Okay i'm playing a sorc and i want to prestige to Arcane Trickster (yes i've heard repeatedly the class sucks but i feel it is ungawdly fun to role play
I just started playing him with the path finder society and i need help choosing some spells for him. I don;t want to make him a typical 1 hit kill mage i want to work his spells where a good chunk of the mare AoE spells.
I"m 1st level right now and the spells i have chosen are
Cantrips
Resistance
Read Magic
Detect Magic
Open/Close
1st level
Mage Armor
Color Spray
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try ray of frost as a cantrip instead of open/close, to start. Or you could get the pre-req mage hand as a cantrip which does more then open/close. Also you might want to take shooting feats like point blank shot and then you don't have to rush into melee with your terrible sorcerer AC. You will want a LOT of ranks in stealth also. the musetouched aasimar heritage can get you a bonus to your dex and cha, which will be important. it also gives you one/day glitterdust SLA so you can have another AOE.
I love arcane tricksters. In my opinion, you won't be "sucking horribly".
I would replace open/close with mage hand. First, it is a prereq for the prestige class. Second, it can "open/close" as long as the door/lid/drawer/window isn't too heavy, plus it can do other things for you.
I would focus more as a rogue with a smattering of arcane spells that boost your rogue abilities, instead of a sorcerer with some rogue stuff sprinkled in.
I would recommend the vanish spell if you agree with the first responding poster that you need to be invisible as much as possible. It's a good getaway spell and you can get it immediately instead of waiting til 4th level to get invisibility.
Personally, I would pick spells like: vanish, jump, spider climb, knock, locate object, etc... that all replace particular rogue skills. Then I would use those rogue/sorcerer skill points on other skills such as knowledge (whatever)and socialization skills.
As far as feats/rogue talents, I would recommend 2WF, weapon finesse, bleeding attack, followed by the dodge->spring attack chain of feats.
Like I said, this is more of a rogue build that is supported by arcane magic.
Ninja instead of rogue. Especially with the sorcerer as the arcane caster side.
I have to disagree with Hawktitan.
I have no recollection of viewing, reading about, or hearing about any ninja tricksters. I take ninja to be a more serious role.
I see a trickster being a little flamboyant and full of himself. Seeing his skills as greater than others due to his master of certain magics.
The ninja is a no nonsense, honor bound, quiet, stealth and blade focused asian themed rogue.
Of course, this is solely roleplay flavored opinion on my part.
That being said, nothing forbids Hawktitans advice, and if it works best for your concept, then perhaps you should experiment with it.
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I would consider ditching Mage Armour as a first level spell. It'll only last an hour and for either 50gp you could buy an armoured coat which you can have on for a constant +4 AC and take off with a move action, or you could just not worry about it and pick up something that you'll get a lot more use out of for the first few levels. Getting yourself an attack cantrip might not be bad either. Ray of Frost for example unless your planning on getting a light crossbow, which I also recommend.
Colour Spray is a good starting spell. Grease, Enlarge Person or Silent Image might be better alternatives to the other spell you've chosen. Break if you happen to have an Advanced Player's Guide.
I have to disagree with Hawktitan.
I have no recollection of viewing, reading about, or hearing about any ninja tricksters. I take ninja to be a more serious role.
I see a trickster being a little flamboyant and full of himself. Seeing his skills as greater than others due to his master of certain magics.
The ninja is a no nonsense, honor bound, quiet, stealth and blade focused asian themed rogue.
Of course, this is solely roleplay flavored opinion on my part.
That being said, nothing forbids Hawktitans advice, and if it works best for your concept, then perhaps you should experiment with it.
If that's the way you like to play a ninja that's fine. I don't get that from reading the ninja however. Just one example 'Alignment: Any' does not scream honor bound.
If that's the way you like to play a ninja that's fine. I don't get that from reading the ninja however. Just one example 'Alignment: Any' does not scream honor bound.
Perhaps the term "honor bound" was not the best way to differentiate my personal understanding of the differences between a rogue and a ninja.
I don't think you would disagree that a ninja character has a significantly different theme than the rogue. If this were not the case, shouldn't the ninja be a rogue archetype?
Cavalier also states "Alignment: Any". I believe there is a certain thematic intent here as well, as well as certain behavioral expectations.
All that being said, neither of us are incorrect in play styles or build preferences. That's the awesomeness of this game.
The ninja is the recommended combination with Sorcerer in the Trickster guide and for good reason given the Charisma synergy.
I was unaware of the existence of a "trickster guide". Is this an official product or a well thought out and organized submission from another veteran player?
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1. Abraham Spalding’s Guide to the Arcane Trickster
2. A Highly Regarded Expert's Guide to the Arcane Trickster
I don't know which is which.
Many thanks. I will certainly look these over. These links will also certainly help the OP.