So here is where my line of thinking started. Let’s face it some CORE classes are just awesome like the Paladin. Barbarians rock as well, even if going down without a healer will pretty much mean instant death if they don't have max con. Clerics are pretty much standards even without the ability to selective channel. Fighters are always a good classic choice. However I have always had a hard time enjoying coloring between the lines. So I want something different.
I was talking to a GM friend who has been running a lot of CORE since it came out and told him that I was thinking about build a skill build. I decided rogue.
His response was that would be great because I am so tired of these characters that don't even have the skill to find a hole to defecate in.
My next thought was I want to be knowledgeable so my Tertiary stat will be Intelligence. Then I thought even that it would be hard to have skill trained knowledges where I want them. I thought I could dip into wizard. That led me to think why not just go with Secondary Intelligence do Arcane Trickster.
Of course Core rogues in pathfinder are not going to be a top damage dealer. Yes I could play a brute (Str) style but that would tie up a lot of things that would be counterproductive to a skill build.
My final idea with this character is to start it as a Human Ranged (Archery) rogue since I am focusing so much on Intelligence and Dex so I am thinking
Str 12
Dex 16
Con 12
Int 16
Wis 12
Cha 8
Or
Str 12
Dex 16
Con 14
Int 16
Wis 10
Cha 8
Why 12 strength Composite bow with Str 1. This is not a set in stone idea as I will talk about in in a minute.
Advantage of the first the Wisdom will help me in Perception and Sense motives roles. As well as my beginning lousy will saves. Disadvantage is I am really uncomfortable starting any character with less than a 14 con. -12 hit points is so easy to come by. The advantages and disadvantages of the second are obviously the opposite of the first.
I could also min/max it just a bit more
Maybe
Str 8
Dex 17
Con 14
Int 16
Wis 12
Cha 8
That even outs my Advantages and Disadvantages but I also hate negative str scores about as much as I hate less than 14 con score. However could make for some interesting role play. Maybe he is that nerdy little trickster with pimples and always has his nose stuck in a book. That may hit to close to the player personally.
So Feats I am thinking
1 Starting Point Blank Shot/ Human Precise shot
2 Combat Trick: Improved Init
3 Weapon Focus (Short Bow)
5 Deadly Aim
(That is as far as I got there but I would probably start thinking about magic feats at that point.)
Advancement
Rogue
Rogue
Wizard
Rogue
Wizard
Wizard
AT
AT
AT
AT
AT
or since I am thinking of doing this for the skill reasons
Rogue
Rogue
Wizard
Rogue
Rogue - Pick up trap spotter since I am supposed to be a skill monkey.
Wizard
Wizard
AT
AT
AT
With 11th level either being Rogue for Skill points or AT for Spell casting level.
I am looking for advice and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism on how this concept might be improved. I have little experience with Pathfinder rogues and have never played a Wizard in my life.
What I am not looking for is a naysayer who just thinks this is the stupidest thing ever because it will never be effective. (especially if the naysayer is complaining only about combat effectiveness.)
That is good advice thank you