The Vigilante Inverted: Powering Down, Not Up

[Vellian LeMach]

The problem most people seem to have with the Vigilante, is an inability to switch into their Vigilante identity quickly enough at low levels. (I feel that a few minutes on any thread discussing dual identity should be more than enough education on this that I need not go into further detail).

I feel a good solution is to 'invert' the Vigilante.

Basic reasoning: The Vigilante's social Identity could be thought of more like a mild version Cavalier's Order, or a Paladin's Code of Conduct. The social identity is a set of rules or code by which the Vigilante lives in order to blend into society.

Mechanics: Allow the Vigilante to have access to all of his vigilante traits even when in his social identity; however, if he uses any traits that are considered 'unacceptable' for his social identity without the per-requisite identity change, he may not use any of his appearance abilities (Startling appearance, Frightening Appearance, and Stunning Appearance) until he either spends 5 minutes changing into his Vigilante identity, or 24 hours have passed. In addition, beginning the round in which he uses any of his 'unacceptable' Vigilante talents in his social identity, the Vigilante looses all the benefits granted by his social identity (social grace, and renown) until he 'clears the name' of his social identity. Clearing the Vigilante's Social Identity name might be as simple as a successful bluff, diplomacy, or intimidate check to the few witnesses of his actions or might require something more elaborate like finding a patsy to take the blame for the vigilante activities to draw off suspicion. This would be dependent on the GM.

In depth reasoning: This idea is that for the Vigilante it is not about the difficulty of powering up for a fight, but having difficulty powering down after the fight.
When you really look at it, the vigilante is trying to be the part time hero. While Paladins take up a life long crusade in the name of their god, and Wizards devote their life to arcane teachings, the Vigilante still kind of clings to a normal, every-day, mundane life.
When you look at many iconic dual identity power houses (Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Daredevil, The Flash, even the Hulk) they are in constant possession of their abilities. While exceptions exist, like maybe He-man, for most of these their civilian persona is merely a disguise to allow them to blend into society. They often go to great lengths to keep their awesomeness under wraps so they can enjoy a peaceful home life, but if the life of their loved ones (or sometimes their own life) is on the line, they have no problem pulling out all the stops to get things done.

I will be play testing this in a home game soon. My hope is that this would allow the Vigilante to act at almost full combat strength in surprise situations and worry about cleaning up the social fall out later.

[Archangel62]

Intriguing, the idea that maybe the cover identity provide a few extra class skills and general abilities.

Socialite: Social skills and generally speaking the wealthy and socially connected one.

Scholar: The scribe, more knowledges and linguistic capabilities

Expert: Reporter, Barrister, Laborer.

Commoner: A hero of the people, blend into the crowds but show an exceptional skill and will.

[chbgraphicarts]

More than a few of us have been saying that the Social Identity should be treated as an actual class unto itself, the same way the Specializations are.

Particularly in making it much more like the Master Spy in Base Class form (the Prestige-to-Base migration has been done at least 6-7 times over the years).

The idea of making Specializations more akin to Domains, Schools, and especially Bloodlines is probably the safest bet, but ultimately I think the biggest selling point of this class should be that you effectively get 2 classes for the price of one.

Not two Equal-To-Bard Base classes in one, because that would be absolutely ridiculous levels of power; the Bard may be the Median-point of power for Pathfinder, but double-Bard would be approaching Summoner-levels of brokenness.

Instead, trying to make the Class a Social Rogue (Pre-Unchained, and sans the Sneak AttacK) for half the time and a Fighter for the other half (both entirely in terms of power - the actual results should be vastly different than just a Fighter-Rogue gish), would roughly equal a very-solid class.