Wisdom-based fighter advice

[blackbloodtroll]

After discovering the guided weapon property, an enchantment that allows one to use wisdom for attacks and damage, I have decided to build a wisdom based fighter. Even though the opinions differ on rulings throughout the messageboards, my DM has ruled that the enchantment can be used on ranged weapons. My question then, is how to go about creating such a build? I know ranged is the way I want to go. I have not decided upon race, and my DM has allow all playable races within Pathfinder, excluding 3rd party sources, this goes for everything else. I have yet to even choose the weapon, though as stated, I am going for ranged. If you have any suggestions, let me know. It would be quite helpful.

[Umbral Reaver]

It sounds like ranger might be the ideal class for your wisdom archer plan. If you're not interested in the animal companion, spirit ranger is an excellent archetype. The two spontaneous spells per day can be used to cast gravity bow/aspect of the falcon even if you don't have them prepared.

[blackbloodtroll]

That sounds nice, but I really want to stick to the fighter class. Any particular fighter archetype that helps this build is fine, but I really want to stick to fighter.

[Umbral Reaver]

Why fighter specifically? Try detaching yourself from the idea of playing a <classname>. Instead, think about your character. What does your character do best? What kind of things do you see your character accomplishing? Work out all of that and then find which class fits best. Don't start with the class and try to wedge into it things that may not fit.

Another wisdom-focused ranged option is zen archer monk.

[Nicos]

I agree with the idea of a ranger, but if you want a ranged figher choose the archer archetype or the weapong master.

[Silent Saturn]

The APG has both Archer and Crossbowman as fighter archetypes, both excellent choices if you want a fighter who focuses on range.

Though I echo the earlier sentiments that this character idea may not be best suited for a fighter. If you're depending on your weapon's enchantment to let you add your good stat to attack and damage, then if your weapon is disarmed, stolen, or sundered, you find yourself having put all your points into a stat that you don't really use for anything. I think a Ranger's archery bonus feats and Wisdon-based casting would be better suited for this idea, or perhaps even a Zen Archer monk.

[blackbloodtroll]

My choice for the fighter is to avoid dealing with spells, as well as other heavy book-keeping features. I also really dislike playing monks, and prefer wearing armor. The fighter is where it is at for me. The race of this build is up in the air though.

[Umbral Reaver]

Then you're out of luck. There is nothing in this game that supports a wisdom-based fighter. There is not a single fighter archetype that uses wisdom for anything other than the norm.

So the next question is:

Why the wisdom focus?

[ChrisRevocateur]

Would your DM possibly allow the Zen Archery Feat from the 3.5 Complete Warrior?

[Lurk3r]

I would second the archer archetype if you are set on becoming a Fighter. While there are no outright mechanical bonuses within the class, a high WIS (and thus better perception checks) will factor into longer ranges at which you can shoot accurately- and who doesn't love being able to peg the BBG from 300' away?

[cdglantern]

Archer

Hawk eye at Level 2: This stacks nicely with a wisdom fighter.

Trick Shot: Would be poor for this character unless it was ruled that your wisdom would also then apply to CMB, if it did, this could be fin.

Expert Archer: Nice

Safe Shot: This is really a huge ability but I must admit I think it immediately makes the character mechanically better while also making them a little more boring (personal opinion)

Evasive Archer: ok

Volley: Would be really awesome with a full Wisdom modifier to damage roll.

Ranged Defense: Cool effect

Weapon Mastery: As normal

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Crossbowman

Deadshot: Based on Dex so not great for this character

Crossbow Expert: This is your weapon training

Improved Deadshot: Ok

Quick Sniper: I love, but again is based on a Dex based sjill. The other effect is pretty cool though.

Greater Deadshot: Dex based again.

Safe Shot: Same as archer

Pinpoint Targeting: Nice

Meteor Shot: Is nice because it gets around the CMB

Penetrating Shot: Cool

Weapon Mastery : Normal stuff

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So if your dex is really low, Archer is probably better. If you have both a good Dexterity and a Great Wisdom, Crossbowman may be more fun since you would be adding some dex and wisdom to damage.

_________

I also like the weapon master. It would make it less likely you get disarmed, better criticals, and a better ranged AC.

_______

Also if you wanted to go fully Mental fighter, go tactician. You need some Intelligence here, but your skills are better and range characters are cool guiding combat from the rear. It is a neat visual.

You could take Traits that give you Wisdom based skills as class skills just so that you get even more out of your wisdom.

I like

Half Elf Archer

Dwarven Crossbowman

Gnomish Tactician

or

Human Weapon Master.

Peace

[blackbloodtroll]

That is some cool ideas. The focus on wisdom is based on the fact that will saves are a fighter's biggest weakness, and the enchantment has truly inspired me.

[Diabhol]

blackbloodtroll wrote:

That is some cool ideas. The focus on wisdom is based on the fact that will saves are a fighter's biggest weakness, and the enchantment has truly inspired me.

In addition to seeing if you can use Complete Warrior's Zen Archery, see if you can use Book of Exalted Deeds Intuitive Attack. :)

[Thalin]

Are you going to start with this enchantment? +2 weapons aren't avail till 6-7, and sucking is bad till then.

Otherwise, yeah; you're much better off playing a class that is already partially wisdom based. Zen archer would be pretty strictly superior, as Wis would be to hit, damage, AC, will, and perception. Even before getting the enchantment you'd have all of that except damage. And gettIng Improved Precise at 6 puts you "online" much faster; something monks and rangers can do and fighters can't.

[blackbloodtroll]

I will be coming in 6th level. This is another reason why I have chosen this. There are no 3.5 books allowed, other than the few 3.5 pathfinder books, and anything introduced in the Red Hand of Doom adventure.

[ProfessorCirno]

There is basically nothing in Pathfinder that supports a fighter who's main stat is wisdom.

Sorry.

[Brambleman]

considering you are set on fighter
Dwarf + Dorn Dergar could be fun.
Elf into brightness seeker, use a longbow and get wings and wildshape from the brightness seeker. No real reason this is a wisdom build really. shrug

[SinTheMoon]

I would consider 1 zen archer level dip with the fighter archer archetype after. For the cost of 1 level:

+2 to all saves
Surprise surprise, +Wis bonus to AC when naked (donning a full plate is crazy long)
Free Perfect Strike
Free Archery Feat
Free Improved Unarmed Strike (think snatch arrow eventually?)
Flurry of Blows with bow is essentially rapid-shot
The possibility of taking lvl 2 and 3 eventually to benefit from Wis to bow attacks plus other crazy bow feats without needing any prerequisites.
A nice background explanation for your wisdom-based character in heavy armor.

Drawbacks?

[Silent Saturn]

I was just thinking, a Wisdom-based fighter is probably the only non-monk character in existence who would actually spend a feat on Stunning Fist. But really, a one-level monk dip makes so much more sense.

Improved Unarmed Strike also answers the question of what you're doing when someone gets into melee range. You don't even have to drop your bow, since monks can make unarmed strikes with their feet.