Levelling Ameiko Kajitsu

[HeavyFoil]

Hi

Apologies if this question has been asked previously.

Im currently running Jade Regent and would like to level Ameiko up to Level 8 (The same level as the player characters). She is currently still at the stats given in the adventure path.

Im looking for advice on the best way to optimise her to make her a more integral part of the team when it comes to combat. I will be playing her myself so if an encounter doesnt go well for the party I can ensure her survival.

Thanks in Advance :)

[DM_aka_Dudemeister]

I replaced her rogue levels with ACG playtest swashbuckler levels. Bard/Swashbuckler is a pretty fun combination.

[Wu Nakitu]

Our DM just increased her Bard level, which was about the most effective move outside of a total rebuild, in my opinion. It kept her useful and relevant without putting her into the frontline or a position to really outshine us.

[HeavyFoil]

Thanks guys, Il give both a try and see which one looks the most effective. Although the Bard/Swashbuckler idea sounds like it could be pretty awesome.

[Haldrick]

It also depends on your parties mix. Do they need more a Swashbuckler or will this step on someone's toes.

[prototype00]

I basically just leveled her as an Arcane Duelist Bard. Simple, and she becomes an absolute monster if leveled with the characters.

prototype00

[Cranky Dog]

All of my NPCs gained one level per adventure, regardless if they accompanied the PCs or not.

Ameiko was the exception when she tagged along in the House of Withered Blossoms and leveled twice. She's now with the PCs in the imperial shrine and will soon level again.

All of her new levels are in bard and with team support spells and abilities. Each NPC leveled in what would be the most appropriate for their personality or background while being a boon for the PCs and the caravan. Sandru's rogue talents were in black market connections and false friend (he was *very* popular with the geishas).

[The NPC]

I followed the guideline that said keep the NPCs three levels below the PCs and then exchanged her levels of aristocrat with bard and continued leveling up her bard class as the campaign went on.

[HeavyFoil]

The players characters are Wizard, Cleric and Fighter (Focused on Range).

Due to this, I am definitely thinking it will be the most beneficial to level her in a way so she can be on the frontline of combat encounters.

[DM_aka_Dudemeister]

Swashbucklers are primarily defensive thanks to Riposte. Combine that with EWP so she can use Suishen with style and you're good to go.