Howdy there folks! Ever since I started tabletop gaming, I've been looking to build an assassin that feels as slick, smooth, and lethal as the best of the stealthy Hollywood killers. With 3.5, every attempt I made ended up feeling...not bad, but wonky. I'd have to multiclass and optimize to a stupid degree to be able to go all Sam Fisher on some unsuspecting noble.
It seems as if the wonderful folks at Paizo have answered my prayers with the Advanced Class Guide. Specifically the Slayer class with the Stygian Slayer archetype. Most of a rogue's utility with the lovely studied target and sneak attack damage on the sides? And I can go invisible and turn into a black mist to get past the guards? And fighter BAB and HD?!? Sexy.
It doesn't seem like a class for hardcore powergamers, honestly, but a very solid killer of the unwary, indeed. Besides, if I really wanted to powergame, I'd play a wizard, not a martial class. But I do want to make him a terrifying specter, a man for whom no security measure is too thorough, a whisper of dread on the hearts of the citizens of the world.
First off, I'd like to know if all you messageboard folks agree with my assessment. Anyone out there think I'll be horribly disappointed by the results of using the Stygian Slayer as an infiltrating super-killer? And how do we think I should go about building this gentleman? As I said, not looking to make him a superhero, just really cool. Light to moderate optimization. My first instinct is to start with him as a 1H Scimitar wielding, dervish dancing, power attacking, critical focused dude, and go from there. Likely loading up on Blur and Mirror Image scrolls for when I do have to fight someone face to face. I'm open to other options and suggestions though, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.
It is missing one thing for an assassin, Alignment restriction. In theory, the Stygian Slayer could be Lawful Good.
The Assassin PRC at least says the character has the be an evil alignment.
It is missing one thing for an assassin, Alignment restriction. In theory, the Stygian Slayer could be Lawful Good.
The Assassin PRC at least says the character has the be an evil alignment.
I see the lack of alignment rescriction as a perk.
I see the lack of alignment rescriction as a perk.It is missing one thing for an assassin, Alignment restriction. In theory, the Stygian Slayer could be Lawful Good.
The Assassin PRC at least says the character has the be an evil alignment.
Here is the Alignment from the Assassin Prc:
Alignment: Due to its necessary selfishness and
callous indifference toward taking lives, the assassin
class attracts those with evil alignments more than any
others. Because the profession requires a degree of selfdiscipline,
chaotic characters are ill suited to becoming
these shadowy killers. Neutral characters sometimes
become assassins, frequently thinking of themselves as
simple professionals performing a job, yet the nature
of their duties inevitably pushes them toward an evil
alignment.
Like so many thinks in the ACG the book is missing things and I think Alignment is one of the things missing from this Archetype.
If this is supposed to be a cold blooded killer, then it should have the alignment as such. Besides, no one is going to take you seriously if you put down Lawful Good when your job is to go out and slit people's throats... AND LIKE IT.
I plan on playing my slayer as a Lawful Neutral character, actually. I picture his personality a bit like Thane from Mass Effect. Hardened by life, but functioning more as a hand of fate than a bloodthirsty cutthroat. When it comes to evil, do you blame the gun, or the gunman? That would be his philosophy, anyway.
While that fits with your argument, couldn't the same philosophy apply to a shadowy warrior in an evil nation taking out despots with lethal subtlety? Maybe even one who believes in a benevolent, harmonious, and lawful existence?
Belabras, that is good advice, and I like the class, but for this particular concept, I'd prefer to lean away from the religious classes. It is a nice one, though, and one I've considered using before.
You can do everything a Stygian Slayer does as a normal Slayer with Dangerously Curious trait and a high UMD skill. Save yourself the lost Slayer Talents from Stygian and just get a bunch of Wands.