Death Attack: Useless DC?

[Amuny]

Death Attack wrote:

If the victim of such a death attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the assassin's class level + the assassin's Int modifier)

So if I have a Rogue 6 / Assassin 1 and I'm reading fine, the DC of the death attack would be 11 + Int Mod?

Any ways to increase that? It's even weaker than poisons :/

It's not even possible to compare a Death Attack to any Death-Effect spells unless you manage to have more int than your wizard buddy... and that you still have enough str to be able to actually hit and land that death attack that you prepared 3rounds.

Is it just me or... ?

[Are]

Yes, death attack is fairly weak. You could take the Ability Focus feat (from the Bestiary) to add +2 to the DC, but that's mostly it.

[Neo2151]

At least you get to add your Int mod... *glares at all the DC11 poisons.*

[Serisan]

Assassins are designed as an NPC PrC. The design choice is intentional.

[Starbuck_II]

Serisan wrote:

Assassins are designed as an NPC PrC. The design choice is intentional.

Which is why the 3.5 Assassin with spells was awesome (there was even a spell that boosted DC of Death Attack).

[Matrixryu]

Though, keep in mind that the DC increases much faster than that of a base class since it is 10 + level rather than 10 + 1/2 level. The Death Attack Save DC of a level 5 rogue/ 10 assassin is the same as a level 20 ninja's assassinate (assuming Int and Cha mods are the same).

[Madak]

There's also an "Assassin's Dagger" IRC that has +2 Death Attack on it. The 3 rounds you're studying your target is plenty of time to make sure you've got one in your hands.

[Tom S 820]

When think about it not weak but vastly strong.

They get is early in level build. Assassin get it PC 6 vs Cleric Slay living at level 9.
Assassin wins

The Assassin can do it all day long or # of round that you active / 3 vs nuber of spell slot the set aside for it.
Assassin wins

Now Assassin DC is lower that cleic slay living but get better each and evey level. O
Over long haul Assassin wins

Bottom line Assassin death attack kick slay living A## since they get it for 3 level before cleric, can do it more offent in day ie spam hell out of it, and his DC get better over time.