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Hello everyone!
A long time back I asked about the possibility or using the wizard class (one class only) but also mimicking the abilities or a rogue. Basically, our GM likes us to use the Pathfinder books only.
This request is probably unrealistic and not easy to work. However, any assistance or ideas are really appreciated! :D
I have been using the beguiler class and now I am trying to build my character again, this time only using the Pathfinder rulebooks. Is it possible to use the wizard class to mimic the abilities of a beguiler?
Here is what I have to work with as it is a pre-existing character...
- Epic point-buy (my character's stats are Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 14)
- Human
- Level 6
- Traits and feats are open
- Generally wields a magical rapier (+1 silver rapier). She also wears bracers of armour +4 and a ring of protection +4. Nice and powerful protection for 6th-level! Probably means not having to take Armour Proficiency feats or the Arcane Armour Training feat.
- Cat familiar (obtained through a modification to the original beguiler class)
The character is a scholarly/sage type who also spends a lot of time seeking knowledge personally or becoming constantly embroiled in the events of the Curse of the Crimson Throne adventure path. She is also a member of a minor noble house.
I am not too concerned with optimisation or being able to drop the biggest, baddest bad-guy. There are people in our group who can help do that already. I am really looking for ideas on how to re-create the beguiler without losing too much spell-power (trying to keep as close to 3rd-level spells as possible).
I have been thinking of bard and sorcerer as options. However, this may take away from her concept a bit.
Some feats I have been thinking of are...
Human bonus feat - Martial Weapon Proficiency (rapier)
1st-level feat - Arcane Strike
1st-level wizard feat - Scribe Scroll
3rd-level feat - Combat Casting
5th-level feat - Toughness or Weapon Finesse
5th-level wizard bonus feat - Silent Spell or Still Spell
I kind of see her using her magic to buff herself, and distract or confuse opponents. Definitely a support character. Alright, I may not get away without multi-classing, but does any one have any ideas?
I am thinking that may be a rogue 1/wizard 5 might work!
Thank you for any assistance.
The sandman archetype from the APG has some beguiler-like qualities, though it really is more of a spellthief. It does grant sneak attack dice, bonuses to spellcasting against flat-footed opponents and trapfinding, though, and the bard spell list is closer to the beguiler's, I think, than the traditional sorc/wizard list is. You won't quite have 3rd level spells, but that's only a level away. This is definitely the best pick I can come up with.
Arcane trickster is another option, of course, but you're at least one level away from getting it, and would only barely have 2nd level spells. Not too good.
I'm also a fan of the Pathfinder savant from Seekers of Secrets, which (in combination with, say, an enchantment or illusion focus from your base class) would give you a very solid start on the "scholar/mage" aspect.
I'd also like to point out that a fey-bloodline sorcerer has some definite similarities to the beguiler in terms of focus.
Without access to the APG your options are extremely limited. Your best bet is Rogue 1 (for class skills, skill points, and proficiencies)/ Wizard 5. Take either the illusion or enchantment school. Your feats look OK. Check here for breakdowns of some of the more useful spells.
You could consider Rogue 3/Wizard 3 for entry into Arcane Trickster which will advance your Sneak Attack and has some other nice goodies, too. But the caster level hit that early will cost you. Though, by 6th level, you'll have been through the worst of it and it's all uphill from there.
If you can use the APG, your options increase. There's the manipulator focused school for enchantment you could check out. Sorcerer also becomes viable. The Shadow bloodline will make you very sneaky. The slower progression is annoying, though. I don't know if I'd dip Rogue. There's also the Sandman Bard Archetype which is part spell thief, part sleep mage, and part beguiler. Instead of suggestion, you cast deep slumber with no HD limit with your bard performance. Less what you want, but still pretty darn good. You get a 1/2 class bonus to bluff, stealth, sleight of hand, and can disarm magic traps like a rogue. you get surprise casting and 4/20 sneak attack. It's as close as beguiler as you can get without converting the class. Bard casting so you won't get 3rd level spells until 7th, but, then maybe the Beguiler needed a nerf.
I second the Witch for the Beguiler stance. The Witch can be re flavored to be more Beguilery, but to be honest, it's really close to Beguiler if built correctly already. Take Shadow patron, and focus on Illusion/Enchantment and you have a close analog for the Beguiler.
I made the beguiler into a sorcerer bloodline; there's a post on it around here somewhere...
Beguiler Bloodline: You are a born manipulator. Subtlety is in your blood, whether inborn or from a past infusion of blood from a race of manipulators such as devils, doppelgangers, or even mind flayers. This bloodline supersedes the Beguiler base class, from the Player’s Handbook II.
Bonus Spells: charm person (3rd), hypnotic pattern (5th), glibness (7th), zone of silence (9th), dominate person (11th), mass suggestion (13th), project image (15th), mind blank (17th), dominate monster (19th).
Bonus Feats: Arcane Armor Training, Armor Proficiency (light), Improved Feint, Lightning Reflexes, Silent Spell, Skill Focus (Bluff), Still Spell, Uncanny Feint.
Bloodline Arcana: Your training focuses on subtlety over flash. Remove all spells from the schools of Evocation and Necromancy from your list of class spells.
Bloodline Powers: You use deception, misunderstanding, and secrets as skillfully as a soldier employs weapons of war.
Skilled (Ex): You gain 6 skill ranks per class level, rather than only 2. Also, add the following to your list of class skills (these supersede the single class skill normally granted by a sorcerer bloodline): Acrobatics, Diplomacy, Disable Device, Perception, Perform (acting), Sleight of Hand, Stealth, and Streetwise.
Cloaked Casting (Ex): At 3rd level, your spells are more effective against unwary foes. The save DC (if any) for your sorcerer spells improves by +1 if you cast at a foe who would otherwise be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC against your attacks. At 14th level, this bonus increases to +2.
Surprise Casting (Ex): If you have the Improved Feint feat, at 9th level you gain Greater Feint as a bonus feat. You can also feint with spells as well as weapons. After a successful feint, your subject is denied a Dexterity bonus against any spell you cast as well as any melee attack you make. To get the benefit, you must remain in melee with your foe, and you must make a melee attack or cast a spell on or before your next turn after the feint.
Cloaked Penetration (Ex): Starting at 15th level, your sorcerer spells automatically penetrate the spell resistance of any creature that would normally be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC against your attacks.
Master of Deception (Su): At 20th level, you are always treated as if you had glibness and discern lies spells active; these effects cannot be dispelled. Additionally, you gain the ability to use disguise self at will as a spell-like ability.
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The game ran a bit late tonight and I am still recovering from a bit of the "Crazy Death Flu" so I am afraid I simply don't have to motivation to do much more than take a shot of nyquil and hit the sack right now.
Edit: Scratch that, Waiting on a phonecall anyway so here we go!
Tengu Witch 2/ Rogue (Spy) 1
Stats
Str(10)
Dex(10)+2=12
Con(15)-2=13
Int(17)
Wis(7)+2=9
Cha(13)
Traits
Adopted (Gnome)- Collector (Disable Device)
Magical Knack (Witch)
Skills
Appraise +7, Bluff +7, Craft (Alchemy) +11, Diplomacy +5, Disable Device +12, Disguise +5, Kno (Arcana)&(Dungeon) +7, Linguistics +7, Perception +6, Perform +5, Profession +4, Sense Motive +3, Slight of Hand +5, Use Magical Device +5
Feats
Arcane Armor Proficiency
Hexes
Evil Eye
Cauldron
Spell List
Trickery Patron
Ones often prepared are as follows
Beguiling gift
Command
Obscuring Mist
I plan on coupling Beguiling Gift and suggestion with Evil Eye to go with poisoned (Oil of Taggit anybody?) potions that contain harmful spells such as Chill Touch and Inflict Light Wounds.
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The game ran a bit late tonight and I am still recovering from a bit of the "Crazy Death Flu" so I am afraid I simply don't have to motivation to do much more than take a shot of nyquil and hit the sack right now.
Edit: Scratch that, Waiting on a phonecall anyway so here we go!
Thank you! I hope you feel better soon!