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I was very excited to see what Harrigan's stats were, but when I read them in Book 5 I thought some of the equipment and character choices were a bit lackluster, so I decided to switch some things up a bit. Here are the stats I'll be using, and my explanation why.
Also, I noticed two errors in the stat block--in his senses category, it was listed as Perception +20, which should be +14. He also should only have one advanced rogue talent, but he has two (in my stat block he has 2 because I used 6 favored class points to get an extra one).
Here goes--comments/criticism is welcome
XP 51,200
Male human cavalier (Gendarme) 2 /fighter (weapon master) 3/rogue (thug) 11
NE Medium humanoid (human)
Init +9; Senses see invisibility; Perception +14
DEFENSE
AC 30, touch 16, flat-footed 24 (+6 armor, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +4 natural, +4 shield)
hp 200 (16 HD; 5d10+11d8+119 (includes 7 temp HP from Aid Potion))
Fort +18, Ref +16, Will +10; +4 vs. fear
Defensive Abilities weapon guard +1, evasion, improved uncanny dodge
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 human bane heartripper blade short sword +22/+17/+12 (1d6+4/17–20)
Ranged +1 returning handaxe +20 (1d6+3/x3)
Special Attacks sneak attack +6d6, weapon training (short sword +1) , Frightening, Brutal Beating, Challenge 1x/day (+2 damage, +1 additional if only one threatening target), Braggart
TACTICS
Before Combat Harrigan uses his Heartripper Blade to scry on the PCs. Once he knows combat is near, he drinks a potion of barkskin +4, a potion of Invisibility, a potion of cat’s grace, and a potion of aid. He also activates see invisibility from his eye patch and casts Shield from his Wand. If Harrigan has another hostage readily available, he can cut his/her heart out with the heartripper blade to transform his shortsword into a +2 flaming burst human bane weapon for 1 hour.
During Combat If he starts a battle invisible, Harrigan drinks his potion of haste on the first round of combat (not included above). On the next round, he uses Dazzling Display to shake targets, taking 10 on his intimidate from Skill Mastery (Thug rogue adds one to the duration). If he shakes multiple foes for 4+ rounds he will use his Frightening ability to make one or more of them frightened for a round instead, then focusing his attacks on soft (preferably human) targets. In succeeding rounds, he focuses his attacks on frightened targets, using Dazzling Display/his howling skull armor to shake more foes whenever necessary so he can make sneak attacks against such victims thanks to his Shatter Defenses feat. The first time he sneak attacks a target he will use Brutal Beating to take away 1d6 of sneak attack damage to sicken the target for 5 rounds. If possible, he will coup de grace a dying foe to rip out their heart. He will hold it in his free hand and consume it to get the cure serious wounds/ restoration effect when hurt enough. When there is one foe remaining, he will challenge them.
Morale Harrigan fights until reduced to 30 hit points or fewer, at which point he attempts to escape battle. He fights to the death only when cornered.
STATISTICS
Str 14, Dex 20, Con 22, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +15; CMD 31 (32 vs disarm or sunder)
Feats: Improved Initiative, Toughness, Iron Will, Improved Iron Will, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Power Attack, Dazzling Display (modified from Braggart), Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (short sword), Shatter Defenses, Improved Critical (short sword), Critical Focus, Staggering Critical
Skills Acrobatics +24, Appraise +10, Bluff +14, Intimidate +22, Knowledge (local) +11, Perception +14, Profession (sailor) +20, Stealth +14, Swim +14, Use Magic Device +15
Languages Common
SQ : rogue talents (finesse rogue, weapon training, ledge walker, bleeding attack +6, Skill Mastery (Use Magic Device, Intimidate), Feat (Staggering Critical), includes additional from 6 favored class bonuses), Order of the Cockatrice, Mount (chooses not to use?)
Combat Gear potions of barkskin +4 (2), potions of cat’s grace (2), potion of aid, potion of haste, potions of invisibility (2), potion of cure light wounds; Other Gear howling skull armor (+3 studded leather; see page 60), +1 human bane heartripper blade (short sword), scabbard of vigor, bangle of persuasion (as circlet, but worn on his beard, takes up amulet slot), +1 returning handaxe, belt of mighty constitution +4, cloak of resistance +3, glove of storing, mariner’s eye patch (see page 60), bag of holding (type IV), Chelish invasion plans (kept in bag of holding), muleback cords, Wand of Shield CL 3 (40 charges), key ring
Seems like a much better tradeoff. The main benefit is that I'm getting the suped-up version of Dazzling Display from level 2 Cavalier (Order of the Cockatrice), which is only a standard action and which comes with a +2 to attack demoralized foes.
Skills--better, as he now has some Use Magic Device (and can take 10 on it from Skill Mastery) and a boost to Cha skills from the Bangle of Persuasion
Rogue Talents:
Loses: crippling strike
Gains: Weapon Training, Skill Mastery (Use Magic Device and Intimidate), Feat (Staggering Critical)
This build makes him lose trapfinding and trap sense, but Harrigan doesn't even have any Disabled Device skill. And he seems much more likely to make someone like Kipper go ahead to search for/trigger any traps. Thug seems much more appropriate, as he is terrifying. I gave him weapon master archetype as he doesn't need armor mastery (uses studded leather) and this way doesn't lose weapon training for his shortsword.
I know that a mounted Cavalier is a bit of a stretch for Harrigan. I think that a Gendarme Order of the Cockatrice fits him perfectly, though. I'll probably just have him choose to not have a mount (or maybe he can have a horse with horseshoes of speed somewhere as part of his getaway plans).
I took out the Light Shield +2 because I don't see why someone would ever use that? I gave him a wand of shield (CL 3) that gives him the same benefit and frees up a lot of cash. This allowed me to add a circlet of persuasion (though I made it a Bangle of Persuasion--amulet slot, it's one of the gold rings on his beard). I also added a scabbard of vigor for his sword (boost his attack and damage). If you look at the picture of Harrigan on Book 1's cover, he has some cords wrapped around his massive biceps. I gave him muleback cords solely to give him that appearance of giant pythons, hehe, because that does not look a guy with 14 strength. Minor thing, switched a potion of cat's grace for Aid. This mitigates 7 of the 11 HP I lost to give him skill ranks and a rogue talent with his favored class bonus.
I'll add a few more notes later.
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You're welcome.
Yeah, as written in the adventure he relies on his armor to fear everyone, but that's only a DC 16 Will Save. I like the idea of him taking 10 on intimidate to auto-frighten everyone, and in most cases he should be able to frighten one or two low-wisdom party members, leveling the playing field a lot. Then he sneak attacks and sickens people, and on a crit staggers them.
That's how I feel Harrigan should play--he terrifies his opponents and then exploits their weaknesses when they're afraid.
I really like some of the concepts but :
The whole cavalier (gendarme) does not actually interlink with his backstory of a fisherman's son and "yearning to be a pirate" at all. Which on the other hand is not "public knowledge" anyway, so that part could.... fly. Perhaps in a mostly vertical way, but.. fly.
Second, his build really relies on a number of "single shot" magic items (like too many others from paizo's adventures), which are usually the first thing to go, after a welcoming "Dispel Magic". If your group plays differently that's ok. This way, he is liable to loose 8 points of AC on the initial salvo.
This one at least looks like a worthy opponent, nevermind something the author has put some thought into. Thanks a bunch
I really like some of the concepts but :
The whole cavalier (gendarme) does not actually interlink with his backstory of a fisherman's son and "yearning to be a pirate" at all. Which on the other hand is not "public knowledge" anyway, so that part could.... fly. Perhaps in a mostly vertical way, but.. fly.
Second, his build really relies on a number of "single shot" magic items (like too many others from paizo's adventures), which are usually the first thing to go, after a welcoming "Dispel Magic". If your group plays differently that's ok. This way, he is liable to loose 8 points of AC on the initial salvo.
This one at least looks like a worthy opponent, nevermind something the author has put some thought into. Thanks a bunch
Well, regarding the cavalier thing--yes, he wanted to be a pirate but then was conscripted into the Bloodcove militia where he learned "martial training". Instead of his 5 levels of Fighter being this training, I made it 3 fighter, 2 cavalier. I agree that a strict interpretation of the gendarme ("wind rustling through your hair as you charge recklessly into battle) doesn't fit him, which is why I'm basically just ignoring the mount class feature. But a more loose interpretation, I think, fits him perfectly.
Order of the Cockatrice: "The cavalier must keep his own interests and aims above those of all others. He must always accept payment when it is due, rewards when earned, and an even (or greater) share of loot. The cavalier must take every opportunity to increase his own stature, prestige, and power." Well, he DID sell out the entirety of The Shackles to save his own hide, and get lordship over them in the process. :-)
Braggart/Dazzling Display: He's good at scaring people and fighting foes who are scared. Looked at that way, I think the 2 level dip into Cavalier makes decent sense.
Re: the one-shot magic items--I agree. I was trying to stick to the original items as best I could, while replacing things to make things more optimized as well as fitting to his character. Light steel shield +2 with shield focus? Waste of a feat and a lot of money. Wand of shield? Good to go. Shortsword +3? Boring. Human Bane Shortsword +1 heartripper blade? Awesome, and pretty much the same cost.
If you wanted to, you could ditch the glove of storing and bag of holding type 4 and replace them with a handy haversack. This frees up 18,000 gp. You could then give him gloves of dexterity +4(I know it's supposed to be a belt of dexterity now, but whatever) and a wand of mirror image with 22 charges or whatever.
Here's the thing--Harrigan has a good change to go first (at least before the casters) and is invisible with some buffs on (and don't forget haste--that and barkskin are the first two to get dispelled from dispel magic). Remember, I'm having him scry the party with his blade.
If he moves next to the entire party (or at least casters), disables his invisibility, and uses dazzling display, he'll probably auto-frighten any melee low-wisdom guys. They're effectively removed from the combat for two rounds.
Let's assume you have a high-wis arcane and divine caster (who are now likely shaken for multiple rounds).
Let's say you 5 ft move back and cast dispel magic on him. Good. You dispel haste, barkskin, and Aid let's say. Ok. Now he five ft moves and murders your caster. Good tradeoff.
And yes, you might have mirror image up, or be flying--it's hard to do hypotheticals at high levels. But Harrigan really isn't that bright (which I was disappointed with and kind of wanted to change his stats). Sure, he's beatable by magic. He needs some weaknesses. But even if his AC is lowered from dispels, you still are going to be in for a hell of a fight if you try to throw down in melee, you know?
Yep, I'd have him move up to engage the casters while invisible, then dismiss invisibility, then dazzling display. If he can catch one of them alone he can attack from invisible before dazzling display
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Yep, I'd have him move up to engage the casters while invisible, then dismiss invisibility, then dazzling display. If he can catch one of them alone he can attack from invisible before dazzling display
That would be cool. I'd even give him a circumstance bonus for suddenly appearing right next to them! >:)
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No joke this build looks like it could be fun to play as a character, but I will most likely be using 95% of your changes. I may sub out a feat for Skill focus (intimidate) since that would make sense. His whole being is about being terrifying. Might throw his intimidate over that top tho, adding an extra +6. Thoughts?
No joke this build looks like it could be fun to play as a character, but I will most likely be using 95% of your changes. I may sub out a feat for Skill focus (intimidate) since that would make sense. His whole being is about being terrifying. Might throw his intimidate over that top tho, adding an extra +6. Thoughts?
Or you could be cheesy and give him a potion or wand of enlarge person that he uses while invisible. This makes him large sizde and gives him a +4 bonus to the intimidate check (assuming the PCs are medium-sized or smaller). Then he moves next to everyone, disables invis, fears everyone, and AoO someone who tries to run away. On my turn I'd then cancel enlarge person, as I don't want to take the hit to dexterity. Again, kind of cheesy, but much cheaper.
As written he has a 22 intim with my build. He can take 10, so that's a result of 32. The difficulty to demoralize is 10 + HD + Wis Mod. You want to get 10 past the difficulty of the tank type guys so you can auto-frighten them. Let's assume the tanks have at best 14 Wis. They're level 12, so the base DC is 24. You want to get 10 past that, which is 34. This "shakes" the person for 3 rounds, plus one for the Thug ability. Since it's now 4 rounds, you can choose it to be frightened instead of shaken.
If you get rid of the bag of holding and glove of storing and give him the Dex item, you can swap out his potions of cat's grace for potions of eagle's splendor. Now he can auto hit the 34, which allows you to no-roll auto-frighten people with Wis of 14 or lower. Meanwhile, the other "squishy" characters are now abandoned by their melee guys and shaken for 3 rounds themselves.
As for getting rid of a feat, what would you get rid of:
Improved Initiative, Toughness, Iron Will, Improved Iron Will, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Power Attack, Dazzling Display (modified from Braggart), Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (short sword), Shatter Defenses, Improved Critical (short sword), Critical Focus, Staggering Critical
Out of those I'd probably get rid of Spring Attack I guess. Note that if you are going to take skill focus and eliminate a feat, might I recommend this alternate racial trait for humans:
Focused Study All humans are skillful, but some, rather than being generalists, tend to specialize in a handful of skills. At 1st, 8th, and 16th level, such humans gain Skill Focus in a skill of their choice as a bonus feat. This racial trait replaces the bonus feat trait.
He's level 16 so he'd get three skill focus feats (and you'd probably want to take profession sailor, intimidate, and use magic device, IMO).
No joke this build looks like it could be fun to play as a character, but I will most likely be using 95% of your changes. I may sub out a feat for Skill focus (intimidate) since that would make sense. His whole being is about being terrifying. Might throw his intimidate over that top tho, adding an extra +6. Thoughts?
Depends upon the Will saves of your crew ? If they are all hardcorish, with resistance items and possibly extra buffs (like Strength of will ), why not ? and Skill Focus (intimidate) fits him to the boots.
Currently am looking for a some alternative for the Cavalier (who to me are, knights, foremost, not a "pick-me" class easily taken "in the militia". YMMV), but there are some nice rage based barbarian powers. Guess he will be taken out by will-saved attacks though rather quickly.
No joke this build looks like it could be fun to play as a character, but I will most likely be using 95% of your changes. I may sub out a feat for Skill focus (intimidate) since that would make sense. His whole being is about being terrifying. Might throw his intimidate over that top tho, adding an extra +6. Thoughts?Depends upon the Will saves of your crew ? If they are all hardcorish, with resistance items and possibly extra buffs (like Strength of will ), why not ? and Skill Focus (intimidate) fits him to the boots.
Currently am looking for a some alternative for the Cavalier (who to me are, knights, foremost, not a "pick-me" class easily taken "in the militia". YMMV), but there are some nice rage based barbarian powers. Guess he will be taken out by will-saved attacks though rather quickly.
Well, to demoralize someone the DC is 10 + HD + Wis Mod. Even if you have a high Will Save, you're not protected by his fearing you. With a 15 point buy game, I assume that most of the tougher fighters will not have 16 or higher Wisdom.
What is Strength of Will? Is that a spell?
I agree that Barbarian has some cool combos with this, too. If Harrigan is more of a strength-based dude instead of a Dex-based dude, intimidating prowess and barbarian rage can bump his intimidate to ridiculous levels.
For my conversion, though, I kept his stats the same (as much as I wanted to increase his Int, I didn't, hehe).
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@Tormad--
Another thing you could do, which I had considered: Originally I was going to give Harrigan a couple Hero Points (Villain points?), but instead I might give him an Infamy Score with Disrepute to spend.
For example, after the battle with the Man's Promise in Book 1, I had Harrigan use "Get up you Dogs" or whatever it's called that heals everyone as per Cure Light Wounds (he sacrifices a prisoner anyway, which gives you Disrepute back, so why not do it?)
If you were going to let Harrigan spend some Disrepute, you could have him use "Honor the Code" which gives him +4 unnamed bonus to Cha skill checks vs pirates for 24 hours. There's +4 more to his intimidate that he could use upon first scrying the PCs.
What is Strength of Will? Is that a spell?
Internal misquote - translated "conviction" (from Spell Companion 3.5 DnD) into it's german term, than re-translated, literally this time because I am tired. Conviction = Willenstärke/Überzeugung = Strength of Will
"Conviction", save-affecting equivalent of Shield of Faith. Morale bonus. Much used in our campaigns if it is not replaced by bardic "Good Hope".
Ah, gotcha.
Good Hope is awesome! With my Alchemist I also use Heroism on myself (via Alchemical Allocation), and Good Hope is like a short-term Heroism, only better and affecting multiple targets.
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@ mbauers--
The infamy is not such a bad idea, He's a damn feared pirate captain I'm sure he's gotten some infamy and disrepute throughout his days at sea. As for the feat I was thinking dropping either Toughness or Spring Attack.
One of the things I have to do with my group is Max out the HP of all the bosses so they don't get one or two rounded, so Toughness loses some value in my eyes.
What other skill focus's would you take then? acrobatics , prof(sailor), stealth, ???
I feel like this Fight would be over very quickly if he didn't have these tricks, but at the same time they sound so mean.
I have a ranger and a cleric with high wis, the rest of the party not so much, arcane duelist bard, Drunken brute barbarian, and a Scout rouge. Those last three will be frightened every time, with their Wis of 10.
I'd do Prof (Sailor), Intimidate, and probably either Acrobatics or Use Magic Device
Dredging this thread up from the depths... I'm about to start running S&S and I like this variation on Harrigan, however, I really like the idea of giving him a mount as well. The concept I had was a warhorse he keeps in the hold of his ship with a set of horseshoes that automatically cast water walk on the horse when needed. I adore the idea of the captain taking his horse out for a run on the surface of the ocean, racing his ship along the waves. I can use it as a 'save the party' deus ex machina as well during the reefclaw encounter, if they happen to be in danger I can have the sudden, utterly unexpected sound of hoofbeats rise, and Harrigan charges in on his courser to utterly crush the reefclaws and save everyone (those who aren't already dead).
Accordingly, I am going to drop toughness and give him Boon Companion as a feat. The horse may not be very relevant in the course of the game, but I love the idea, and it would make sense from an organic perspective on Harrigan's development. That would also mean a possible getaway method for Harrigan.
If I were going to give him a horse, I'd probably make it a nightmare or at least a fiendish horse.
It'll be a jet black charger named "Reaper" which will be little bit of a hint as to Harrigan's religious leanings, which my players will probably not pick up on.