Hi folks,
I'm trying to create a new character for PFS, primarily for use in PbP games. I have a concept in mind, but can't seem to find the right options to translate this into stats. Since I'm kind of new, I though I'd ask for some help. I'd like to play a support character with enough skills to be useful outside of combat.
The character I have in mind has a background where she failed in some way, or couldn't live up to expectations. This directly caused her curse and has been the reason for picking up an adventuring career . During the course of her adventures, she learns to connect to the spirits, reluctant at first. Eventually, she might be able to come to peace with her background. The idea is that this gives opportunities for character growth during the adventures itself.
My first option was a dwarf, destined to become a historian for her clan. However, she'd much rather see the world outside. Before being exiled, she is warned that she would never be able to forget her heritage: She can only speak Terran in stressful situations, finds herself surrounded by 'helpful' ancestors and by spirits of stone, metal, battle, etc.
The -2 Cha on Dwarf hurts, especially because I don't want to go for a 'warrior' character:
Stats: Str 13, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Mystery: Ancestral
Curse: Tongues (Terran)
Revelations: Ancestral Weapon? In combat, she constantly find herself with all these dwarven weapons of legend in her hand, which are 'pushed' upon her. It fits the fluff perfectly, but just doesn't seem good enough to use. MW at level 3, and +1 at level 7?
Feats: I'm stumped here. Extra Revelation for 'Voice of the Grave'? I'd take 'Breath of Experience' at a later level when she's learned enough about her background, but not sure where to start out.
After the dwarf, I switched the concept to a Half-Elf to get a better array of stats at least. Half-Elf who grew up to tread in the footsteps of her mother, the local 'Ancient Lorekeeper' (racial Oracle archetype). However, this girl doesn't feel at all like she fits in Elven society: She's anything but graceful, not focused enough, etc. She leaves to find her own way, and gradually finds out that she does have some elven grace in her blood and that the nature spirits respond well to her.
Stats: Str 14, Dex 8, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Curse: Couldn't find anything truely, still undecided.
Mystery: Lore
Revelation: Side-step. Cha instead of Dex to AC/Reflex, allows me to play with the Dex 8. When in danger, her 'Elven' nature takes over.
Alternate racial: Weapon prof with Elven Curved Blade. Same at side-step: In combat, something of her Elven nature takes over, allowing her to wield this blade. Also, this allows me to be decent in combat at low levels, when I don't have enough spells yet.
Feats: Again, stumped. I'd maybe like to go for Eldritch Heritage (Verdant?) at level 3, but that would mean that I need the bonus Skill Focus feat at 1st level, and can't get the weapon proficiency.
Any suggestions? Can either concept be salvaged? I have to admit that I'm quite intimidated by the sheer amount of options in this class, with revelations, Eldritch Heritage bloodlines, spirits hexes and spells, etc. Am I biting off more than I can chew, as a new player?
The dwarf isn't workable as presented, no.
The half-elf is. I'd suggest using a spear or longspear two-handed; either could seem woodsy and elven, and they're effective enough. If you're dealing with spirits then the Haunted curse for some less-helpful spirits should work conceptually, especially if she's supposed to be a klutz.
You could even go with the dual-cursed archetype, pick up the legalistic curse as the non-advancing one (the spirits you bargain with demand honesty!) and use your 1st level feat for extra revelation (misfortune) which will always be useful.
If dual-cursed doesn't appeal you could get skill focus as your level 1 feat (not racial) so you have the weapon you want from the start.
I dont think the dwarf is unworkable but i think the same flavor could be gained with a shaman or one of the other wis based caster classes. If i was to make the dwarf i would Pick Nature mystery and dump dex to 7 and only have int 12 to get a bit more in the other stats.
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Iff here. Thanks for your suggestions. I've decided to try the half-elf concept and have ironed out the details. I'll try her for a couple of adventures. If it doesn't work out, I have until second level to rethink the concept.
Haunted does seems like a good curse, interpreting it partly to spirits (even if I don't know it yet) and partly to my own clumsiness. I've kept the proficiency in Elven curve blade for now: My other character is also using a longspear, so for variety I'd like something else. Besides that, the image of the klutzy girl who whips out a traditional elven blade and can handle it gracefully in the heat of battle seems a lot stronger.
I will just say that the fates favored trait combined with divine favor is too good to not take. Unless there really is a faith trait you want.