So I really like the idea of what the investigator brings to the table, and I'm preparing to level up an investigator up to level 7 for Bonekeep for Pathfinder Society in a few months. But, mostly due to my inexperience with both alchemists and rogues I'm having difficulty trying to make an investigator that does anything beyond "be really good at skill checks".
So what exactly would you guys recommend for a level 7 investigator (empiricist archetype) that is both no pushover in combat but whose focus is on out-of-combat stuff (ie information-gathering, trapfinding, etc.)? And a lesser question: for anyone who has played in Bonekeep, is an investigator a good choice? I don't know the rest of the party composition at all but we're seriously considering our roles for the upcoming game.
One of these days I want to make an investigator that is completely useless in combat. Good with anything and everything else, and can solve most problems with his wits but utterly useless as a combatant.
Mostly because sometimes I like life in hard mode but also to make a statement.
It might depend on what role you want in combat. If you want to provide a more support role, I might recommend making a halfling with a longspear. Take the Helpful Halfling and Battlefield Disciple trait, the Combat Reflexes and Bodyguard trait, and then the Swift Aid trick for an investigator. That would allow you to offer up to 3 Aid Another actions per round (if you use inspiration, two without), each providing a +5 to hit on an attack. In addition, it would allow you to use your AoOs to boost the AC (+4 AC) of an ally when that ally is attacked. This path would allow you to contribute in combat mostly by helping others hit and avoid being hit.
However, I have not yet played Bonekeep, so I do not know how effective such a build would be in that scenario.
It might depend on what role you want in combat. If you want to provide a more support role, I might recommend making a halfling with a longspear. Take the Helpful Halfling and Battlefield Disciple trait, the Combat Reflexes and Bodyguard trait, and then the Swift Aid trick for an investigator. That would allow you to offer up to 3 Aid Another actions per round (if you use inspiration, two without), each providing a +5 to hit on an attack. In addition, it would allow you to use your AoOs to boost the AC (+4 AC) of an ally when that ally is attacked. This path would allow you to contribute in combat mostly by helping others hit and avoid being hit.
However, I have not yet played Bonekeep, so I do not know how effective such a build would be in that scenario.
This sounds cool. My only question, though is that doesn't a small longspear have a lesser range than a medium one?
doesn't a small longspear have a lesser range than a medium one?
Nope. Reach and Range are the same for Small and Medium characters.
Studied Combat is really strong. Grab Mutagen, Combat Inspiration, And Amazing Inspiration. Be a Half Elf. Get an Inspired weapon.
At level 9, you spend 1 inspiration, and your attack rolls are at +4 (Studied Combat) +1d8+2 to hit. And your damage rolls are at +4 +2d8+2. That adds up fast.
Pretty much this is solid. You really dont need any more resources than what he posted into combat feats/talents if you want to be more varied.
You may want to look into a single level dip into swashbuckler. Depending on when your game starts I'd highly recommend inspired blade. Even with dumped Charisma you'll have a large panache pool and Rapier is on the list of weapons you can make it inspired and use dex for everything. Unfortunatelyfencing grace wont be out until another month or so, so depending on when your game starts that may not be an option.
I've stated out a few investigators though, and Dex based always comes up the winner in my builds