To own MOST mofos on your server, they are right you will never own all, but MOST...
sockets and +'ing can be mixed but you'll sell stuff then re-build the next...
Whatever, you need at LEAST 5 sockets, really 6 is better.
What kind of gems is no question here, don't even waste your time: SDG's.
+90% is what you want, more is even better, +105 is very nice.
Elite +Xxx hat
Way to do this is build it to +6 the regular way, takes a long time but just keep picking up / buying +1's until it is +6. Past +6 start looking for those elite +8's from lotto some ppl sell, use +8's to get it to +7, +8, and +9 (all it takes is six +8's for that).
That takes care of a TON of ph defense.
Elite +6 necklace, Super +6 ring
Much beyond +6 it gets very expensive.
This takes care of another bit of ph.defense and gives you really nice +hp.
Nice attack also.
Super +5 bow 2-soc obviously
Because you gain 5 x 2 = 10 potency points for this +5 weapon.
Super +6 coat
Your only magical defense, bit tight against fires but they're the only class that will bother you some degree, enough ph attack wastes these cloth-armor buffoons.
Super +4 boots (or elite +5 if soc'd), really super soc'd would be better but you have to decide.
Enchant everything w/ rdg's minimum!
It's only 8-10m for an rdg, this is the 2nd best gem for enchanting, on average you will gain +700hp.
As soon as you can afford, start using sdg's to enchant, this fully enchanted gives you +600 over the refineds (so +1300 just in enchanting alone, on average).
The necklace gives you another +720hp at higher levels, or thereabouts.
Close to 2k +hp, you want at least 1k but really 2, all in enchants and neck.
Order of sockets:
Bow, coat, hat, in that order.
Then necklace / ring / boots any which way, all costs about the same.
Get to 130, fix IR, get as HIGH as possible weapon proficiency!
Mine was 16%, I really should've spent the extra month or two to get to 17 or even 18, the higher you can get this the better... Helps to buy a 2nd 2-soc bow, slap 2 Svg's in it.
Either way, every level past 12 = +1% attack, get it fixed and you have +8% base!
Yes, works with scatter, IR, everything.
Much like most archers never fix IR, most never fix bow prof.
You do, because you need every last advantage.
RB.
after rb you have to get your bow prof to HALF of whatever it was, so if it was 16 you get to level 8 BLAM it is 16, very nice +4% around level 90, but if yours was fixed all u do is get to lvl 10 you don't even need trng bow for this.
After RB, distribute your AP points per the charts to get the min. strength and agility you need for promos / weapons / quips, ALL the rest goes to VIT!
If done properly, this will give you +1300 or so +hp...
With me so far?
Mine has 1400 in enchants and neckie, +1300 in AP, + you gain more the 2nd time around so at level 90 I have 4,500 hp. I will see 5k before 120, by then I want all sdg's enchant and maybe a gourd = +6k hp or slightly more.
You need this, ph.def. is only maybe 3700, I think you can get almost 4k but much beyond that is not possible, so 10k phd + hp max (-30% dmg reduction past level 70 rb).
Then
Train your guard, this guard and you are the team, never ever go anywhere without the guard. Sit, load guard, sit again, reload stamina: Stamina always 100%, guard ALWAYS with you, when guard health drops below 50%, reload.
Now you're ready, RULES:
1) A scan outside of non pk-free area?
Instant pk, If a noob warn once.
2) Someone follows you around?
Instant pk. If a noob, warn once or twice.
3) Anybody makes you nervous for any reason?
You pk first, ask questions later.
Um I have never heard of a melee archer?