Update
This ninja/fighter archer build is no longer optimal, though it is still effective. First posted in 2012, the point was to have an archer who could sneak attack from range in round 1 of combat, get the skill points of a ninja, and still shoot a bow almost as good and a fighter. Well, then the Slayer came along. Doing all of these thing naturally, and at full BAB, and with more feats.
The new E Mo is a Slayer archer that you can find in Optibuild’s Greatest Martial Archers PDF along with the other Greatest Martial Archers – Barbarians, Bloodragers, Monks (Sohei), Paladins, and Rangers. The builds and alternative builds for each are plotted out through level 13 and they rock.
Original E Mo (Ninja / Fighter Archer)
Character Role / Summary: This pathfinder optimized ninja build’s character role is archer, scout, leader, and wand wielder. E Mo is a 12th level character who’s class progression is Fighter2 (Weapon Master), Ninja 4, Fighter 2 (Weapon Master), Ninja 4. Campaign Trait, Feat and Ninja Trick Progressions are below.
Starting Stats (25 points): Str (14), Dex (19), Con (12), Int (8), Wis (12), Chr (14)
Starting Stats (20 points): Str (14), Dex (18), Con (12), Int (7), Wis (12), Chr (14)
Starting Stats (15 points): Str (14), Dex (18), Con (12), Int (7), Wis (10), Chr (12)
Raising Stats – For 25pt build, put all leveling stats into dexterity. For 20pt and 15pt build, go Int, then Dex, Dex, Dex, Dex. These Stats don’t include bonuses from equipment listed below.
Favorite Class Option: Choose Ninja as favorite class and choose 1 skillpoint per level.
Class Abilities Gained: Weapon Master Abilities – Weapon Guard, Weapon Training; Ninja Abilities – Poison Use, Ki Pool, No Trace, Sneak Attack, Uncanny Dodge, Light Steps, Improved Uncanny Dodge.
Campaign Traits / Feat / Ninja Trick Progression: Traits) Reactionary and Indomitable Faith; Human Feat) Improved Initiative; F1) Point Blank Shot; Rapid Shot; F2) Precise Shot; N3) Deadly Aim; N4) Deadly Range; N5) Weapon Focus (Longbow Comp); N6) Deadly Range; F7) Manyshot; F8) Clustered Shots; N9) Snap Shot; N10) Rogue Trick (Sniper’s Eye); N11) Improved Snap Shot; N12) Combat Trick (Combat Reflexes).
Skills Ranks at 12th (86 points): Acrobatics (12), Bluff (11), Climb (1), Diplomacy (11) Escape Artist (12), Intimidate (11), Perception (12), Sense Motive (11), Stealth (12), Swim (1), and Use Magic Device (12). Includes headband of mental prowess bonus to Intelligence, human leveling skill points and favorite class skill point selections.
Items 12th Level (91.5K): Handy Haversack (2K); Efficient Quiver (1.8K); +3 Cloak of Resistance (9K); Glove of Dueling (15K); Bracer’s of Archery (Lesser) (5K); +1 Ring of Protection (2K); +1 Amulet of NA (2K); +3 Mithril Chain Shirt (9K); +4 Belt of Dexterity (16K); +3 Longbow Comp (+2) (18K); +1 Greatsword (2K); Cloak of Elvenkind (2.5K); Wands (Cure Light (2 wands), Mount (1 wand), Air Bubble(1 wand); +2 Headband of Mental Prowess (Chr / Int) (10K)
Playing Strategy: Get initiative, attack most vulnerable with sneak attack, rapid shot, manyshot, Ki extra attack from fifty feet. Later rounds deadly aim & improved snap shot for attacks of opportunity inside fifteen feet. You still deal decent damage even without sneak attack. Best believe you deal (1d8 + 14) with accuracy. In parley you go for the tri-fecta bluff, diplomacy, and intimidate. Three rolls to get what you want. “Dude, we are here on your side to protect you (diplomacy). I must tell you, however, my crew is not going to be happy if you don’t tell me want I need to know (intimidate). And those are not all of my people, we are the B crew (bluff). Oh, and you can use wands. This build gave you a few, but you can get more if you have the money. Gravity Bow spell maybe.