Styger's page

Human 15th level Bard (Arcane Duelist) / 2nd level Paladin (Divine Hunter)
Human favored class bonus option for Bards

Attributes:(20 point buy)
STR - 10
DEX - 16 (+2 racial bonus, +1 @ 4th & 8th levels)
CON - 14
INT - 12
WIS - 8
CHA - 14 (+1 @ 12th & 16th levels)

Traits:
Magical Knack
Maestro of the Society

Feats:
1st - Point Blank Shot
1st - Rapid Shot
1st - Arcane Strike*
2nd - Precise Shot
3rd - Weapon Focus: Bow
4th - Combat Casting*
5th - Deadly Aim
7th - Arcane Bond (Bow)*
7th - Combat Reflexes
8th - Disruptive*
9th - Snap Shot
11th - Discordant Voice
12th - Spellbreaker*
13th - Improved Snap Shot
15th - Manyshot
16th - Penetrationg Strike*
17th - Improved Precise Shot

* - Bonus feats from Arcane Duelist

Skills:
Diplomacy - 1/level
Sense Motive - 1/level
Perception - 1/level
Perform: Oratory - 1/level*
Stealth - 1/level
Use Magic Device - 1/level*...

I like the ideas here, but yeah I think it might be difficult to roleplay that choice to become a paladin, even for the dips. Too... sensible and "goodie goodie", but excellent ideas nonetheless. What would you suggest for the Arcane Bonded Spell though, for this role?

XMorsX, that is a brilliant layout and I think I may just have to use it. I had not previously considered starting as the Fighter variant, Lore Warden, before; but it makes sense the more I think about it. As Arcane Duelist gains Arcane Strike at the first strike, what would you suggest I replace the feat with instead? I had considered Extra Performance, or possibly Awakened Arcane Bond (I doubt there is a risk of it being destroyed during our campaign).

*Never mind with the Arcane Bond feat, fan generated

I guess in the end, I want to play a charismatic Drow who became fed up with simply living underground and being the thing that goes bump in the night, and so he decided to branch out a bit. So following that, I'd say he would be more military trained in terms of abilities, and just naturally charismatic. So losing the versatile performances could help flesh out that side of him, since he'll still have his standard abilities as a bard to rally the troops and affect his foes.

By taking Arcane Duelist vs. Archer, I still can do some level of enchanting, as well as gain a bonded item for casting spells in mid combat with ease. I also gain the rest of my bardic abilities, except versatile and well-versed. It would also mean that I could work as a support role in the group, improving our efforts while deterring the foe's, and then acting as a secondary combat role. To make him more versatile, is it possible to take two weapon focus feats? Shortbow and Longsword? Or is that reaching too far?

By the time I join in, I expect the party will be at around level 4, so I can play into that. I hadn't considered doing a Cavern Sniper multiclass option to help in the skills department. Very cool idea, I'll keep it in mind.

Additionally, I was thinking about scrapping the idea of Arcane Archer, and going full-fledged Arcane Duelist, so I keep my bard abilities for combat, and still have access to my spells and what not while being able to combat more effectively.

Ideas about that?

Hello all!

First time posting here, so I hope I give you all enough information. My friends and I began playing Pathfinder about a few weeks ago now, me running the sessions, and we've been enjoying it immensely.

We're about to begin going through Rise of the Runelords and one of my friends (one of the players) agreed to run a few of our sessions so that I can get involved in the plays a little more. That probably won't be until our 2nd or 3rd session, so I've got plenty of time to decide what to play as. We currently have a switch-hitter human ranger, a half-orc chain/bow ranger, a stout and devout dwarf cleric who solves problems with his hammer, and a nubile half-elf rogue.

I know I want to play as a Drow with a bow, and not because of Drizzt (I've not read Salvatore, yet!), just simply for the flavor of playing a CN Drow who decided to 'f-all' and go on walk-about. My only issue is do I play as a Bard and go into Arcane Archer, or play as a trained Cavern Sniper archetype? I like the idea of spells and imbuing my arrows with such, but I also am in favor of poisoning, moving, and striking all within the same turn. For bard, it's a matter of flavor as to how my charming delinquent has managed to survive so far, and the ability to play that face and support role for the party.

From a mechanics-wise point of view, which would you think would be better for my group? I've read many a guide, and at this point, it's breaking down the numbers and usefulness.