Merfolk Martial Artist

[Wasum]

Hello there!

I want to build a character based on the fishmen in "One Piece". I'm not sure which way to go, but I probably want him to be a martial artist (-> Fishmen Karate) and maybe even adopt their abilities to fight using water somehow. And he should be kinda charismatic of course!

I'm using a 20pb and about all the paizo-sources available.

Oh and I already thought about making him a mysterious stranger but then it would be even more difficult to implement the fishmen karate thing...

Well, I'd be really glad to get some advice there!

Wasum

[DM Under The Bridge]

Really stretching, but there is some very neat traits out there for water fighting. Can't for the life of me remember them, but try the adventure paths set in ports and islands.

[Titania, the Summer Queen]

Consider 4 levels of Magus, and the rest of your levels in monk, be sure to get monastic legacy. You could come up with a good mixture of water magic and martial arts. You will need to be careful about your MAD though.

[Master of the Dark Triad]

Look at the watersinger bard archetype. I know it isn't martial artsy, but I think you'll really like it. Unfortunately, you have to be an undine.

Maybe you can convince your GM to allow it for merfolk? It's not exactly unreasonable for them to be able to control water.

[ArmouredMonk13]

Sorcerer/Sohei/Eldritch Knight combo is nice. You want to be an Empyreal sorcerer for this to have full effect, as you can apply your casting stat to AC. Probably want mainly buffs until you get into eldritch knight, along with some iconic water spells.

[Wasum]

I'm not sure whether I really want that much casting... actually I feel like EH(seaborn) would be fine for that water blast thing and then going for unarmed combat... but Im not sure how to make it work effectivly:/

[Black Powder Chocobo]

Here's what I'd do:

Go Qinggong Monk of the Four Winds. This grants you Elemental Fist for cold (or water if your GM is good with that). You can then start going the Marid Style Feat chain starting at level 5 to add additional benefits.

Qinggong would be to add Hydraulic Push or Hydraulic Torrent as a ki ability, further keeping up with your water theme; there's even Dragon's Breath as a ki ability if you want to get an area attack out of it.

Something to consider.

[Wasum]

Mh, any idea how to make it viable as merfolk? No bonus to str and wis kinda hurts, doesnt it?

[Wasum]

I'd be really glad to get some more input and opinions!:)

Watersinger bard sadly is not enough melee for my taste:/

[XMorsX]

Check this thread.

Make a finesse variant. Use an Elemental [cold] Rime Shocking grasp as your signature move. Reflavor the dragon part with a great fish or something if you prefer it.

Of course for a finesse variant you will need to change the style feats, crane style and snake style are good replacements.

[XMorsX]

Actually, there is no need for finesse variant, a Str build is probably better.

You can also take advantage of your high Charisma with an ordinary monk, martial artist, monk of the four winds or other archetype with the Eldrich Heritage (Orc) feats or Intimidate feats. Maybe a Dex monk with intimidate feats will work well, going piranha strike, enforcer, shatter defences and medusas wrath.

[blackbloodtroll]

Strongtail Merfolk Paladin.