So I'm trying to make a Samurai-themed character (almost certainly going to be based off of one of three characters from Ruroni Kenshin: Kenshin, Hiko Seijiro, or Sojiro Seta). In looking through class options to see what would be best, both in theme and in mechanics, I started reading a bit more into Vigilantes (particularly looking at the Serial Killer archetype for a Kenshin vs. Battosai dual personality type of thing) and noticed that there doesn't seem to be any built-in repercussion for having your identities exposed as belonging to the same person. So as a hypothetical, if I used my Kenshin/Battosai example with Kenshin being the social identity and Battosai being the vigilante identity, would there be any inherent mechanical punishments? Obviously that would have some RP impact, subject to the DM's whims, but would it do anything mechanically? Also as a side request, any ideas on making one of the three character concepts I mentioned would be greatly appreciated. Currently I'm liking Swashbuckler, but I'm open to suggestions.
Once the social and vigilante identity is exposed, there really isn't any repercussions besides the RP-value of two identities being available. A vigilante in social identity could still use his vigilante talents with no issues (much like MCU Tony Stark outing himself as Iron Man and still being his lovable superhero self) if not caring about the disguise check.
If the social identity is exposed, might want to retrain out any social talents that might get affected by the RP change or that specifically needs to be used without anyone knowing of the vigilante identity, like "Case the Joint" being more difficult. Seamless Guise would probably be less useful. Many Guises line of talents would help making new identities if the social identity has to go in hiding.
I'd probably wouldn't bother with vigilante for your character ideas and go straight/mix of fighter or slayer or something (those characters lived for the fight in their most violent times and generally at a loss during times of peace, much like martial classes with not much to do in social encounters, but still have some skill points squirreled away for Profession (Kenshin with laundry)/Craft (Hiko with pottery)/Perform (didn't Seta play an instrument or something?) or something.
But if you do, maybe go for the Obscurity social talent from Blood of the Beast:
The vigilante is relatively unknown socially. In fact, he makes a point of keeping the life of his social identity as ordinary as possible. This social talent functions exactly as the renown social talent, but instead of improving the starting attitude of all NPCs within the community, it empowers the vigilante so that he no longer needs to succeed at Disguise checks to appear as his social identity while assuming that identity within his area of obscurity. He still has to attempt Disguise checks when NPCs within this settlement are confronted with indisputable proof that the vigilante could be more than he appears to be, such as when he uses a vigilante talent while in his social identity. This social talent counts as renown for the purpose of meeting the prerequisites of social talents that list renown as a prerequisite and can be improved by such talents. A vigilante with this talent cannot select renown, nor can he select any social talent that requires him to be famous (such as celebrity discount or celebrity perks).
But for Kenshin/Hiko/Seta, pick up Shadow Speed talent as they're all fast. I'd suggest avenger specialization for the full BAB and Signature Weapon, Combat Skill several times, Shield of Blades, and Mad Rush talents.
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If you're able to use 3rd party, there's actually two archetypes that would be really good for this that I wrote; Exposed Vigilante from Legendary Vigilantes gives you some small benefits for forgoing your identity, and Mercurial Duelist from Asian Archetypes: Martials is literally a samurai themed archetype with mechanics inspired by Kenshin Himura (the vacuum slash technique was based off of the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki), so give them a look if you're able! It's also able to go dex to damage, which I think is pretty kenshin, although it's also based on Jin Kisaragi from Blazblue with the repeated blade sheathing.
EDIT: I actually checked out this thread since I thought the exposed vigilante archetype was being referenced here.
If you're able to use 3rd party, there's actually two archetypes that would be really good for this that I wrote; Exposed Vigilante from Legendary Vigilantes gives you some small benefits for forgoing your identity, and Mercurial Duelist from Asian Archetypes: Martials is literally a samurai themed archetype with mechanics inspired by Kenshin Himura (the vacuum slash technique was based off of the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki), so give them a look if you're able! It's also able to go dex to damage, which I think is pretty kenshin, although it's also based on Jin Kisaragi from Blazblue with the repeated blade sheathing.
EDIT: I actually checked out this thread since I thought the exposed vigilante archetype was being referenced here.
I'm trying to push some of my group's DMs into allowing 3rd party content (I think I'm the only one that would be remotely comfortable with it), since in this particular case it would make it WAY easier to build towards a concept. Unfortunately that's not currently the case, so I'm restricted to Paizo-only, and further restricted to material from all hardcover books and one softcover book of my choice per campaign.
Once the social and vigilante identity is exposed, there really isn't any repercussions besides the RP-value of two identities being available. A vigilante in social identity could still use his vigilante talents with no issues (much like MCU Tony Stark outing himself as Iron Man and still being his lovable superhero self) if not caring about the disguise check.
If the social identity is exposed, might want to retrain out any social talents that might get affected by the RP change or that specifically needs to be used without anyone knowing of the vigilante identity, like "Case the Joint" being more difficult. Seamless Guise would probably be less useful. Many Guises line of talents would help making new identities if the social identity has to go in hiding.
I'd probably wouldn't bother with vigilante for your character ideas and go straight/mix of fighter or slayer or something (those characters lived for the fight in their most violent times and generally at a loss during times of peace, much like martial classes with not much to do in social encounters, but still have some skill points squirreled away for Profession (Kenshin with laundry)/Craft (Hiko with pottery)/Perform (didn't Seta play an instrument or something?) or something.
But if you do, maybe go for the Obscurity social talent from Blood of the Beast:
The vigilante is relatively unknown socially. In fact, he makes a point of keeping the life of his social identity as ordinary as possible. This social talent functions exactly as the renown social talent, but instead of improving the starting attitude of all NPCs within the community, it empowers the vigilante so that he no longer needs to succeed at Disguise checks to appear as his social identity while assuming that identity within his area of obscurity. He still has to attempt Disguise checks when NPCs within this settlement are confronted with indisputable proof that the vigilante could be more than he appears to be, such as when he uses a vigilante...
All good points. Regarding Slayer, I'm just in general not a fan of the class since it mostly reads like a mashup of weak versions of other classes, and not in a very good way. I think if I were to play a Vigilante, it would almost certainly be based on Kenshin since he's the only one of those three who really had any kind of double life (Hiko's pottery job was more of a phase/hobby than anything), and if I were to go with Hiko or Sojiro, I'm currently leaning towards at least 5 levels in Swashbuckler for that sweet, free Improved Critical, though other than that I'm not sure. The big problem I'm facing is getting Slashing Grace online before level 3 because of the need for Exotic Proficiency and Weapon Focus.
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I'm trying to push some of my group's DMs into allowing 3rd party content (I think I'm the only one that would be remotely comfortable with it), since in this particular case it would make it WAY easier to build towards a concept. Unfortunately that's not currently the case, so I'm restricted to Paizo-only, and further restricted to material from all hardcover books and one softcover book of my choice per campaign.
That is rough, I wish you luck with those unenviable circumstances.
As a counterpoint for 'that is rough'...
Good for your GM! ^.^