As some folks may be aware, I really dig on Tengu.
Now, before someone flags this to go to a different forum, I was hoping to get advice on what sort of build to pursue for a PFS-legal (and effective) tengu paladin.
Please don't say "Oh, just pick a cleric or warpriest".
What sort of considerations should I take into account in designing such a character?
Thank you very much for your time!
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I actually have a strength-based tengu magus that's level 11, so I can tell you right away that you dont necessarily have to be dex and wisdom based to be effective as a tengu.
I would do the point-buy something like this for a melee tengu paladin:
14
12+2
14-2
10
8+2
16
I've made two paladins in PFS (one is 9 and the other is 4) with 14 strength and it's been enough starting out. You suffer a bit when you're not smiting, but 2-3 smites a day will get you through most scenarios. Your saves will be great, you will have lots of lay on hands to keep yourself up, and when you are smiting, you will have awesome AC and hit. Oath of Vengeance is not really required imo. It's incredibly rare to find a scenario in which you NEED to smite more than 3 times. Retaining channel positive energy gives you some fun item options, like the grayflame enchant. On a separate note, I would probably take the opportunity to use a katana (especially if your are a paladin of Shizuru).
For a divine hunter archer paladin:
12
15+2
14-2
10
7+2
16
Archery is always good, and smiting archery is really good.
I actually have a strength-based tengu magus that's level 11, so I can tell you right away that you don't necessarily have to be dex and wisdom based to be effective as a tengu.
I would do the point-buy something like this for a melee tengu paladin:
14
12+2
14-2
10
8+2
16I've made two paladins in PFS (one is 9 and the other is 4) with 14 strength and it's been enough starting out. You suffer a bit when you're not smiting, but 2-3 smites a day will get you through most scenarios. Your saves will be great, you will have lots of lay on hands to keep yourself up, and when you are smiting, you will have awesome AC and hit. Oath of Vengeance is not really required imo. It's incredibly rare to find a scenario in which you NEED to smite more than 3 times. Retaining channel positive energy gives you some fun item options, like the grayflame enchant. On a separate note, I would probably take the opportunity to use a katana (especially if your are a paladin of Shizuru).
For a divine hunter archer paladin:
12
15+2
14-2
10
7+2
16Archery is always good, and smiting archery is really good.
Awesome. Thank you.
*will keep an eye out for any other thoughts, as well, goes to implements the first one...*
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Ah, new I forgot something.
I probably wouldnt do dex-based melee without one level of swashbuckler or three levels of unchained rogue.
Having proficiency with wakazashi makes rogue sound good. Not only can you dual-wield with dex-to-damage, but they are light weapons so you can use Piranha Strike instead of Power Attack (and thus don't need a 13 strength).
For that option, I would probably go:
10
15+2
14-2
12
9+2
15
Ah, new I forgot something.
I probably wouldnt do dex-based melee without one level of swashbuckler or three levels of unchained rogue.
Having proficiency with wakazashi makes rogue sound good. Not only can you dual-wield with dex-to-damage, but they are light weapons so you can use Piranha Strike instead of Power Attack (and thus don't need a 13 strength).
For that option, I would probably go:
10
15+2
14-2
12
9+2
15
Which solves a consideration I was having with unchained rogue theory-builds... the Aldori Dueling Sword is nice, but requires a lot of finagling. But a Wakisashi is cleaner and with judicious application of Keen crit-fishing insanity.
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Tengu Shining Knight Paladin of Shizuru with Divine Bond - Mount (Axebeak).
There are two ways for a Tengu Paladin to acquire an Axebeak as a legal mount choice in PFS. One involves a Convention Boon (which I'd be happy to send you), and the other involves playing through a certain 3 part series.
Have the Axebeak take the Bodyguard archetype, because with a starting Constitution of 12 and a frontline disposition you're going to be hurting pretty quick.
As a Tengu you're automatically proficient in Shizuru's favored weapon: the Katana. As a Paladin you're automatically proficient in the Combat Scabbard. This scabbard is the only weapon in the game that is both a martial weapon and an improvised weapon, and benefits from being both categories.
Having a Dex and Str of 15 (or higher) allows you to effectively wield a composite longbow when needed (which you can use while mounted), so I'd pick up one of those soon.
Since your Dexterity will be 16 by level 8, you could wear Tatami-do. I've never seen anyone wear that, so you'd certainly stand out. Or if you wanted another +3 AC you could spend the money on Mithral Full Plate and a Deep Red Sphere Ioun Stone.
Slot the stone in your Wayfinder and you gain Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat, giving you a nonlethal damage option (that also benefits from two-weapon fighting).
STATS:
(+7) 15 str 15 (+1 at 4th level, and I'd suggest a +6 Belt)
(+3) 13 dex 15 (+1 at 8th level)
(+5) 14 con 12
(+0) 10 int 10
(+0) 10 wis 12
(+5) 14 cha 14
FEATS:
1st - Two-Weapon Fighting
3rd - Weapon Focus (Katana)
5th - whatever
7th - whatever
9th - Improved Critical (Katana)
11th - whatever
TRAITS:
Surprise Weapon
Fate's Favored (to increase your to-hit with Divine Favor) or Magical Knack (I'm a strong supporter of Paladins taking this) or Altruistic Diplomat (with only 2 skill points per level you'll need skill bonuses)
I'll leave the RP up to you.
Are the traits from Ultimate Campaign legal in PFS play? I have it, I just wasn't sure what beyond retraining was available in it?
Also, which source material is Shizuru located in/which would be most economical to purchase?
Also... wow... this... is insane. Not in a bad way, but in a 'Wow, you really put a lot of thought into this one!' Are you sure you don't want to do it yourself, Nefreet?
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I'm a fan Tengu is all.
But I already have a Paladin.
And the Additional Resources document is all you need to see what's legal.
The links I provided were mostly to ArchivesofNethys, which also lists what's legal in PFS (look for the symbol of the Open Road).
Shizuru is in Champions of Purity, Dragon Empires Gazetteer, and Dragon Empires Primer.
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I'm a fan Tengu is all.
But I already have a Paladin.
And the Additional Resources document is all you need to see what's legal.
The links I provided were mostly to ArchivesofNethys, which also lists what's legal in PFS (look for the symbol of the Open Road).
Shizuru is in Champions of Purity, Dragon Empires Gazetteer, and Dragon Empires Primer.
Sold!
*makes the arrangements to make it happen*
I'll post the end result here after I have source material to work from. =)
Thank you!
As a Tengu you're automatically proficient in Shizuru's favored weapon: the Katana. As a Paladin you're automatically proficient in the Combat Scabbard. This scabbard is the only weapon in the game that is both a martial weapon and an improvised weapon, and benefits from being both categories.
I love the image of fighting with a Katana and its scabbard. -4/-4 to hit for fighting with two medium weapons is a pretty hefty penalty though...Even with Surprise Weapon.
On second glance, I noticed that the Combat Scabbard is a Medium weapon, regardless of the size of the weapon it contains. Might this work better with a Wakazashi? With Surprise Weapon, the penalties effectively become -2/0.
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For a tengu the Inspired Blade duelist archetype with Fencing Grace does look like a very sweet dip. You can even use a shield, so between Dex and that, your AC could somewhat offset the loss of Con.
Alternatively, that one level dip in swashbuckler isn't your prime plan, which is archery; but you have a rapier if melee can't be avoided.