The Shield / Grand Marshal - A PrC that doesn't suck?


Pathfinder First Edition General Discussion


After reading Wardens of the Reborn Forge I finally became interested in the Gunslinger. Before that I considered the class to be rather unappealing and bland because of its "Just sit there and press the auto attack button (a.k.a. Full-Round-Attack)"-play style. But then I found the Shield/Grand Marshal PrC and I was surprised that it gives nice RP opportunities supported by its Judgement light mechanism, which is the main reason why I love the Inquisitor class. A good will save progression combined with Quarry (although late) and Danger Sense aren't shabby too.

But I'm still a newbie so my assessment might be wrong. So my question is rather simple: Is the Shield/Grand Marshal viable? (viable doesn't mean maximum DPR in this context; it's good enough when he doesn't fall behind the other main damage dealer classes too much)


Given that the Gunslinger class basically ends at level 5, the Shield Marshal seems like a very nice path. I just read it over, and most of those abilities are worth having.


You will still be a martial class, but yeah it is a good Prc.

It is quite rare for a PrC to make sense and work, and the shieldmarshal is one of them


The Grand Marshal is pretty cool. Considering there is approximately 0 reason to be a Gunslinger after 5th level, it makes the PrC look very appetizing. One of the few PrCs you look at and go "This is almost a no-brainer for me to take", which is refreshing from the usual "Man that looks pretty cool but it kinda sucks ass" thought you get from most PrCs.


Getting the ability to have no misfires is a pretty strong reason, but that is just me


Well, the one big thing you loose is the possibility to get signature deed (the feat), and the "no misfires" thing for certain archetypes (though there are items that can get around that limit). I've just built a grippli gunslinger/shieldmarshal (called "the frog with no name") and it's decent. Certain problems with fort & wis saves though.

Grand Lodge

If you do a inquisitor archetype that gives the amateur gunslinger feat, shield marshal rocks.

If you do a gunslinger and go into shield marshal, it still rocks.

I have played both.


Thanks a lot for your answers. I guess my impression was right. Feeling a little bit less newbish now. ;-)

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