Andrew Boucher 88's page

Insain Dragoon wrote:

Rynjin wrote:

Fire is definitely the least versatile, and most easily shut down.

I don't think my Pyrokinetic is going to fare well in the Tomb of Horrors.

If a Pyrokinetic got "combustion bending" and thus received a Bludgeoning or Piercing, non touch, non-elemental basic blast do you think that would suffice? It would require very little reworking of the composite Blasts and Infusions.

It would help. Then it would only have the same problems as every other Kineticist (DR).

At level 7 you have the choice of either basic blast, so you're only truly hosed against opponents with both Fire Resist/Immunity AND DR.

....That describes some scary high level enemies.

Yeah, I wanted to start conservatively, since the class has to be careful about overshadowing the rogue. Maybe something else at lowest levels combined with reducing higher level sneak attack progression? Because the investigator is undoubtedly viable in combat at higher levels once it gets discoveries and sneak attack, but my playtest so far showed it to be lukewarm at best at combat at level 1, even when I paid 10 points to get a 16 Strength to ameliorate this. Now, it was still awesome, as Alistair aced Knowledge (Local) checks and ran a sting operation on a little old lady. Also we couldn't stop laughing at how silly the Student of Philosophy trait is when roleplayed straight (always focusing on logical arguments, which somehow used my Int instead of Cha). Balancewise those traits that swap ability scores on skills probably should never have existed (or should have been limited to if you rolled them randomly on the background chart as in Ultimate Campaign rather than given free run in PFS), but they're certainly amusing.

Sorry, but no. That opening sentence "since the class has to be careful about overshadowing the rogue" is wrong. The Rogue is a bad class that is severely underpowered in this system. To balance a new class around rogue would just create another useless class.

Investigator should instead be balanced in comparison to classes like Ranger, Ninja, and Alchemist who do the Rogues job far better. Investigator is currently in a pretty good place and does not need any nerfing.

Current issues
1. many Blessings, particularly the elemental blessings are very lack luster
2. The level one ability of the healing blessing should be a class feature.
3. Sacred weapon should be a minute per level. Also allow a Warpriest to apply sacred armor and weapon simultaneously considering how much this class relies on swift actions.

Like Swashbuckler, this class is pretty MAD and needing 13int for Combat expertise is painful. Please make it a level 1-2 bonus feat.

Currently a swashbucker can use these weapons.

Cestus*
Spiked Gauntlet*
wooden stake
Morningstar*
Short Spear*
Light Pick*
Heavy Pick*
Rapier
Sword cane
Trident
Dervish Dance Scimitar (Best option)
*WTF

Cannot use:
Longsword
Aldori Dueling Sword
Kukri
Cutlass
Non-Dervish Dance Scimitar
Falcata
Rhoka
Double CHicken Saber
Katana
Urumi
Temple Sword

I think class features on the Swashbucker should instead use a "swashbucker weapon list" of "Weapon finesse able weapons and the Cutlass"

As it is currently it's very odd that I can precise strike with my Morningstar, but not my Kukri, Urumi, Katana, Aldori Duelign sword, ect.

Considering this class is already pretty MAD I really suggest giving them Combat Expertise for free so that combat maneuvers don't suck. Also finally introduce greater weapon finesse. Dex to damage can never catch up to STR and power attack.

Currently a swashbucker can use these weapons.

Cestus*
Spiked Gauntlet*
wooden stake
Morningstar*
Short Spear*
Light Pick*
Heavy Pick*
Rapier
Sword cane
Trident
Dervish Dance Scimitar (Best option)
*WTF

Cannot use:
Longsword
Aldori Dueling Sword
Kukri
Cutlass
Non-Dervish Dance Scimitar
Falcata
Rhoka
Double CHicken Saber
Katana
Urumi
Temple Sword

I think class features on the Swashbucker should instead use a "swashbucker weapon list" of "Weapon finesse able weapons and the Cutlass"

As it is currently it's very odd that I can precise strike with my Morningstar, but not my Kukri, Urumi, Katana, Aldori Duelign sword, ect.

Also make weapon finesse a bonus feat. Also finally introduce greater weapon finesse so you can finally reduce MAD burden. Dex to damage can never catch up to STR and power attack.

So here's a list of fixes that will give this class a better place.

1. Bonus feat level 1 Toughness
2. Increase range of song and create a feat to increase range of song further
3. Give Medium armor proficiency.
4. While singing have characters that are already raging not use up rage rounds while they hear the song.

Animal focus is really bad in almost every case.

Instead replace it with something that actually focuses on animals.

1. Similar to summoner let this class be the "pet class" and give it the ranger spell list, not the Druid list.

2. Keep the teamwork feat thing, but add good teamwork feats.

3. Give the hunter better weapon proficiencies and better ability to support the companion in combat.

Greater Weapon Finesse
Pre-reqs: Weapon focus (weapon that is Finesseable). Weapon finesse

Efffects: Dex to damage on weapon that you applied weapon focus to.

This needs to be in the game.

As is, this class is good and viable in my eyes.

If I were to make any changes though, it would be these.

1. Give a greater Slayer talent that grants a greater rogue talent
2. 1-2 more skill points a level

Good:
1. Full BAB
2. Skills
3. Precise Strike (it's perfect, no need to change)
5. Nimble
6. Deeds+Panache
7. Swashbuckler Weapon Training

Bad, but it's ok because not everything needs to be good:
1. Bravery
2. Some bad deeds

Things bad enough to change:
1. Swashbuckler finesse should be level one and be Bonus feat Weapon finesse.
2. All requirements for "one handed piercing weapons" should instead be "weapon finesse weapons"
3. Needs one more good save. Will and Fort both make sense for various reasons.

Also, please add a Greater Weapon finesse feat so that players can use a weapon other than scimitar for this class.

This class is perfect and I am pleased with it.

The Rogue was a mistake and I am perfectly fine with a class to replace it, only grognards care that the rogue is being replaced.

The weapon and armor blessings lasting a round per level is really limiting.

Either allow them to be recast X times per day or bring it up to minutes per level.

Needs more static buffs to the animal companion through leveling.

This class is in dire need of a "Greater Weapon Finesse feat" Also the second level "weapon finesse" kinda sorta bonus feat would be better served as actual weapon finesse.