We've seen the threads. The general consensus would be that it is an "unusable" feat.
So what. It is what it is, and without errata, it will remain as it is. Therefore, I challenge you to find a build that would allow it to work despite it's current state.
My best idea so far is a monk/fighter with improved critical(unarmed) and everything possible to increase that threat range further. Keen for bludgeoning?
It would be a multi-round attempt (try to flat-foot? touch ac?)
Not a guaranteed shot by any means, but still better than base. Any other ideas?
We've seen the threads. The general consensus would be that it is an "unusable" feat.
So what. It is what it is, and without errata, it will remain as it is. Therefore, I challenge you to find a build that would allow it to work despite it's current state.
My best idea so far is a monk/fighter with improved critical(unarmed) and everything possible to increase that threat range further. Keen for bludgeoning?
It would be a multi-round attempt (try to flat-foot? touch ac?)
Not a guaranteed shot by any means, but still better than base. Any other ideas?
I would sooner base a character around skill focus(profession:cook) because that is more useful in combat.
Rather than do that, I'd just remove the "critical hit" restriction of the feat and call it a day ;)
I'd say it should be allowed to be used as part of a coup de grace, guaranteeing that it hits and crits.
The Weapon Master Fighter has an ability at 17th level that increases the DC of anything that triggers off of a critical hit by +4.
Technically the Cestus (19-20/x2) is a weapon that modifies unarmed strike damage. Improved Critical with that weapon means a 17-20 crit chance.
Alternatively, since it can deal piercing damage, it likely qualifies for the keen weapon enhancement as well.
Some ways to get the status effect up on the target:
1. Scorpion/Gorgon feats. This is, quite possibly, the worst method possible. It takes 3 rounds to get to the effect you want, each requiring an attack roll plus a save to trigger each effect.
2. Stunning Fist/Dazing Assault won't work because they only last until the beginning of your next turn.
3. Dazzling Display/Shatter Defenses. This is almost as bad as the first option, but less saves (easier to make checks anyways).
Deadly Stroke is a nice end off feat too.
4. Staggering/Stunning Critical. The stunning version gives a guaranteed option, but it relies on yet another critical. You'd need to make at least two criticals and still need to have a save go through.
5. Going First. Get a high Dex and Improved Initiative, etc. Flat-footed means you can get a chance of killing someone outright before they get a chance to do anything. IF you get a critical.
Note that it's a full round action, so you might also need to get the surprise round to move up to your target too (so invest in Stealth as well).
The Diviner and the Weapon Adept unforunately don't allow for high enough BAB to qualify for this feat by the time you get the nice "initiative awesomeness" effects.
6. Allies. Get someone else to daze, stun, or paralyze. Two guys set up to do this can feed of each other's attacks that cause staged effects, or even just a wizard ally with daze monster or daze spell metamagic, etc.
7. A Coup-de-Gras is a full round action, so while it would be nice to have the "auto-crit" effect kick in, it's unfortunately not combinable with the feat.
8. A 20th level fighter auto-confirms crits, for what it's worth. Reason to go straight Fighter, I guess. Especially if you are going with the Cestus instead of true unarmed damage.
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I can't really think of any other options really. Allies are probably the best. A monastary full of high level masters that all fed off each other's effects could become a scary encounter when they start threatening with stoning.
As a PC thing, multi-round staged effects simply are something that almost never get the chance to work. This feat is just a very poorly set up option.
Flavourful, but really sub-par choice to try and aim for as a combat tactic.
