Okay so I am making an Awakened Hawk, so I am going to give him either rogue or ninja, but I wanted to find out, of these two classes... what would YOU do with a hawk?
Probably not Rogue or Ninja.
But that's not very helpful to you.
I would say Ninja, because it's generally better, but I don't know your Cha score. If it's not very good, Rogue may be the better by default since you need some Cha to take advantage of the things that make Ninja better.
Actually the Animal archive specifically recommends rogue or ninja for birds.
Avians: Raptors such as eagles, hawks, and owls—as well as more bizarre fliers—tend to develop aloof, detached personalities, while smaller individuals are often more social and high-strung. Awakened avian animals keenly observe the world around them—often understanding it much better than their demure natures might imply— and are adept at inferring others' desires, motives, and intentions. These intelligent flyers are shrewdly calculating and opportunistic, especially when it comes to ensuring their own survival. Awakened birds can often be found high above a fracas, coldly deciding on the best course of action, and only entering a fray when it's in their best interest or that of their friends.
In combat, avian animals enjoy taking opponents by surprise, favoring training as rogues and ninjas, though they may also enjoy a bard's ability to soar above the fray and inspire with their songs and majestic screeches. In these capacities, the birds often use their winged stealth to their advantage, taking cover in trees and then striking quickly and silently. Awakened avian animals use their natural weapons, but often with a twist—devious awakened flyers have been known to drop smoke shot, chain shot, and even bombs on unsuspecting enemies.
So, I guess a bit of what I was thinking absed on that, was Dodge, Mobility, and Fly-By Attack so when the party is in melee and therefore he can get flanking bonuses, he does a flyby and attacks his opponents then is gone before they can react.
So, rogue would work well for that, but on the the other hand being able to turn invisible and such would be cool, if it could be pulled off, but you do make a good point about the Charisma, I am however making him with the same rules as players (I know what the Awaken spell says) so he will only have a -2 to Charisma. Not so bad, just need to put a decent score in charisma.
I would suggest something more like a Ranger, honestly. Fly-By Attack Sneak Attacks are really only about as effective as Fly-By Attacks with any real martial class, so I don't think you'd be getting as much out of it as you think.
Also, not 100% sure you can Flank while using Fly-By Attack anyway.
|
I would think Gunslinger or a Bard, myself. We're talking about this Hawk, right? :)
Seriously... Flyby attack only enables sneak attack if you are a Scout, as they have the ability to SA on any round they have moved. So scout works VERY well here.
Still, one sneak attack per round will not be that helpful. I'd become druid or at least vivisectionist. That would be heck of a bird!
Hmmm, yeah actually Scout would be great, and as far as i can tell, it seems technically ninja can take rogue archetypes as long as they have and can replace all the same features, and currently scout is therefore the only valid one.
Slayer. It's roguish enough but more power AND more style.
|
|
A while ago I asked if you could 'hide in the sun' and get a sneak attack in broad daylight. And the answer from the rules-y part of the board was no. (Also, there are no rules about getting blinded by the sun, or taking damage by staring at it, etc.)
So, basically, a hawk can't be stealthy in its natural environment. It'd need to use shadows or convenient crates to hide behind in order to get sneak attack. (or be a scout rogue)
RAW, this is true, but there's no reason why you can't take "Air" as a favored terrain and use hide in plain sight while flying. Especially if you dip Horizon Walker.
Hmm someone mentioning Bard made me take another look, and I could go Arcane Healer and Sound Striker... Arcane Healer cause Flyby Healing (free touch attack on allies to deliver heals plz k thx) and then sound striker "SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" DAAAAMN that bird just burst my ear drums...
EDIT: Ooooh and Songhealer too... but it's not compatible with Arcane Healer...
RAW, this is true, but there's no reason why you can't take "Air" as a favored terrain and use hide in plain sight while flying. Especially if you dip Horizon Walker.A while ago I asked if you could 'hide in the sun' and get a sneak attack in broad daylight. And the answer from the rules-y part of the board was no. (Also, there are no rules about getting blinded by the sun, or taking damage by staring at it, etc.)
So, basically, a hawk can't be stealthy in its natural environment. It'd need to use shadows or convenient crates to hide behind in order to get sneak attack. (or be a scout rogue)
Actually, there is.
There is no "Air" Favored terrain.
There totally should be though. Ask your GM?
|
A while ago I asked if you could 'hide in the sun' and get a sneak attack in broad daylight. And the answer from the rules-y part of the board was no. (Also, there are no rules about getting blinded by the sun, or taking damage by staring at it, etc.)
So, basically, a hawk can't be stealthy in its natural environment. It'd need to use shadows or convenient crates to hide behind in order to get sneak attack. (or be a scout rogue)
Well, with Hellcat Stealth, you can.
horizon walker hawk would be pretty badass.