03-04-2017, 06:30 PM
(03-04-2017, 12:22 PM)Eva Morningtide Wrote: I've not played a Magus before let alone the archer version so I'll probably take precise shot at level 3 and figure the rest out as I go.
I have a similar-ish character in a different campaign, Archaeologist Bard with Magus VMC who is an archer. From what I've seen of it, you'll want to take the standard archery progression. Without extra feats there isn't much room for the fancier archery feats. Also with your 3/4 BAB increases to accuracy will be better for you than increases to damage. Extra damage only applies when you hit. Also you have spells and arcane pool to help with damage.
I would think feats like Rapid Shot and Many Shot would not be so useful to you as they are for other archers. Maybe things like Weapon Focus (boring as it is) might be more helpful.
Again my character is only similar, no ranged spellstrike for instance, and no casting and shooting in the same round, but she mostly operates as a controller caster who supports the other combatants with ranged attacks. With the bow's limited crit range you won't be able to produce the crazy damage spikes like a scimitar/shocking grasp magus can. If you think your damage is lacking as you go through a few levels you might want to try something similar with a few blasting spells thrown into the mix. Fireball and follow up arrows instead of ranged spellstrike gimmicks. Or debuff spells and arrows. You'll still have better action economy than my bard and she does very well.