all bow skills will have +1 more to hit but with fewer spells options and no Item feats.
She sure was fun to play with.
Anyway, it was just a thought....
Happy Hunting, folks