Be kind, please - this is my very first attempt at a Pathfinder class. I wanted to fill some specific ideas I had in mind for making a Sherlock-type character. This person uses his intellect to provide his allies with bonuses in combat, uses his wit to get out of sticky situations and uses his daring to escape unscathed.
I call him the Abductionist after the "abductive reasoning" technique used by the super sleuth himself, Sherlock Holmes.
Again, I am anxious, but please take this with a grain of salt. Constructive criticism will go a long way!! Thanks
Google Docs Link -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PkjHHVXAhdCR29F70bE6JYvuxLaMwXygKQlBgGF sV0I/edit
If it would be better to post the text here in the forum itself (I just have it formatted for Word/Docs) just let me know.
Also, it may be worth noting that while I did come up with some content on my own (like the Abductive Reasoning mechanic), the general idea for "weaponizing" knowledge skills comes from the Archivist 3.5 class in Heroes of Horror. I didn't want to come across as taking credit for that bit :)
Ok, first thing: I'd change the name. You gave the explanation for the class name but it does not help with the fact the name is not catchy and obvious and would be more associated with abduction (kidnapping) than abduce. I think that Investigator or Sleuth would be much more appropriate and self explanatory.
Second thing: Investigator seems to me as separate class than Sleuth - having or not having 6th levels of spells is rather a too big difference to make them both alternate classes to each other. I think that Investigator probably could be a Bard archetype/alternate class.
Between the Ribs: On a successful hit, as a standard action, deal 1d6 points of “Precision Damage” in addition to weapon damage. (...)
As written currently it is unusable because after attacking Abductionist wouldn't have standard action left to activate this ability. I assume that you intended this ability to activate on a successful attack action (which is a standard action) but it would need rewording.
Agreed on the name. I assumed this class was about kidnapping.
Also, if you say in your description that the class "resembles" another, then you're doing it wrong. Archetypes are variants of an existing class. Base classes are supposed to be distinct.
+1 on the name.
To be fair, Big Lemon, the class it "resembles" is a 3.5 class that hasn't been updated to PF. I would say that "you're doing it wrong" is a bit extreme in this case.
He says in the class that the Sleuth is the "rogue path" and that the Inspector "resembles the bard class". That was what I was referring to.
Also agree on the name. Perhaps Deductionist or something else. I'm not sure about the Ever Expanding Knowledge ability, at least that late in the game. I mean, if a player wanted to (and the DM allowed them) they could feasibly get more Knowledge skills as class skills using traits.
If you were to take it out (not suggesting you must though) there are plenty of things you could do to keep with the theme.
- A bonus to disguise or perception. I didn't see an actual ability that added a bonus to perception and that is a huge skill for Sherlock. He also used quite a few disguises to great effect.
- Maybe some sort of ability or bonus towards using a rapier / sword cane or fists. Both of which Sherlock was proficient with in the books.
- Perhaps a bonus to craft (alchemy), Sherlock was a brilliant chemist.
- Could have an index book ability. In the books Sherlock was known to keep an index on a great many people and places. Perhaps you have something like that, they roll to see if the information is already in their book or not, or it adds another bonus to their knowledge checks if it is there.
Just some suggestions really, nothing one must include.
Versatile Knowledge is very interesting, although, if possible I'd replace Perception under Dungeoneering with perhaps escape artist or stealth, because the possible Intuition ability would do the same thing for me and perception being one of the most used skills in a game, would probably be the first thing I swiped.
Anyways, it shows great promise, good work thus far.
^Agreed. This definitely has potential, but you need to focus on what other classes don't have (focusing on perceptiveness and non-magical intellect) rather than things that might work from other classes.
Dotting for when I have more time.
GREAT! Thank you very much (so far) for all the feedback! I went with Abductionist because of the old-time feel of the name...but you are correct, it really means nothing if everyone who reads it instantly interprets it to mean "kidnapper".
I will change it to "Deductionist". That has the same feel and is more indicative of the actual purpose.
RE: Bard and Rogue sub-types. So would you agree the wording is poor vs. the idea? Or are you we suggesting the spellcaster need be stripped from the concept completely?
Between the Ribs: On a successful hit, as a standard action, deal 1d6 points of “Precision Damage” in addition to weapon damage. (...)
Re-wrote it. It's meant to be a once per round ability since it is easier to use than Sneak Attack (requires a knowledge check) and is usable against any creature in which the appropriate knowledge skill applies.
Does that make sense?
Changed the "Investigator" to an Archtype at the end of the description. Exploit Weakness is now the primary feature of the class.
Working on something right now for the index book ability (love that idea) vs. the Ever Expanding Knowledge.