So far in Pathfinder, I've played a Barbarian, a Samurai... Melee tank-ish people. I'd like to try something with a little more... Flair. So I'm looking to make a stealth based character... Preferably 1 that pockets everything he possibly can.
From what I understand Rouge is underpowered, and honestly looking at it I'm not a fan of it's mechanics. That said, I pretty much hate magic and would prefer to avoid it if possible.
We're playing the Rise of the Runelords Anniversary Addition, and I'd like to play a Kitsune. So, any advice for someone who has never delved into stealth thus far? I'd like to make a very solid character out of this. =3
Thanks! ^_^
Rogue gets a much worse reputation on these boards here than they deserve. We usually play with well-optimized parties and rogues have never suffered. I found that when a group is teamwork-oriented the rogue truly shines and can be really dangerous. Even without that a rogue can be quite a fun character and effective, but this makes it bring a lot more to the table than it costs.
Rogues can by now be built to be pretty self-sufficient (feinting, minor/major magics, damage increase with arcane strike etc.).
In your case you can focus on getting your dex as high as possible, consider taking skill focus (stealth) and at least an intelligence for INT 13 to get combat expertise and the juicy gang-up. Also, charisma should not be dumped to bluff or intimidate, particularly coupled with dazzling display and shatter defenses.
A completely different but highly effective route is to go with average DEX, high STR and a reach weapon and power attack. Wear at least medium armor (you only lose evasion, nothing else) to balance out the difference with that cheap armor ability that lets you ignore armor check penalty for stealthing. If you want to you could even still go the gang-up route and it won't matter anymore to get into flanking. In that case I would suggest to get unarmed strike or a natural attack as well to threaten nearby spaces.
Hope that helps :-)
Trapper/Freebooter Ranger 1-2 levels.
Invulnerable Rager Barbarian the rest.
Ask if you can take the "Finding Haleen" trait for the +1 skill point every lvl. Take the Armor Expert trait so you can wear a mithral breast plate with -0 ACP or even mithral full plate with a minor -2. (Think Celestial Plate Armor)
Make sure you take the Superstitious (saves), Smasher and consider the Spell Sunder and Sunder Enchantment rage powers.
Max out stealth, perception and disable device.
Try not to giggle too much as you smash everything, kill everything and shake everything off with your "thief" during play.
If you feel Rogue isn't a good choice, go with the bard archetype Archaeologist. Get one trait for disable device, and you're pretty much set.
And if you're not limited to Society rules, go with the Samsaran race. Disable Device and another skill become your's.
I read that you hate magic, so, I'd suggest you go into a prestige class when possible. May I suggest Shadowdancer?
I'm going to build off what you said about hating magic classes and say "Go with a Ranger."
Has mad skills? Check.
Can fight without needing the whole party to commit to aiding you? Check.
Stealth? Check.
Robs from the rich and Pretty much keeps it? See Robin Hood.
You can probably work every ability the class has to your advantage without ever needing to multiclass or prestige. But you could dip into Rogue for a few levels to grab an earlier Evasion, a bit of extra situational damage and Sleight of Hand.
Use the Animal companion to get a tricksy pet. (or just take the "the party is my pet" bonus if you don't want to micromanage a pet)
Yeah, I know they get the "Hated Magic Spells" later but they're not that impressive and you could fluff them or not take them at all. There's likely some option that replaces them entirely in one of the 6 million additional core books and splats and online aids too.
Rogue gets a much worse reputation on these boards here than they deserve.
Actually they have a better reputation here than in most places. Which makes sense, since this is the paizo messageboards.
My votes for trapper ranger if you hate magic. Bard would be my second pick. Inquisitor as a third. Then vivisectionist. Don't know you preferences enough to know how you feel about the caster hybrids I just mentioned. Might also help to ask if you can play with an alternative attribute array. Kitsune's -2 to strength isn't too hot for smashing things and if you aren't using magic you probably need strength, outside of dervish dance.
The trick for 0 ACP and cranking stealth mentioned above works for a lot of classes. You could also always snag a potion of invisibility. That's almost a mandate I feel like.
Edit: Also there's always ninja.
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Magic...does that include Alchemy? As an Alchemist, you could play a very good Rogue, be able to craft your own alchemical items for cheap, and have extracts to help you accomplish other roguish things.
That's a good suggestion. Going Vivisectionist will even give you Sneak Attack, which you will be better at using than a Rogue.
Wow, these are some great suggestions guys. I really appreciate the help, as I had no idea where to go, and now I have an excess of choices lol. Not sure which 1 I'll go with in the end, but now I have alot of paths to explore, so thank you all very much. C=
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Never let the name of a class define your flavor.
You create the flavor.
It is sad that so many are incapable of separating the two.
This is so true. I know people who play Rogue because "How else can I be a rogue without playing a Rogue?"
If you want a roguish alchemist build, just ask and I can make you a fantastic one.
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I actually advocate the rogue, burglar archetype,
feats would be around feinting, decent Int. Why? Skill Mastery talent. 3+int mod skills per talent taken (IIRC) can take 10 at any time doing anything. so, at level 10, with 10 ranks in bluff, and say a +2 cha mod. that's a 25 guaranteed. (higher if skill focused)
or stealth, 10 ranks, + say a 6 dex mod with skill focus, that's 32. hahaha.
BlackBlood, I totally agree with you. I often try to actually find ways to use classes as unconventionally as possible. XD
N. Jolly, I would LOVE to see a Roguish Alchemist build. =3
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Rogue gets a much worse reputation on these boards here than they deserve.
Agreed -- and that's because most rogue-builders are obsessed with DPR (so they construct high-STR barbarian-wannabes that suffer badly by mid-level). Meanwhile, the iconic halfling who cannot be seen and makes all his checks kicks butt.
What about a Kitsune Rogue with Realistic Likeness and Sleeves of Many Garments.
High CHA and DEX, I don't know about others , but I like to play my "thieves" as highly charismatic masters of deception, who might get invited to a ball because of some nobles they've cheated.
Then later while my character gets some fresh air, he takes his "thiefs kit" hidden in a brush and climbs to the first floor with the help of a grappling hook.
Maybe even the Master Spy PrC ?