| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Alright so I want to make a Catfolk Swashbuckler and I am not sure what to actually do for it.
I know there are tons of feats for this potential build but very few feats available to me so I don't want to muck this up.
With the racial modifiers I have right now my scores add up to
Str: 13
Dex: 18 (16 +2)
Con: 15
Int: 18
Wis: 12 (14-2)
Cha: 16 (14+2)
Now I get 1 feat and we begin play with 2 free traits, and the option to take 2 draw backs for two more. ( I considered taking two drawbacks to reduce my ACP to 0 for any of the light armor is this a good idea?)
I am likely going to take Inspired Blade due to the increase in use with the Rapier but I am not 100% on that just yet.
Any Advice?
[Obviously the Puss in Boots from Dreamworks, the charming kitty with a sword]
Mithral chain shirts are about 1100 and have 0 ACP, so don't worry too much about that.
Inspired blade is useful since your Int is high, thus giving you a panache pool of 7, which is probably higher than you'll really need (note that you'd never actually go to zero, since you lose a lot of your special abilities if you have no panache remaining, so really you functionally have 6).
As for feats, you have a variety of options, but you definitely need combat reflexes for things like parry/reposte (since it uses AOO uses). Inspired Blades get weapon focus (rapier) for free and you will be considered as if you have improved crit (rapier) relatively soon. Your bonus feats are likely going to be the standard fighter feats like weapon spec, greater weapon focus, etc. Eventually you'll want to move into the critical focus feats since you will crit a lot.
Dodge and mobility are never a bad thing; you'll be moving through combat a bit easier with the acrobatics-at-full-speed trick, and if you really like that idea, then I'd even consider something like skill focus (acrobatics) since failing a 'tumble through enemy square' check is very bad for business.
You could consider some of the special deed feats from the new book, like pommel strike, but that depends on your interest. You will also want to pick up Signature Deed to make one of the deeds free. Non-inspired blades like to take the level 11 deed that causes bleed, but since you don't get that, something like dodging panache is a fun one. Luckily, you'll have time to figure out which deeds feel right before you pick the signature (and, really, with that many panache points, you may not even need it).
Mithral chain shirts are about 1100 and have 0 ACP, so don't worry too much about that.
Inspired blade is useful since your Int is high, thus giving you a panache pool of 7, which is probably higher than you'll really need (note that you'd never actually go to zero, since you lose a lot of your special abilities if you have no panache remaining, so really you functionally have 6).
As for feats, you have a variety of options, but you definitely need combat reflexes for things like parry/reposte (since it uses AOO uses). Inspired Blades get weapon focus (rapier) for free and you will be considered as if you have improved crit (rapier) relatively soon. Your bonus feats are likely going to be the standard fighter feats like weapon spec, greater weapon focus, etc. Eventually you'll want to move into the critical focus feats since you will crit a lot.
Dodge and mobility are never a bad thing; you'll be moving through combat a bit easier with the acrobatics-at-full-speed trick, and if you really like that idea, then I'd even consider something like skill focus (acrobatics) since failing a 'tumble through enemy square' check is very bad for business.
You could consider some of the special deed feats from the new book, like pommel strike, but that depends on your interest. You will also want to pick up Signature Deed to make one of the deeds free. Non-inspired blades like to take the level 11 deed that causes bleed, but since you don't get that, something like dodging panache is a fun one. Luckily, you'll have time to figure out which deeds feel right before you pick the signature (and, really, with that many panache points, you may not even need it).
What is the Acrobatics at Full Speed Trick?
Should I look into getting the Nimble Striker racial feat for Lunge or just go for Lunge?
Sure, though you'll have a pretty high AC anyway. Lunge before Nimble Striker is going to be better anyway, so you could do that and see if the -2 AC is actually a problem for you in practical situations.
You can also go with things like disruptive chain (cause casters trouble) and the feat where you take a 5 foot if someone next to you takes a five foot. Then just go stand next to enemy casters and grin.
Swashbuckler's Grace is a level 7 deed that lets you move at full speed while using acrobatics without penalty so long as you have at least 1 panache point.
Also, there will be a "dex instead of strength for rapiers" feat coming in a soon-to-be-released book, according to the Devs, so you could see if the GM will let you take it now.
Also, there will be a "dex instead of strength for rapiers" feat coming in a soon-to-be-released book, according to the Devs, so you could see if the GM will let you take it now.
I can, because it was clearly an editing problem.
Disruptive Chain?
Step Up, Following Step, and Step Up and Strike might be worth it.
Geeze all these good feats and so few I can take.
Don't bother taking Lunge if you're a Swashbuckler, just buy a Blue Scarf Swordmaster's Flair. (Even though Lunge is better-than-average for a Catfolk because you can take Nimble Striker, but that's an extra feat and you can get the flair much sooner than you could get Lunge anyway.)
And yeah, with that Int you definitely want the Inspired Blade archetype.
Also, you should take the Clever Cat alternate racial trait. However tough it is to give up +2 Perception, you KNOW Puss in Boots should have high Bluff and Diplomacy. I would also take the Climber alternate racial trait, because climb speed is great, and flavorful for a swashbuckler.
Disruptive is a Fighter 6 feat that adds +4 to defensive casting checks. Spellbreaker requires Disruptive and fighter 10, lets you use an AOO against a caster who fails his or her defensive casting check. Unfortunately, you'd have to be level 12 before you can take Spellbreaker (and you can use the 'swap previous bonus feat' to retroactively get Disruptive). It is a bit situational, but a lot of feats are, I suppose.
Don't bother taking Lunge if you're a Swashbuckler, just buy a Blue Scarf Swordmaster's Flair. (Even though Lunge is better-than-average for a Catfolk because you can take Nimble Striker, but that's an extra feat and you can get the flair much sooner than you could get Lunge anyway.)
And yeah, with that Int you definitely want the Inspired Blade archetype.
Also, you should take the Clever Cat alternate racial trait. However tough it is to give up +2 Perception, you KNOW Puss in Boots should have high Bluff and Diplomacy. I would also take the Climber alternate racial trait, because climb speed is great, and flavorful for a swashbuckler.
Why is Climber best for a Swashbuckler?
Also I agree with the Bluff Diplomacy stuff.
Why is Climber best for a Swashbuckler?
Well, I watched a whole bunch of swashbuckler movies to help get into character (I'm playing a swash currently) and almost all of them involved climbing something.
Lots of climbing up balconies, climbing up trees for ambushing or hiding, climbing over gates and walls, the old "hide at the top of the door frame while the enemies run through" trick, climbing rigging (when on a ship), etc. And of course, when you need to escape, climb out the window. It's just a very swashbuckly thing to do.
Very true.
One of my friends said if I wanted to really make Puss in Boots I need to gestalt it with Bard or at least take a level or two because of his singing. While true not sure if Level dipping would be a good idea.
My swashbuckler has Perform (sing), and uses it regularly. You don't need to be a bard to sing. It's already a class skill even.
My swashbuckler has Perform (sing), and uses it regularly. You don't need to be a bard to sing. It's already a class skill even.
Very true, I think they more meant inspiring his buddies through song.
So far thanks for the help. So Combat reflexes for the first feat.
What should I make priority for level 3 (When Precise Strike comes online)
Is there any way to make a small Catfolk?
You can be permanently reduced for about 2,500 gp.
Guessing that is a magic item that will have to occupy a slot?
No, you have someone cast Reduce Person on you and then cast Permanency.
It's not an item, no slot. The only catch is that you really don't want it to get dispelled after you blew almost 3k on it. Hopefully you don't have that cruel of a GM...
So no way of rolling one up. Is there a template to make a creature smaller?
Young template, though you probably don't want to play as one -
Size decrease by one category; AC reduce natural armor by –2 (minimum +0); Attacks decrease damage dice by 1 step; Ability Scores –4 Strength, –4 Con, +4 size bonus to Dex.
For a Swashbuckler a +4 to Dex is nice, the Armor is decreased if you have anatural armor.
|
Young template, though you probably don't want to play as one -
Size decrease by one category; AC reduce natural armor by –2 (minimum +0); Attacks decrease damage dice by 1 step; Ability Scores –4 Strength, –4 Con, +4 size bonus to Dex.
The bad part is that young creatures can only take npc classes, altought i believe thats a big bag of bs
The bad part is that young creatures can only take npc classes, altought i believe thats a big bag of bsYoung template, though you probably don't want to play as one -
Size decrease by one category; AC reduce natural armor by –2 (minimum +0); Attacks decrease damage dice by 1 step; Ability Scores –4 Strength, –4 Con, +4 size bonus to Dex.
I dont see that mentioned on the PFSRD is that in the original book?
|
|
I dont see that mentioned on the PFSRD is that in the original book?The bad part is that young creatures can only take npc classes, altought i believe thats a big bag of bsYoung template, though you probably don't want to play as one -
Size decrease by one category; AC reduce natural armor by –2 (minimum +0); Attacks decrease damage dice by 1 step; Ability Scores –4 Strength, –4 Con, +4 size bonus to Dex.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/more-character-options/young- characters
It says "are immature specimens of the base creature" I don't know if that means they get dropped to age 8 if their human or catfolk I think
Ok so if I took Young Template which puts me at a negative -1 CR I could in theory take another +1 Template to offset and put me back at CR 0 which is class levels working normal.
Think Advanced Template - Young Template would be too much on Puss in Boots?
Young reduces my Str and Con by 4 and gives me a bonus of 4 to Dex and drops Natural Armor by 2
Advanced gives you +4 to all stats (Negating the -4 of Str and Con) and gives you a +2 Natural Armor. If taken before Young the natural armor is reduced.
Str: 13 (-4 [9] +4 [13])
Dex: 18 (16 +2) (+4 [22] +4 [26])
Con: 15 (-4 [9] +4 [15])
Int: 18 (+4 [22])
Wis: 12 (14-2) (+4 [16])
Cha: 16 (14+2) (+4 [20])
The numbers in [ ] are the adjusted numbers.
No GM in their right mind would say "take the young template and advanced template and we'll call it even." Your stats are stupidly overpowered if you do that.
What's wrong with Reduce Person + Permanency?
If your GM really likes the Puss in Boots idea just tell him you would like him small and that at some point in his past you used some money for the Reduce Person + Permanency combo RumpinRufus suggested.
Alternatively build a small tiefling rakshaza heritage.
I'm sorry for going off tangent for a moment, but...
Ugh. Cat people. You never see a request for an anthropomorphic dog.
Gnolls
Werewolves
Gnolls are hyena based. Werewolves are wolf based. No dog people.
Well technically "cat" people are lion, panther and tiger based.
Seriously there was a dog hybrid race I can't remember the name of from one of the Dragon mags like 10-13 years ago. It was a 3.x retread of an older race.
Also I have always wanted to make an Aasamir based on the dog headed celestials.
When I said "Ugh, cat people" I didn't mean literal anthropomorphic cats. I meant people who love cats. There's always someone who wants to be a cat, for some reason. It's just...weird.
You never see dog people who want to roleplay anthropomorphic dogs and dress up as dogs for Halloween or anything like that.
Dog people just aren't as over the top about dogs as cat people are about cats.
----
Now, to the OP, so that I do not meaninglessly contribute ONLY to derailing this thread as hard as I already have...
Puss in Boots was actually more like tiny than small. You'd need an already small race hit with a permanent reduce person to really do it right. Problem is that the best option for that, the rakshaza tiefling with the small size...is not a "person" and therefore can't be hit with reduce person.
Your best option is to see if your GM will let you build a custom race with the race building options in the ARG so you can start off tiny, if possible.
I got you I was just messing.
I totally forgot about the race building options.
How would a Tiny creature use things like Parry and Riposte and such as he has to bem in the same square to fight him.
Type: Humaniod (Catkin)
Size: Tiny [4]
Ability Score Modifiers: Advanced [4] [Mental +2, Dex +4, Str -2]
Languages: Standard
Sense: Low-Light Vision [1]
Movement: Climber [2]
Misc. Bonus Feat [4]
Misc. Focused Study [4]
Total: 19
To much?
No GM in their right mind would say "take the young template and advanced template and we'll call it even." Your stats are stupidly overpowered if you do that.
What's wrong with Reduce Person + Permanency?
It takes one dispel magic or one anti-magic zone and suddenly the cat is a minimum of 5 feet tall.
Yes I know Playing Tiny would hurt especially for someone who is not a caster, Small is at least playable.
Of course I could just take the Catfolk and apply the Small size to it outright which still leaves it at 9 points for its Point Build. Goblins are small and at minimum are 2'10" tall. Technically Any height should be allowed, we have human beings irl who are a foot tall and are full adults.