Whats the current ruling for SS in PFS?
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I'm thinking Thunder Caller is probably the better option as it still improves past lvl 10 if by chance my local pfs group plays lvl 12 or 13 sessions.
I also think Thunder Caller seems a bit more flexible since it doesn't require a standard action for a few things, allowing the bard to do other things also. Any thoughts? Any ideas on what to take feat wise and rogue talent wise from Archaeologist?
I personally prefer Thundercaller by far. SS sounds good on paper but not so much in practice. The huge number of rolls slows down the game drastically and even minor Dr wracks the ability.
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I was thinking the exact same thing lol. SS seems interesting but weird words seems like it'd get the nerf hammer by different pfs gm's than Thunder Caller would. That and TC's dmg has no save and has a fort save stun effect attached. (In other words, TC seems to work better vs things with DR, as some people interpret weird words as weapon dmg due to the S, B, P part in there)
Any suggestions on race, feats, or traits? I own Core, APG, ARG, UCombat, Varisia Birthplace of Legends, Sargava The Lost Colony, and Gnomes of Golarion. I'm pretty set on playing either a Gnome, Halfling, or Half-Elf. I've already got a human and aasimar in pfs so not looking to make one of those.
For the record there is no "some people interpret" It has been stated in ether FAQ or errata (forgotten which one at and don't have time to look it up.) that SU abilities that list a weapon type damage are effected by DR. which is something most ppl expected to be the case otherwise having a weapon damage type listed in a ability has no point what so ever.
As for race. Gnome. Archaeologist does NOT gain more uses of Archaeologist's luck as a bard normally would for normal performance. So gnome alternate favored class bonus is a big help. In fact traits and feats to add to the number of rounds is also recommended.
Humm in fact looking at it the interaction with Archaeolagist and thundercaller is dubious.
"Archaeologists do not gain the bardic performance ability or any of its performance types."
As far as I can tell they can not be combined as with Archaeologist you don't have the performances that you need to trade out for thundercaller.
Haven't looked at each but the last majority if not all trade out some performances as well that it the major part of the bard class. Would not surprise me if its just flat not possible to combine any others with it. But don't know off the top of my head.
-edit- Derp you said with thundercaller. I will give it a look over and get back to you.
I'm building a bard for PFS, 20pt buy, and looking to play a small race (gnome or halfling). The archetypes I've decided on are Archaeologist and (Sound Striker or ThunderCaller). Can anyone give me some suggestions on whether I should pick SS or TC and what feats/traits to pick?
Is Halfling Opportunist legal for PFS play?
I have a great Halfling Archeologist archer-bard who dips a couple levels of Halfling Opportunist and Lore Warden if interested. He's a scout, a trap-detecting fiend, has high Knowledge skills and is effective in combat buffing the party through spells or at range with a bow.
Yeah looking over things there are very few archetypes that don't already trade out bardic knowledge. The few that don't I honestly would not recommend.
Seems both Archeologist and ThunderCaller just don't combine with much of anything else. At least not well anyway.
If you are not going to be melee I am a big fan of the flagbearer feat.
Some ppl don't like it because it is weaker then good hope. But the thing is you can use it from lvl one, Its always on, it is action free, and it does not use up your limited spells known/slots.
Depending on much you use call thunder extra performance could be valuable.
If you will be melee arcane strike is a solid feat. Also there is a gnome alt trait that gets you darkvision. that opens up the feat moonlight stalker which can be wonderful for melee bards.
If going more caster then there is of course spell focus feats.
Improved initiative is pretty good in general.
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I'm envisioning the character being an odd and vocally bold character that shouts down sounds bursts or lightning on his enemies. I'll probably keep him out of the melee or ranged archery bit and focus more on using performances and some spells. Maybe aiding others?
I don't really want to go into the middle of combat because I'd rather not get critted in the face or sandwiched/surrounded and die. So I figure standing back a bit would be good and probably using a reach weapon for AoO's.
EDIT: If playing a gnome, I almost want to use a "Battle Ladder" from Gnomes of Golarion and ride a horse/donkey (using the ladder to get up onto my mount and then hoisting it up to wield as a weapon.) The horse/donkey would be worthless in a fight but just using it for travel and flavor.
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I'm not entirely sure if I could dual wield with a dex based ThunderCaller using Pirahna Strike, if this isn't a bad idea let me know.
I know there's other archetypes that are better geared for melee combat and other classes also but I'd like to stay a ThunderCaller though. Just wondering if it's even worth considering dual wielding as a gnome with Pirahna Strike.
Frankly I would never DW on anyone without full BaB or at the very least an ability that adds serious damage on each hit. (Like sneack attack or smite for instance.)
A reach weapon would be doable but frankly you will likely never do enough damage for it to matter without going full out battle bard. going battle bard means Cha as the lowest you can get away with. So pretty much never use a spell with a save.
Or you can go full caster bard. Max cha. Drop TC on heads and focus your spells on control. Bards have great control. Since you will be able to use TC to fill between spells you won't end up running on empty like other types of bards might if trying to go caster build.
If going the 2nd route I wouldn't even bother with a weapon. Its just a waste of gold. Sure it feels nice to get an AoO off but in reality the damage would be a meaningless amount. I would just roll with a shield and a flag for flagbearer. This is all my personal opinion though don't take it as end all be all.
Honestly my advice is to pick one style or the other and go hard down that road. Trying to be somewhere in the middle will just lead to disappointment.
If its allowed in pfs, you'll want the Fate's Favoured trait.
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Well I'd think using Arcane Strike, Pirahna Strike, and TWF/ITWF a bard wouldn't be too bad dual wielding keen kukris or rapiers. I have access to mirror image and blur/displacement to absorb dmg. Also being focused on dex I'd have a decent AC bonus. Not sure if I should go with Gnome and focus on Illusion traits/feats for better bard illusion spells or Halfling for the higher Dex for Weapon Finesse / Pirahna Strike.
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I was hoping TWF, ITWF, Pirahna Strike and 2 keen agile kukris would work well along with a small race and blur/mirror image to up the defense. *sigh*
I'm thinking either Gnome or Half-Elf due to the extra performances from favored class. I'm going straight ThunderCaller from 1-12.
1) Isn't there a trait or feat that enables someone (i think a gnome) to keep concentrating on an illusion spell via free or swift action and allowing them to cast other spells?
2) I also see that Deadly Dealer is not allowed in PFS....Is there any ranged weapons I could spec in besides bow? (I see a trait in the Varisia book that gives Starknife proficiency)
Any other ideas? I don't want to be the typical bow & arrow user and I don't think I'm really wanting to roll with a whip and tripping people.