Sorcerer Trap Specialist?

[Amir Hiram]

I was toying with one last idea for a new PFS character. I want to make a caster this time around, but at the same time I want to fill the role of trap specialist (since that is something my tables are always lacking). So, it hit me: What if I use the Seeker archetype coupled with the Sage (wildblooded version of Arcane) Bloodline?

From the Seeker archetype, I get Trapfinding as a rogue. I lose Eschew Materials, but that's not so bad, and I don't know how big a problem that will be in PFS. Then, I can couple that with the Sage bloodline which makes my sorcerer operate off of Intelligence rather than Charisma. If I grab a trait that lets me get Perception and another for Stealth, I'm set to be a party scout and trapfinder.

Beyond this, I'm a bit unsure what direction I want to take this build. What race will fit best? I figured Halfling, Dwarf, or Human would be best (Dwarf for Darkvision, Stonecunning and CON; Halfling for Small Size, stealth, perception, and DEX; Human for the feat and more skillmonkey points). Half-Elf looks very appealing, too, especially if Drow-Blooded is PFS legal. But then, what about feats? What spells fit best (besides the usual best first level spells)? Illusion spells and Invisibility come to mind, as do touch attack spells. Is there anything else I should be considering?

EDIT: And should I be considering Arcane Trickster, perhaps?

[snobi]

Thanks for posting this. I was previously unaware of the Seeker archetype. I used to play thieves/rogues exclusively. I've switched to an Umbral Shadow Sorcerer (who I will play next once my current character dies!) who will have a decent Stealth, but the Seeker archetype would allow him to do the trap stuff too. I like to play small races, so he will be a halfling, which is good for Stealth. Plus Swift as Shadows (a halfling thing) negates the -5 penalty to Stealth while moving.

Anyway, not sure if you're into the Stealth thing, but Shadow Well from the Shadow Bloodline is pretty cool. So with Swift as Shadows, once he is level 9 (or possibly as soon as level 5) he can do a spell as a standard action and then Stealth/move his full speed so that hopefully the baddies don't know where he's at.

I agree though that the Sage Bloodline is good. I don't think not having Eschew Materials is a big deal. Re: other race options, you can always pick up Darkvision as a spell. If you go half-elf, you can take Paragon Surge. There's a feat that lets humans take Paragon Surge too, but for PFS, you have to be a half-elf.

For feats, you could take Skill Focus in Disable Device and/or Perception.

I'm pretty sure there are spells that help with traps. I will need to research them! :) For spells that help with Stealth, I'm looking at Reduce Person (to go to Tiny size), maybe Forced Quiet later on when I sub out Mage Armor at a higher level once I get bracers of armor, Cat's Grace will help with both DD and Stealth, Heroism and Greater Heroism both help skills, and Moment of Prescience obviously helps too. Oh, and with Beast Shape III, you can Diminutive, for better Stealth.

Re: Arcane Trickster, it probably depends on how much you like the goodies of whatever bloodline you take. I like the goodies of the Umbral Shadow Sorcerer, so I don't want to lose those by going to AT.

[Petty Alchemy]

Probably Human or Half-Elf to use the favored class to learn more spells. Skill Focus can be put into Perception (or you can use Focused Study to get a few over your career).