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hey all, i'm about to run an archer through SoA and ToB (ultimate collection) and i'm not sure in what weapons to specialize, or in what high-lvl weapons to use, as well as what are the best weapons to get throughout the game

sry if there is a post about this already, but i'm new here

My favorite bow is the short bow of gesen, before that I would use tasherons bow+3 for the phantom arrows. Make sure to get arrows of dispelling from waukeems promenade to take care of liches and mages. Also, +2 arrows are a good bet.
Swords, specialize in long swords for blackrazor.
Ranged, specialize in short bows for the above mentioned bows.

Heartseeker is a good bow. It doesn't have unlimited ammo but can temporarily extends it's own range, which can be used very effectively especially against enemies who can't get to your location or have to go a long way to do so.

so, short bows and long swords are the way to go?

btw, i don't think ammo is an issue with those quiver of plenty +1 or +2. but i'm a noob lol what do i know?

The Sling of Seeking +2 allows you to add your damage bonus

The Sling of Everard(SP) +5 is probably the strongest missile weapon available early in the game (SOA)

The sling of Erinne +5 is a topper with +5 to damage but is only available in TOB

And don't forget Axes! Some can be used as missile and melee:

Azuredge is a fabulous early weapon

The Axe of the Unyeilding being a late topper.

I can understand the favouritism to short bows. The gesen's bows additional attacks being a case in point, but for a specialist fighter the bigger pluses available on some of the other weapons can be considered more important. - Curdis !

I always like throwing axes, as pointed by Curdis, cause they're not only powerfull, but you can have a fighter with 5 points of proficiency on both ranged and melee weapons earlier than ever on the game, which gives you extra atack and damage. Also, I like the idea of having a Skald bard playing with axes, and that way i'd only spend wheight on, for example, axe of unyelding on the beggining of the game, instead of having an axe and a bow.

Shortbows are your best bet...

Although only +2 the Sling of Seeking is the best sling especially with Grand Mastery in slings and a strength enhancing item.

See this link...

http://db.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/ ... ipment.txt

I generally found the advice to be sound.

[QUOTE=Curdis]
And don't forget Axes! Some can be used as missile and melee[/QUOTE]

I found a throwing axe +3 that came back after you'd thrown it! It was so powerful. Split a bandit right down the middle!

Can't remember where I got it from though.

Think you get it from a fight in the inn in the bridge district. The one that doesnt have Haer'dalis' troupe.

IIRC you get the axe from the gang in the sewers in the Temple District.

[QUOTE=Coot]IIRC you get the axe from the gang in the sewers in the Temple District.[/QUOTE]

This one you mention is Hangard's axe +2, aye?

The one he speaks about is in Athkatla too, I just cant remember exactly where, but maybe in the bridge, with a few mercenaries.

short bow

Just tested the kit. You do not get the possibility of grandmastery with sling or dart (although you can get two stars ), and there is only one star possible with axe. So if you are using the archer kit best go with the bow. Short/Long or Cross. - Curdis !

[QUOTE=mitsuharu]I found a throwing axe +3 that came back after you'd thrown it! It was so powerful. Split a bandit right down the middle!

Can't remember where I got it from though. [/QUOTE]
The only +3 throwing axe I can remember is the Rifthome +3. You get it by killing a Shadow Thief while working for Bodhi.

There's also nice throwing dagger called Firetooth +3. I don't think I've ever given an Archer a throwing axe or dagger, though.

What about....

What about longbows then? are there anyone that can match gehens??

What about a ranged party?
PC: Slings "Archer"
Mazzy: Short bows "Fighter"
Minsc: Long bows "Ranger"
Jan Crossbow "Thief/Mage" could choose some mod npc, its mainly for the thiefing skills
Edwin? Darts "Mage"

Based on everything i've been reading most ppl think short bows are the way to go, even tho i think crossbows are good as well (Firetooth +5 )

[url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/baldursgateii/equipment/crossbows.php#null"]http://www.gamebanshee.com/baldursgateii/equipment/crossbows.php#null[/url]

as some1 said, i could prolly go with both...i dunno yet

From my expiereince with archers (I've finished ToB twice with an archer in a party), you shoud defenately specialize in Shortbows and Crossbows.

Here's why:
A. Tuigan Bow +1/Light Crossbow of Speed +1/Drow Crossbow of Speed +3:
all these weapons add an EXTRA ATTACK PER ROUND. With Archer's bonuses to damage, this is clearly better than the extra damage you would get from using any other ranged weapons. Don't worry about the lower THAC0 with these +1 weapons - an Archer has such great bonuses in this area, he'll probably miss only on natural "1".

B. Gesen Bow +4/Firetooth +4/Firetooth+5: These "unlimited ammo" weapons count on their high "To Hit" bonuses to provide you the ability to pierce through some of the tougher's enemies protections, such as Stoneskin + Protection from Magical Weapons, (Improved) Mantle, Absolute immunity, etc. Just use the correct ammunition after the game tells you what protection has the enemy brought up.

[QUOTE=Punkatt]What about longbows then? are there anyone that can match gehens??

What about a ranged party?
PC: Slings "Archer"
Mazzy: Short bows "Fighter"
Minsc: Long bows "Ranger"
Jan Crossbow "Thief/Mage" could choose some mod npc, its mainly for the thiefing skills
Edwin? Darts "Mage"[/QUOTE]

Heres what im thinking:
PC: Long Bows (Heart Seeker or some other good long bow as you can(?) reach gm in bows.)
Mazzy: Short bows
Minsc: Throwing Axe (azuredge since he also recieves +to hit and dmg because vampire is his racial enemy.)
Jan: Crossbow firetooth from watchers keep
Edwin: Throwing daggers or Slings (Preferably slings)

This should be a good party. In mine im all melee but about to grab mazzy so that I can have SOME range support she will be using short bows.