First of all, the question I present you is: do you like crossbows or archery in Native more? Have you played native multiplayer?
Both of those weapons are viable, and fun to use in cRPG. But they're a lot different. Both are slowed down A LOT, because the native speed is just silly. Bows deal less damage, but are faster but generally need more skill to be good. Crossbows still need good aim, and battle awareness isn't going to hurt, either. Personally I like crossbows more. It's relaxing to aim, shoot, and hit (or kill!) someone, and then just go chill out while reloading your slooooow crossbow. Bows are more hectic. I'll leave that stuff for the pros.
For crossbows, all you need is the str requirement the xbow has, and WPF. Generally 110-160 would be good. 120-160 would make your life a lot easier. Crossbows cost more, btw, so be aware. No skill increases your dmg with xbows.
For bows, you need the str AND the PD (it's the bows requirement) and the more PD you have, the better. And for bow users, wpf is crucial. So get it to max. 160-ish. PD increases your dmg with bows, but only up to 4 more PD than the requirement the bow has.
WPF makes your shot more accurate, and faster to reload.
And I'd say if you go archer, don't take melee :) Even if people complain, your main tactic is to be in the move, shoot baddies, retreat when enemies get near, and stay behind heavy infantry. You're not supposed to go and fight with a sword, only when you absolutely need to.
Crossbows:
+Nice dmg
+Easy
-Cost a lot
-Slow
-Everyone hates them lol
Bows:
+Cheap
+Fast
-Low dmg for unloomed stuff
-Everyone hates them, too lol
When you decide what class you'll go for, let me give you some builds for your character:
Crossbow
Strength: 15
Agility: 24
Hit points: 54
Skills to attributes: 8
Ironflesh: 2
Power Strike: 5
Shield: 0
Athletics: 8
Riding: 0
Horse Archery: 0
Power Draw: 0
Power Throw: 0
Weapon Master: 8
One Handed: 50
Two Handed: 1
Polearm: 1
Archery: 1
Crossbow: 169
Throwing: 1
Most popular Xbow build, atleast on NA. Specifically made for arbalest. Xbow + melee Hybrid. Can go more or less 1h WPF as desired, some prefer 100 1h WPF at the cost of Xbow accuracy and reload rate -- While others prefer all their wpf in xbows. Some players put melee wpf in 2h or pole arm, and carry a staff or a Langes messer.
Archer:
Level 30 (4 420 577 xp)
Strength: 18
Agility: 21
Hit points: 59
Skills to attributes: 8
Ironflesh: 3
Power Strike: 0
Shield: 0
Athletics: 7
Riding: 0
Horse Archery: 0
Power Draw: 6
Power Throw: 0
Weapon Master: 7
One Handed: 1
Two Handed: 1
Polearm: 1
Archery: 164
Crossbow: 1
Throwing: 1
Note: Light of foot, no melee. The best build for an archer who shoots and moves. Designed to sport the Rus bow or Longbow.