Secondary Skills for Archers

[Phrexeus]

I've been playing for about a week now and am a level 18 archer. I want to expand the game a bit and learn some other skills that could be used to compliment archery, for example botany, carpentry, alchemy (for glue) etc.

So how much work is all this, and can one person exclusively possess all the skills to make archery equipment such as arrows and bows?

And, what tools are needed, and how do I use them, since apparently the game offers little advice, or if it does, I don't know where to look.

Thanks!

[SeraviEdalborez]

You can certainly possess all essential skills to be an archer on one character, that is without a doubt the defining trait of XIV: Horizontal levels (that is, Ranks in multiple Disciplines rather than one/few focuses).

Botany Main hand tools (Hatchets) will be needed to chop trees. You generally won't need too much time and raw wood to make arrows down the road, but you'll have to let your Carpentry catch up to it.
Botany Off hand tools (Scythes) are not really needed for Carpentry; the payoff is mostly for Culinarians, Alchemists, and Weavers.

For most instances of crafting, you won't need to buy an offhand tool until later, if at all, so don't fret too much over that. Arrows themselves are made up of the Shaft (Carpentry), Fletchings (Weaver), Glue (Alchemy), Yarn (Weaver again), and Arrowheads (various, Gold or Smithing primarily). It's a daunting task to make all of an arrow by yourself, but taking each craft listed to 10 is pretty trivial; you can easily do so in a week with locals. From there, start with easy arrows like Fang and those will last you a lifetime with enough raw materials.

Alternatively, many Archers observe little difference between Warped Arrows and higher varieties in raw damage, just a variance in Accuracy and Crit Rate. See where you feel about doing casual crafting before making a long term commitment, but Carpentry is certainly a must for any Archer in any case if you like to repair your own weapon anytime.

[Suzaku]

Carpentry is huge. Leatherworking is pretty big too, as you'll probably end up wearing a lot of leather gear.

In my shopping I've noticed that glue and arrowheads don't tend to be too expensive. It's pretty cost-effective to buy most of the materials, and then do the final arrow synths yourself. Fletchings are sometimes hard to come by, though.

[Phrexeus]

Thanks for the great replies.

[Vesper]

I would say pass on weaver if your short on playtime. You can get friends to make the sub synth items for you. You really want the carpentry for repairing and making your arrows. If your short on money but have supplies make deals. Offer arrow stacks or other mats you can get in barter for the sub pieces you need

[Vanguard319]

It is theoretically possible to craft all your materials for ammunition, but not always cost effective. My suggestion is to definitely level crp, as it will help when repairing your weapon, as well as keeping yourself stocked with ammo. Weaver and Leatherworker are good secondary crafts for maintaining your armor. Goldsmith is useful for repairing your accessories, (rings, earrings, etc.) and Armorer, while not the most significant craft for arc is needed for repairing a few bows and armor pieces that arc can equip (Armored calvary bow and brass tassets for example) You won't always have the level necasary to repair damaged equipment, especially your highest level gear, but the equipment you can repair will save you both time and money searching for a player or npc, as well as fully repair the item.