Archer a bad idea?

[dg_1974]

I have a 17th level Ranger, and I can testify that they ROCK hands down. His bow skills plus bless rule. I blew through all the combat from the start without touching heal potions. You just have to use creative kiting and be a little patient.

[Ameefmu]

I can vouch for Rangers being a wicked class.
I had 5 in divination and elemental (Trained from the trainers, not skill points) And with predator sight, bless, nimbleness, enhanced weapon and haste, you successfully kill any enemies before they get close to you.
Ranger is alot easier if you can hide in shadows, and move silently.

But yes, at the start i had to concentrate on melee a bit, just because i couldnt kill the enemies with bow alone.

I was also 'Nefarious' so the improved critical chance really helped with my attacks.

[Decken]

I can also vouch for Rangers being a wicked class. While I started off as a Rouge I quickly developed his Bow Weapons Skills. Spending most of my skill and attribute points on Bow Weapons, Dexterity and Concentration. I also paid money and trained in other skills because I thought I would need them for back up but I ended up not. However, it is nice being able to imbue items and have some sort of vision enhancing ability.

Here are some Quick Stats:
Level 44 Bow Weapons with 32 points on both dexterity and concentration. Equipment: recurved composite great bow (with +3 tohit and +3 damage) and diamond headed arrows.
ToHit Ability is 59 and my Max Damage is 42+11.
Lets just say anything that comes my way dies long before it gets to close.