Re: best archer template?
That's what I'm running (since yesterday), and I'm liking it. Seems to be quite resistant to most of the situations you'll find in PvM.
110 Archery
110 Tactics
100 Chivalry
100 Bushido
100 Necromancy
100 Spirit Speak
100 Resist Spells
I used to have Anatomy instead of resist, but then it was only good for anything that doesn't cast spells. Now I dropped Anatomy, my base damage (the one in the Status Screen) dropped like 10 points, but my problem with spellcasters is gone, which means more PvM versatility. I'm also bonding a swamp dragon for it's armor and damage reduction (wondering if it reduces damage from spells too?).
The gameplay is basic necro leecher playing: vamp form for life leeching, high mana leech on weapon to keep your mana high, close wounds or spirit speak for additional healing, consacrate weapon and lightning strike on every hit, enemy of one and honor on tough monsters. Though it seems to me that for yamandons, Wraith Form + Curse Weapon is still better.