re: Is it worth playing The Pathfinder Chronicler Prestige class?

[ElyasRavenwood]

I am taking a look at the pathfinder chronicler prestige class. I am thinking of using a Bard (archeologist Archtype) with the two traits: vagabond child (to give access to the disable device skill) .

Would it be worth taking the Pathfinder Chronicler Prestige class?

Has anyone played one?

Thanks

[ekibus]

I'm working on a Archeologist myself but really don't see the Prestige really helping. Flavor wise I think the archeologist already is a pathfinder. The prestige gives you a couple toys but you will lose on spellcasting and your bonus to disable devices and perception. But thats my 2 cents :)

[BigNorseWolf]

No.

[blahpers]

I've considered dipping it a level just for deep pockets. It's an interesting ability for flavor (a bit like Gizmo from GURPS), if not terribly optimal. But in the long run, it's not great.

[Davor]

It depends on whether or not you think the special bardic music ability they get is worth it. By high levels, the Chronicler gets the ability to expend a use of Bardic Music as a swift action to grant an ally a Standard action. That's just about all the class has going for it. Whether or not that means anything to you is a toss up.

[ElyasRavenwood]

Thanks, I may just stick with Bard Archeologist

[Dorian 'Grey']

I really like the idea of the Pathfinder chronicler (just like the Horizon Walker),but I am not crazy about the level progression. Maybe with some GM treaks?

[ryric]

ElyasRavenwood wrote:

I am taking a look at the pathfinder chronicler prestige class. I am thinking of using a Bard (archeologist Archtype) with the two traits: vagabond child (to give access to the disable device skill) .

Would it be worth taking the Pathfinder Chronicler Prestige class?

Has anyone played one?

Thanks

I've only seen one played as a cohort, where it was kinda meh until it got the bardic music-turns-into-ally's-action ability, then it was awesome. Basically, the class is not very good at combat but is an excellent team player.

The deep pockets ability is a game changer if you have smart players.

Just the ability to pull out any lower level scroll when needed is nice. Also good for arrows made of special materials/bane vs the exact thing you're fighting.

[Mistwalker]

You may want to take a look at Pathfinder Delver prestige class, from the Seeker of Secrets.

A two level dip in that one will bring you some nice benefits, such as not impeded by difficult terrain at all, being able to disarm magical traps and your bardic knowledge stacks with the prestige class levels.

[Enkindu594]

I ran a home brew campaign where one of my players was a gnome bard that got about four levels into pathfinder chronicler before he moved and had to leave the game. While he was not the most combat effective character (this was as much by virtue of being a gnome, as being a bard), he was an INCREDIBLY versatile character. His actions were rarely spent actively attacking opponents, instead he would use scrolls or wands to buff allies, or use battlefield control spells.

Also if there was any sort of secondary objective in the scene this is what he would go after. The chronicler ability of deep pockets, and his increased carrying capacity meant that he either would already have the perfect tool for the job, or would reach into his backpack and pull one out.

If you only measure value, or viability in the character's ability to cause damage, take damage, or heal damage, then he was mediocre in all of those arenas. However in any sort of skill challenge or social situation he was a top flight character. And of course the bard bonuses really shouldn't be overlooked.