Working on a Red Mantis Assassin build

[EsperMagic]

Or Crimson Assassin depending on the site you use.

OK so I decided rolling up Red Mantis Assassin could be legitimately fun. I'm using a 20 pt buy for 16th level in the campaign I'm currently in. My class choices were Ninja 5/RMA 10/Ninja 1 so far. I picked Ninja because I felt with the sneak attack, propensity towards being dex-focused(hence weapon finesse and two-weapon fighting), and the cha-based ki pool that it would be the best class. I picked Half-Elf for my race because well...with the ancestral arms alternate racial trait I basically get exotic weapon proficiency anyways which is what the human feat would have eventually been burned on anyways. I figured the point bonus was the same so something more fun than human this time.
I did my abilities thusly:
Str 12
Dex 22(+2 racial, +4 levels)
Con 14
Int 10
Wis 8
Cha 14

I figure I can pick up a cha headband and a dex/con/maybe str belt whenever I need it.

Now my question are for the feats. So far I have all the pre-requisites and improved initiative. Im sure toughness will be needed eventually, but that still leaves feats for 9, 11, 13, and 15. Im thinking Improved Critical could be one, but I have no idea on the others?

[EsperMagic]

Bump because Im starting to think Im the only one trying this PrC out...

[wraithstrike]

I would not worry about toughness.

I would take iron will, Improved two weapon fighting, and eventually two weapon rend.

[Xethik]

I've had a player go RMA a couple months back. His entry was Ninja 4/Fighter 1, if I recall.

That being said, I think the Slayer class is a good pick up here. I'd recommend you wait until level 7 with this method and focus on strength. Use the Combat Style Slayer talent to get Two-Weapon Fighting and Imp. Two-Weapon Fighting at level 2 and 6, then go into RMA. You'll be losing BAB but picking up spells. You avoid the need for Dex by getting TWF from Slayer, dropping Greater Two-Weapon Fighting sadly. Straight Ranger or Slayer may be better than this path but the flavor and small mechanical benefits of RMA are pretty cool even if weak.

One thing to note about Sawtooth Sabres is that you cannot use Weapon Finesse and Agile with them unless your GM allows you to use older sources. I allowed this and it was totally fine, but sometimes it might not fly.

[Scorpioni]

I concur with Xethik. Going strength focused with ranger combat style TWF overall is the better option. I once had a Ranger (guide) / RMA, but since then we've gotten the slayer which is an even better fit I think.

I also once had a Dervish Dancer bard, reflavored as a dex-based RMA more focused on spells and mobility (bladed dash, dance of a thousand cuts, dervish dancer class abilities), although you lose some flavour by losing sneak and prayer attack. We houseruled sawtooth sabres as finesse (and thus possible agile) weapons for this character though.

[Glutton]

58 posts here

[wraithstrike]

I think a ranger is better fit than a rogue also.

[EsperMagic]

Alright so drop Ninja for Ranger and switch Str and Dex seems to be the first major advice.

As far as ranger archetypes since I'll probably want to drop both spells and the animal companion, I guess Freebooter/Skirmisher seems to the way to go?

And lose Weapon Finesse and take the TWF feats from the combat style.

Thanks so far guys. Anything else I should know?

I know I need charisma for spells, should I use that charisma in other ways as well? Perhaps eldritch heritages? Any good ones for a RMA?

[Scorpioni]

Take a look at the Guide archetype. It's similar to Freebooter but different :p

Orc or Abbyssal are always decent heritage bloodlines for a Str user, but maybe not for a sneaky type (especially Orc bloodline).