Scions of Fate - Bowman Guide ---?Gear / Order versus Chaos?

flyingchong

{Mod edit}- Bowman Guide Gear
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Archer gear isn't all that bad because you don't really need any fancy armor since, if you do it right, you won't ever get hit. That being said, it's still a good idea to invest in some good dodge gems perhaps, and the armor for your level bracket (10, 20, 30, or 25 and 35 for body armor). In general, your armor should look something like this:
Levels 1-10: Whatever you got when you started. Don't worry about buying anything else yet.
Levels 10-19: Buy the level 10 cloths and boots and bracers, but if you don't have enough money, don't sweat it because you might get them from mobs anyway. Also, don't bother with any emeralds yet.
Levels 20-29: Again, get the appropriate gear for your level, and maybe invest in a few dodge emeralds or extra defense emeralds, but don't get any skill defense emeralds. At level 25 make sure to get the armor from the quest. If you want, you can Enhance some of your stuff, but it's not really necessary since it's better to just sell the rubies.
Levels 30+: Same thing as the 20's, but maybe enchant and enhance more of your stuff since you'll hopefully have more money. Also try and hunt the level 35 armor because it should help a bit.
As for weapons, you should buy the best bow that Chan sells ASAP. I think I got mine in the low 20's, and it really really helped a ton. Seriously, get it as soon as you can. Also, once you are in your late 20's, try to invest in some gems. I used +X% Skill Attack sapphires, and it seemed to work well. +1 to all Abilities might also work, but I wouldn't suggest any +X Extra Damage, since you probably won't be manually attacking anything. Also, once you put 3 or 4, or maybe 2 gems, if you're strapped for cash, enhance the bow to +2, more if you're feeling really lucky, or rich. I wouldn't bother with a Sky Bow, you'll just end up spending too much, and it probably won't be all that worth it. Same deal with Essences. Wait until after your second promotion to use Essences or getting a really nice bow.
Misc: Just for general consideration, always remember to carry about 100 Medium Potions and 100 Ginseng if you are under level 30, and about 200 Medium Potions and 300 Normal Ginseng or 100 Medium Ginseng with you when you go leveling. It really sucks to walk to Bandits or Zombies, then realize you have 3 small potions and a ginseng with you. Ah, it's really really nice to always have a few Charms of Return to Central Valley, or maybe even Riverside Plains or Hill Valley.
Order versus Chaos
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TO be honest, it's all about which you think looks cooler. In my opinion, Order looks a lot cooler in the lower and middle levels (about 40-70) but if you think you'll actually get to level 80+, I'd go with Chaos, the level 90's look especially badass. The Order and Chaos skills look pretty much the same, but if you like multiple hitting skills, Order is the way to go. Again, it doesn't really matter which faction you chose, they're both the exact same when it comes down to it.