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I don't get alter self until 6th level so I gotta make due with whats available until then, but those are some good suggestions Drake. I've been looking too much at what I can do without even thinking about what others can do to discover me.

I'm playing a Human, Urban Druid planning on going into master spy.

Thanks Rynjin and BBT,
I don't need class suggestions though, that's been decided. I was just curious if anyone had recommendations of equipment (magic or non-magic) that would fit my spy character I'll be starting soon. He has high disguise, bluff, diplomacy, etc. So if you have anything in mind, feel free to share.

If you were trying to make the ultimate infiltrator or spy, what items and/or gear would you need or want?

I really wanted the Bastard Sword but it seems i'm pretty feat starved, even with being a human fighter. We are playing through Curse of the Crimson Throne, and APG traits only. It seems the best way to play a defender is to be a TWF offender...interesting I guess it makes sense though. Thanks for the advice so far, and please keep it coming. Even a 1-10 feat/stat layout would be helpful.

awesome, i've read this doc before but it was for another build, I didnt even realize that was in there. It was very helpful, thanks.

Thank sounds like some sound advice, I'll see if I can put it in there sooner. Also, what guide are you referring to? I thought I'd checked all the guides but I don't remember seeing anything similar to what I want. Thanks for the advice!

So we will be starting a Curse of the Crimson Throne game soon and I instantly had my heart set on a cavalier, unfortunately the GM has limited only Core Rulebook Classes with Archetypes from APG, 20 point build. So I have decided to do what I had initially planned except play a fighter instead of cavalier.

Where I'm lost at this point is how to go about defending my party. I need to be able to dish out some dmg so I'm not ignored by the baddies yet be tough enough and "tanky" enough to survive a beating.

What I have in mind so far is:

Human Fighter 1
STR-17 (including human bonus)
Dex-14
Con-14
Int-10
Wis-14
Chr-8

Feats: Power Attack, EWP-Bastard Sword, quickdraw
The idea is to get stand still at lvl 3 and then get bodyguard down the way, maybe even "in harms way".
This build would function as a charge the enemy, 2hand with B.Sword, quickdraw shield (tank mode) then do my best to keep the baddies away from the squishies in the back.

I know this isn't optimal but it's what I want concept wise. Anyone got any suggestions or feats that would really make this concept flourish?

Thanks in advance

*edit* Also, only feats from CRB and APG are allowed.

If you can use hexes while raging, the save DC will increase while raging due to the increased Constitution score. :-)

That's pretty much the plan :)

yeah if the plan is to get Con as high as possible then human is the way to go. Im still playing with the idea of creating a melee beatstick along with the SWD so Orc is pretty perfect considering the +4 str

oh damn, totally forgot about fatigue hahaha...wow, that was dumb.

Yeah, but hexes are not spells they are supernatural abilities which can be used in rage. Im only using rage to increase their DCs then drop rage and start casting spells.

thanks for the advice disco, I'm thinking of focusing more on spell casting at this point but feel free to post any short of combination of these classes, it would be kewl to see all the possibilities.

My current vision for this character is a weak orc who was cast out from his tribe due to his lack of str. his clansmen tortured him and cut him repeatedly. It was from this torture that he learned his strength comes from his pain. He now self inflicts wounds and seeks pain in order to find pleasure. I plan on making him rather creepy (i.e whispering to his "master" his mask at late hours of the night, due to his prehensile hair hex, he will have long ratted hair (the ring syle) and perhaps some disfigurement from the torture he endured. Perhaps I'll even make him smile and seem pleasured when an enemy wounds him. what do ya think?

The Prehensile hair is something that meshes too well with the basis of this build not to take...basically an oh Sh*t button when enemies get too close, and it should make them reconsider attacking me, plus I should be able to take the hits anyways.

2 levels of barb is what I was thinking just to provide the option of rage powers. Although 1 lvl of rage would be fine as well considering I would just use my controlled rage at the beginning of combat to raise the save DC of my hexes then drop rage and start casting.

I'm considering this concept for a carrion crown game a friend will be running soon so the creep factor is a must for me and Orcs fit well into the region...any suggestions otherwise?

good point, i tend to let the class define my concepts...i'm sure you've noticed considering you always help me with my builds haha, i'll work on it

yeah, although the fluff doesn't seem to fit but eh...so a SWD witch and a Savage/Urban Barb...how many levels of barb would you recommend? just a 2 lvl dip?

yeah I was thinking savage as well, seems like NA could be pretty decent (would be represented by the scars he self inflicts) controlled rage from Urban barbarian is awesome too...

aww damn, that concept seemed awesome. So I should just beef up my con as much as possible and only use my hair as an attack?

hmmm now you got me thinking. Prehensile hair is a natural attack right? hmmm I'm seeing a possible nat weapon build here as well. Get the bite from traits as an orc, claws from a 2 lvl dip from beast totem, and the hair attack...the image is creepy as hell...

Gotcha, I didn't even realize a human could use an orc archetype but I guess one could argue they could through racial heritage. What feats would you use, naturally PA would be in the build, probably even weapon focus to mitigate the low BaB but what else would you throw in there?

Yeah I thought of that but doesn't weapon spec and weapon training make fighter the better dpr class? That is what this character's role will be after all ;)

Why would human do it better? because of the extra feat?

Am I completely off base thinking something can come of this?

It would have to be an Orc due to the archetype but Con becomes your casting stat and the racial bonus to str would make up for the low BaB from witch. Moment of clarity would be a must. I don't know much about witches so I bow before the more "Witchy" pathfinders.

I'm not saying this would be an optimal build by any means but cmon...you can't tell me the idea of a creepy vodoo orc beating down someone with a greatsword while cackling is not worth diving into. What do you guys think?

Thank you for posting The Bald Man, it's good to know my concept will be fun and effective. Perhaps if you wouldn't mind posting your build so others (and myself) could reference it. Thanks again

RebBrown, thank you for that breakdown it was really helpful. I assumed fighter would be best considering all the feats I will need to invest in what I want to do but your breakdown using the ranger class seems good as well. I have built this character as a fighter already but have yet to actually play him. I will be sure to update after I do so. In the mean time, feel free to share more builds to aid others or even myself in the future.

Improved natural attack I believe.

Wow I missed quite a bit didn't I? haha I appreciate everyone offering their advice, you can always learn something new. In my particular case though, I'm sure my GM would be fine allowing me a custom set of gloves (we have a nifty little crafter in the party so it fits.) Also, we are hurting as far as melee dmg in the party at the moment so I'm sure our support characters would have no problem spending a turn or two putting me in position.

There is always that chance that a GM or party wont support your ideas but in my case, luckily, that just isn't an issue. Thanks for the consideration though Atarlost, your were correct in stating the possibility of a GM not allowing that item and such, but again not in my case.

STR Ranger,
If I go that route gloves of dueling would be useless though right? It seems what your saying is using battle axes is really underpowered? Do you think you'd be able to build a character that can throw chakram and who uses 2 battle axes and make it viable? I really wanna stick to the concept I have in my head but I don't want to get left behind in dpr considering I'm the party's front line fighter.

STR Ranger,
I appreciate you taking the time to offer your expert advice. I honestly see no problem with my fluff to not use chakram. I want to use throwing as an option when I'm not in melee, but I don't want it to be the main focus of the build. The build you suggested is pretty awesome, so thank you for that. I was just hoping to cover all the weapons i would use within my weapon training ability, but I guess the pros to a chakram out weigh the con of not getting weapon training with it.

The core races ofc and ARG.

I have yet to get UE, what exactly does the belt of mighty hurling do and whats is price? I'm working on a build and I'm starting to like a ranger better just for overall versatility...thanks for the suggestion Blackblood, your advice is valued as always.

Thank you Atarlost, I appreciate you explaining WHY it is a bad decision. Not many people take the time to do so. So in your opinion, a basic fighter with no archetype would be best?

I too was curious about the pick for a dwarf fighter. I like the point made however I usually prefer human characters (the free feat is awesome).
Regarding fluff, my idea is the character was simply an average person whom has decided to adventure due the murder of a family member or whatever. the reason for him using axes is because he used them to chop wood, or something very basic. I usually make "awesome" characters and for this character I want sort of an "every man". Basically your average person rising up and taking on forces beyond his power.

Due to everyone's reasoning, as well as more thought personally, I have decided that fighter is the way I am going, however would 2 hand fighter be better than weapon master for this build? I was looking into STR Ranger's guide and it seemed to fit my concept best, am I overlooking something? Thanks again for all the help.I tend to be more of an Role Player so your help creating my character regarding stats, feats. etc is more than appreciated. Some day i'll be able to do it on my own haha

The Blinkback belt was part of the plan already, one step ahead of ya haha but thanks Mathwei.

Also thanks for the advice Nicos, good call on fighter since I'll need the dex anyways. I am going to have to fit quick draw in the build so maybe drop/postpone weapon focus and take it 1st level? Also, anyone else got feat suggestions? What about close quarters thrower?

Since my Nat. weapon character is going to be saved for another AP I find myself trying to flesh out yet another concept.

Basically what the title says, I wanna make a TWF Ranger or Fighter (not sure) that uses axes. (don't care about being less optimal or not) Also, he will need to be able to throw axes as well. Character will be lvl 6 (joining an ongoing campaign) and using a 25 point buy. Books allowed are Core, APG, UM, and UC. GM is open to other PF books on an individual basis. I have never played a TWFer before so I submit to the forums experience and wisdom...help me make this happen. Thanks for your future help...I would try this on my own first but the game is tomorrow so I need to be ready asap.

Hahaha that's exactly what I was thinking too...great minds think alike I guess

Sounds good Blackblood, I'll try and stat this out and see how it looks. If anyone has more advice feel free to post it still.

haha sorry, I meant character... ;P

Dot

Hmmm I agree Feral, that fluff fits my concept perfectly but mechanics-wise it just isn't hitting the spot.

Blackblood, it didn't even consider the mounted fury archetype so good call. I'm considering it heavily.

Finally Krodjin, I agree with you completely and that was more or less what I was asking for was suggestions for classes or a combination of that is going to fit my concept best. I don't expect to fill my wants completely but I know there are people much better at character creation than I, and I wanted to see if they could help me make this character so I don't make a sub-par toon. At this point I'm thinking a 2 lvl dip Barb then ranger might be the way to go but again, not so sure.

Feral Child? Where is that located? Never heard of that before...you might make me consider spell casting if it's reason enough. Also, about the Lycanthropy, that is part of the reason I wanna make this guy a natural weapon user. I don't want to actually be a lycanthrope (gm wouldn't allow it anyways) but it would be kewl to be close to one (maybe an ancestor was one??)

Thanks for the advice so far everyone, I would prefer to avoid any druid levels just because it doesn't add anything to my concept that ranger couldn't do without causing me to lose my combat ability. I would take a hit to my BaB and I don't want to be a spell caster at all.

As far as shape shifting goes, I'm not completely against it at this point but not really what I had in mind. I want him to be, for lack of a better term, a Tarzan character, in the North. By that I mean a human whom has adapted naturally (for the most part) to his environment. Claws and Teeth could be explained by micro evolution/hormonal imbalances that came as a bi-product of living in such harsh conditions.

Thanks again guys, if anyone has any other advice that would be great. I am planning way ahead with this character as he will probably be used in the new AP coming out in February or so.

So I am working on a character concept and am hitting a block. My idea is to make an Ulfen warrior that is very bestial.

My fluff behind him is that his parents are/were slaves in the Irrisen lands. His father was a ranger whom instructed his animal companion (a wolf) to take his child away so that he may grow up free from the oppression of Baba Yaga. My character possibly never made it back to civilization , but rather grew up amongst a pack of wolves in the icy wilderness. He was too young at the time to really remember his parents but does have visions from the spirits (dreams)of a woman and man from his past which might lead to him returning to Irrisen to free his parents (up to GM).

My issues are few but I really can't decide how to build this guy to my fluff. I'm really liking Ranger for his abilities of survival, natural weapon style (maybe) etc. Also I really like barbarian (of course). I looked into the Ranger Archetype Wild Stalker and I find it kind of meh.
The best compromise so far is to cross class the two but that will really delay my progression so I need some help.

The main things I want are:
Ranger:
Skills, Tracking/Survival, Animal Companion (wolf obviously), and combat Style (natural or Sword and Shield)-do not care for spell casting at all.
Barbarian:
Rage, Rage powers:Beast totems , Scent, Primal Scent (maybe), and Animal fury (for a bite).

If I do go sword and shield it will make barbarian unnecessary but I feel it really causes me to lose a lot of the concept for this character.

Should I pull back on the concept? Or can I make this work? Sorry for the long post I am just really excited to make this character. Thanks for any advice given.

yeah good call Moon, I'm liking that option right now. Turin...that is just evil haha...my GM would kill me, but would be funny as hell :)

Thanks Moon, I was thinking of getting the terrain mastery rogue talent a couple times. I also realized I dont meet the prereqs for weapon focus yet (gotta fix that) I already get improved initiative for being halfling and I also considered gunslinger but wasn't quite what I wanted for this character. Thanks for the advice though...also, what is point blank attack? you mean point blank shot? I'm not much of a ranged user at this point but I might consider it if I go ranger and I'll pick them up in ranger combat style feats. Keep em coming though, thanks guys!

Seems almost everything is covered except a full Arcane user which you are currently filling :). I would say this is one of those times where you can honestly pick whatever you feel like. Maybe try a build that you've been considering but haven't had the right party to do it...sorry if this is no help what so ever haha

Thanks for the advice both of you, only issue is we have already started the campaign so what I have up there is set in stone. Urban ranger or Barb is not quite what I was concept wise.

My whole idea is a guy that sails to parts of the sky others wouldn't dare. (We are sky-pirates, aka flying ships and each continent is a floating island essentially.) So Shark-halfling doesn't quite work ;P

What I'm looking for is basically the most effective way to build this guy without breaking concept. i need to keep initiative and profession (sailor) as high as possible as well as use some combination of Rogue to get to Horizon walker, as well as good feats for a rapier user. I've been working this character out for a while but have hit a stand still...I even considered weapon master fighter or free hand fighter...so lets keep the ideas rolling haha

no one at all? :(

Hey all! So I just began a campaign with my group in a homebrew world. The game is basically a "Sky-Pirate" campaign. We are using the alternate DR rules for armor as well as vehicle combat rules found in UC. I have decided to make/focus my character to be a Pirate Captain. In this world Halflings get a +2 to dex and wis and a -2 to chr. We rolled 3d6 (reroll 1's) for stats and halflings get skilled driver and inproved initiative as bonus feats. I should also note that the GM chose to give all characters weapon finesse for free if they want to use that fighting style. Currently my character looks like this at lvl 1:

Acrobat Rogue
Str 11
Dex 16
Con 14
Int 11
Wis 16
Chr 11

Skills:
Acrobatics:11 (halfling bonus +2)
Climb:6 (halfling +2)
Escape Artist:7
Kn(Geo):1
Perception:7
Profession(Sailor):7
Sense Motive:7
Slight of Hand:7
Stealth: 7

Feat: Weapon Focus (Rapier)

What I plan on doing is cross classing between Ranger (Guide) and Rogue then eventually going into Horizon Walker. My GM has allowed Ship Deck as a favored terrain so I assume you can see the plan there. I'm liking the rogue talent Terrain Mastery but other than that, how would you flesh this character out? So far I've considered rogue 4/Ranger 3 then into HW but thats as far as i've gotten. Any help would be great! And sorry for the long post, I'm just really excited to see this character grow.

hahaha Vuvu, I know what you mean. I usually have horrible luck when rolling stats (I prefer Point Buy), this is the first time I've been able to play something MAD so I wanna take advantage of it.

Thanks for the suggestions AkaKage and Frost but I'm gonna try and work out this Monk/Pally. I wanna use unarmed combat as well as throw some shuriken (that are shaped like holy symbols or are holy themselves but thats pricey). I considered the Gunslinger/pally but my GM is not really wanting to include firearms in the game so there went that idea. I'll continue to try different things and see if I can make an unarmed Pally or a pally/monk workable. I'll keep you all updated.