Is there any reason for a rogue to not have 1 level in Synthesist?

[Taku Ooka Nin]

Synthesist
lvl 1: 3 evolution points.
Quadruped form str 14, dex 14, con 13 (Small 10, 16, 11)
Limbs (arms) 2 points.
Pounce 1 point.
Feats:
Weapon Finesse or two-weapon fighting or Extra Evolution!: Claws 1 point.

If you play a Human you lose the benefit of Weapon Finesse since your STR and DEX will be the same. Instead, should you choose it, take two-weapon fighting AND Extra Evolution (claws) so you get 5 attacks at level 1. Take Synth at level 1 if you go this route.

If you are playing a SMALL character and intend to have a SMALL eidolon then I recommend at least 2 levels in Rogue before doing this, mostly because you can have Weapon Finesse, Two-Weapon Fighting, AND Extra Evolution without being a Human.

So, what does this do?
lvl 1 human synth
Feats: Two-Weapon Fighting, Extra Evolution: Claws
+3 to hit (+1 bab, +2 str)
Can pounce!
Claw -2, Claw -2, Bite -2, Dagger +1, Dagger +1

Level 3 small character, small eidolon, not human:
Feats: Two-Weapon Fighting, Rogue Talent: Finesse Rogue, Weapon Finesse.
Can pounce!
+6 to hit (+2 BAB, +3 DEX, +1 SIZE)
Claw +1, Claw +1, Bite +1, Dagger +4(+5 mwk), Dagger +4(+5 mwk); +1d6 when sneak attacking.

What do you think?

[Unlighted]

The problem with dipping one level into synthesist is that you are stuck with the eidolon's BAB while you are fused with it. I copy and pasted the relevant section from Ultimate Magic.

The synthesist uses the eidolon’s base attack bonus, and gains the eidolon’s armor and natural armor bonuses and modifiers to ability scores. The synthesist also gains access to the eidolon’s special abilities and the eidolon’s evolutions.

Your character will be stuck with BAB 1 from the fused eidolon no matter how much BAB your other class gives you. You could just have synthesist as your primary class and dip into rogue to gain more damage and skills.

[BloodyManticore]

actually unlighted theres a faq somewhere saying that it only replaces your class bab from summoner. the reason not to do this is that a str and dex of 14 that you can never bump up by leveling is stupidly low

[Jadeite]

Nearly any level in a class that's not rogue is going to make a rogue better.

[Mojorat]

Well reasons not to do it? Th first is eidolon are complicated unlighteneds incorrect statements above show th mechanics are not understood or applied incorrectly.

Sexondly in a roleplating game theme. Should be a big deal I can't think of many clasic rogue themes that involve an extraplanar monster suit.

[Paladin of Baha-who?]

Because you want to be a rogue not a pokemon?

[chaoseffect]

Paladin of Baha-who? wrote:

Because you want to be a rogue not a pokemon?

I'd see the Eidolon being more like The Darkness.

[DM Sothal]

Taku Ooka Nin wrote:

...

Claw -2, Claw -2, Bite -2, Dagger +1, Dagger +1
...

How can you make claw attacks when you are wielding daggers?

Did I miss something?

[Deadmanwalking]

DM Sothal wrote:

Taku Ooka Nin wrote:

...

Claw -2, Claw -2, Bite -2, Dagger +1, Dagger +1
...

How can you make claw attacks when you are wielding daggers?

Did I miss something?

Extra Limbs (Arms). It has six limbs, two with claw attacks and two wielding daggers.

[DM Sothal]

Ah!
Thanks.

[Deadmanwalking]

DM Sothal wrote:

Ah!

Thanks.

You're very welcome. Happy to be of assistance. :)

[Renegadeshepherd]

From a skill monkey point of view, no reason at all not to take a level. For combat I could think of plenty. The biggest reason though is that ur eidolon will not surpass ur own abilities that u could bring to the table in just one level dip, period. Plus what u going to do when ur eidolon gets banished or something? At least a summoner could stay in the back and cast but a rogue is now even more subpar and gets in there to fight with Poor stats.

[chaoseffect]

Eidolon Anchoring Harness is dirt cheap pretty much means you never have to worry about your Eidolon suit going away at an inopportune moment.

I'm assuming that since Pounce is being taken the Rogue side will be using the Scout archetype to make the most of it... charge with all attacks getting sneak attack isn't bad for a level 5 character. With a small sized Eidolon you'd have 16 Dex which is okayish for your primary attack stat, but the 11 Con hurts. I'm also assuming Improved Unarmed Strike at some point to replace the daggers so that everything can be keyed off of one item, your Agile Amulet of Mighty Fists?

Hmmm. I don't know if I'd go this route myself as you're going to be awfully squishy, but it certainly seems as though it could be viable. Better hope you kill with that Sneak Attack Pounce.