Oddball Build For PFS - Boomerang

[Dobreev]

Hey all,

I'm still fairly new to society play. My first character just hit level 3, so I'm looking to make a second character that's viable for level 1-2. I'd like to do something a little odd-ball with this one, as my first character is a fairly generic, pretty optimized meathead 2-hander Paladin.

I'd like to try something a little crazy if not a bit silly this go around - a boomerang based build. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any good synergies that might make this build viable - it seems Archery just so far outclasses it by doing more damage, requiring less feats (as Exotic Weapon Prof + Quick Draw are must-haves), has 3-4x the range, requires far less gold (enchanting 4-6 boomerangs over a single bow),

Is there anything out there that can make a PFS legal Boomerang-using build that isn't awful, or is this sort of concept going to result in a gimp character that will essentially be a waste of a spot at the table?

[Fomsie]

Flagged to move to Advice Forum, you should get more response there.

[RainyDayNinja]

There really isn't anything about boomerang that you can leverage into an advantage. Unless you're set on using it for flavor reasons (which are probably limited, until you can put returning on it), I'd look for something else. Maybe shrikens?

[Tabletop Giant]

As far as slightly oddball, there is the Far Strike Monk Archetype - which would allow you to use Flurry of Blows with boomerangs.

This may not hold up against archers (archers are very powerful in this game) but would certainly be interesting ;)

Edit: note - as inferred above, keep in mind that boomerangs in Pathfinder do not 'automatically' return to you (only 'recreational' boomerangs do that, apparently).

[FLite]

Also remember that you don't have to be uber optomized. You don't have to be as good as the best archer, you just have to be good enough.

[countchocula]

to be fair comparing a large majority of builds will not compete with min max archery/ gunslinger builds. in short build a character that you will have fun with and the people around you will have fun with and you almost cant go wrong

[Wolfspirit]

Archery is pretty much always going to outperform an equivalent Boomerang build; there's just more support for it and it's cheaper / easier as you'd mentioned. For Ranged, Bows > Crossbows > Thrown, from what I've seen.

I did see a Boomerang build at low levels that used the boomerang as both a melee and ranged weapon. I'm not sure what all was used to accomplish it, but it was interesting, at least. That definitely wouldn't stack up at higher levels once iterative attacks are thrown in.

[FLite]

Hmm... What if you went warpriest or spell warrior skald?

Now you get to enchant your weapons on demand, and you could carry a mix and match of different boomerang materials.

One thing that is missing is a sharpened boomerang,

[Thamori]

I think Called would be better than Returning - you can take your 5' step while getting two attacks off with the same Boomerang.
When you have the money, having both could be strong. Three attacks with a 5' step during. Then you can make a move action, throw your Returning Boomerang, and get your Called back in the next - if you don't need to move, you can get in two attacks a round after starting with three.

Monk of the Empty Hand can Flurry with it in melee as an improvised weapon. Three levels and your melee boomerang can cut.
Far Strike's good if you can make your flurry.

I would be remiss in forgetting to suggest a Warpriest of Marishi or Ng (if you have Improved Unarmed Strike). They give you a spiked gauntlet/standard gauntlet as your Sacred Weapon. Marishi has the Healing domain, while Ng has the Travel.

[EvilMinion]

Blinkback belt?

[Carla the Profane]

Also, belt of mighty hurling + ranger combat style: two-weapon combat is a fun option. You do need quick draw for that, though.