Just a quick question for everyone here. What do you think would be a better way to go about representing the FMT archetype? We have plenty of archetypes, base classes, and prestige classes to represent other multiclass archetypes. Just about every imaginable combination really, so how about FMT?
I thought about re-kegjiggering the Alchemist. Give him actual spells instead of extracts or whatever.
In the end, I think I'm torn between a Ranger with a spellbook and a Magus with sneak attack, one less spell per level per day, and maybe Ninja/Rogue talents instead of Arcana.
Thoughts?
What do you think would be a better way to go about representing the FMT archetype?
Is "Sneak Attack" the most important part of theivery for you?
Otherwise, Bards are good combatants+skillmonkeys+magic users
Inquisitors are Fighter/Cleric/Thieves with the right domain.
Inquisitor isn't a bad chassis, but it'd have to be adjusted to be arcane.
Sneak Attack is hardly the most important part of thievery, but it is iconic and was an important part of the multiclassing synergy in 2E. Backstab that is.
Bard isn't bad, but their "kit" as it were isn't that far from Magus either. I'm just thinking the performance as a default isn't really the right flavor. I thought the Arcane Duelist but that was basically obviated by the Magus as well.
Magus with the right Traits seems right to me. Magi get 2+INT skills, but their INT should be rather high. Or alternatively, you can dip rogue for a level, and use a trait to keep your caster-level equal to your character level. You give up a level of spell-progression, and 3/4 of a BAB point, but you get some bonus skill points to toss around (and more importantly class skills), Trap finding, and a meager Sneak attack (Which I'm only really mentioning because it plays reasonably nice with Spellstrike, but it is very situational). Not a very good trade-off, but if you're looking for that type of character, it could be an option. Though, honestly, I still would advise Bard or Inquisitor as the dip, if you're going that direction, and making your traits Trap Finder (if allowed) and the one that keeps you at full caster level
For me the best pick seems to be archaeologist bard. Assuming you don't insist on the mage part being blasting focused.
Do you want a spellcaster that can wear heavy armor? Or a Magus that can sneak attack?
. . . Bards are good combatants+skillmonkeys+magic users
Inquisitors are Fighter/Cleric/Thieves with the right domain.
For me the best pick seems to be archaeologist bard. Assuming you don't insist on the mage part being blasting focused.
That is a pretty good idea. My first thought was an arcane duelist bard with the trapfinding trait. Though I know many aren't a fan of the trait.
As to the inquisitor suggestion, that would do very well as well. And casting is casting. Meatrace, what aspect of arcane casting over divine casting is important for you? Your answer might help to fine tune some suggestions.
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Eh, you could brute force it and go Ftr1/Wiz3/Rog3/Arcane Trickster 6/Eldritch Knight 7. You end up with:
15 caster levels, so level 8 spells
5d6 sneak attack
14 BAB
You could sneak in a little bit by using SLAs to qualify for the PrCs, but if you truly want to be old school this should be an elf or half-elf anyway.
You could also do Magus/rogue/arcane trickster. At Mag7/Rog3/AT10, you get:
level 17 magus casting, so level 6 magus spells and a good selection for spell sneak attacking
7d6 sneak attack
12 BAB
able to cast in medium armor
With the right build, alchemist are decent mages, fighters, and thieves.
Magus-Rogue-Arcane Trickster?
An Elf Magus with a few levels of Rogue or Ninja should be able to do the job pretty well. If you pick up a longbow, some sniper goggles, and a one of those Stag hats which make the enemy flat footed you could do a pretty good Melf impression.
Eh, you could brute force it and go Ftr1/Wiz3/Rog3/Arcane Trickster 6/Eldritch Knight 7.
This is what I'd do. Probably snag another Rogue level at some point (BAB, Uncanny Dodge, Rogue Talent).
At Ftr1/Wiz3/Rog3/ATr2/Eld1 (10th level), you have BAB +6 BAB, 5th level casting, 3d6 sneak attack, 2 bonus combat feats (+1 rogue talent).
If you care more about casting volume and Cha skills than total skill points, you could do Sorcerer 4 instead without losing much.