All,
I am playing in a Pathfinder game with 1 GM and 3 PCs. The players consist of a Goblin Sorcerer (Sage) level 3; a Human Ranger (bow) level 3; and a Halfling Rogue level 3. [ The Ranger intends to retire the Ranger and make an Inquisitor at some point. ]
So, the Halfling Rogue is a little frustrated on how to be effective. I think it is largely circumstance, in that the last 2 big encounters were in the open with no cover, but she feels that her ranged knife throwing is weak. And when she doesnt get surprise or doesnt hide for the sneak attack, her damage is weak. She doesnt want to melee and flank. She wants to be a ranged knife-throwing rogue.
None of us are power gamers, and several of us are new to Pathfinder, or just dont know Rogues well. Can anyone recommend tactics or feats to make it better? The game is new enough that the GM would allow her to re-tool the character. He does run a lower magic game, I think we currently have 1 magic item in the party. So assume normal gear.
Using Core book, APC, UM, and UC, does anyone have any feat suggestions for a small halfling Rogue to be a decent hide and/or throw knives kind of Rogue?
Thanks
This problem comes up a lot. Ranged Rogues just aren't easy. Even when you can hide you only get one attack, which isn't great. Add to that wanting to be a knife thrower, with the difficulties inherent in thrown combat, and I can understand why the Rogue isn't terribly happy.
There are ways to get sneak attacks at range. The easiest is probably the "Shatter Defenses" feat, which makes shaken enemies you hit flat-footed to later attacks. It requires an investment in Intimidate, several feats, and enemies that aren't immune to some aspect of it. You will also have trouble with the low range of thrown daggers and basic ranged feat requirements (Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, etc). There are more ways to get off a single attack, like the Scout archetype or a few levels of Archer for ranged feints, but I wouldn't strongly recommend those. One attack just isn't enough after the low levels. There is also magic, with a "Greater Invisibility" really helping out, but the Sorcerer might not be of fan of spending a round and a spell buffing the Rogue every concept just so she can be passably good.
Or you can convince her to head into melee. It isn't the easiest thing without a flanking buddy, but if the Ranger took a Wolf companion at level 4 it would synergize pretty well. Still not ideal, but as good as one could hope for in the circumstances.
Yeah, she doesnt like melee. The ranger is soon going to retire. Fortunately, my goblin sorcerer is taking the summoning feats so I can make temp meat shields/flankers, but melee is out of the question for her I think.
Hmm.
I'd say she needs to take on some fighter. Base attack, and extra feats like weapon spec and deadly aim.
Rouge is fun, but as Mortholomew C. Named points out above, ranged rogues are not that effective. They can be fun, but one really has to either throw-a-round/hide-a-round or spam knives with twf or rapid shot and quick draw. Preferably both.
Maybe she should just roll a female dwarf and switch to ranger. Or 1 level of oracle for a stabilizing heal and the movement bonus, then all ranger from there? Hmm.
Animation, any chance your GM allows 3PP? I have a sneak attack replacement partially meant to solve this issue.
No, we dont use 3rd party stuff, but I appreciate the offer.
scout archetype, merciful sling, sap master.
Somehow the solution (I think of) for every rogue damage problem is sap master and scout, and all too often ninja ...
edit: knife throwing makes things more difficult unless you can get blunt knifes.
Sorc should get color spray, glitterdust and similar spells that blind/stun/otherwise deny dex. Rogue gets sneak attack on all attacks.
Throwing is weaksause in PF. Sorry, just how it is. Need quick draw on top of all the archery stuff to be even remotely good, and then you have to be virtually in melee to not get penalized.
My advice: Get archery must-have feats (Point Blank, Rapid, Precise), and use a bow until you get quick-draw.
I'm sorry that your GM doesn't allow you to take things which help you play the character you wish to play then.