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Like the title says, how would you build the ultimate social skills type character...with amazing rolls in all the face skills (bluff, diplomacy and intimidate...bonus points if you can also work in disguise and/or stealth)
Some of the obvious race choices which spring to my mind are of course:
Human (Focused Study and Silver Tongued racial traits, variable stat placement, and they get a favored class bonus for literally every class)
Kitsune (charisma bonus, shape shifting and deception related racial trait options)
Lots of different class and archetype options...bards, rogues, mesmerists, sorcerers with certain bloodlines, and more.
Combat would be a low priority, talking your way out of combat situations would be ideal, followed by buffing and/or debuffing if it did come to combat, then actually getting your hands dirty if you absolutely have to defend yourself.
I know there are ways you can hyper-focus on a single skill and get absolutely insane rolls of +50 or higher...what I would like is something a bit more well rounded, able to do all the social stuff really well (preferably before level 10)
Multi-classing is pretty much expected, other than that, just keep it all PFS legal, all books are available.
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My favourite face character is a level 1 Human or Half Elf in any Int-based class with a Familiar (mainly Wizard, Witch and Arcanist).
Start with 20 Int, get a Parrot Familiar, pick Skill Focus (Linguistics) and Orator as your 1st level feats. Throw in a Gold Nodule (Cracked) Ioun Stone after your first game (150 gp) to add a +1 competence bonus in Linguistics.
You now have +16 on ALL social abilities to influence others (so no feinting, demoralising or gathering information, but who cares?), and you can go up to +18 if your familiar (who can talk) helps you.
AT FIRST LEVEL!
And of course this bonus applies to Linguistics itself, which can be used to craft forgeries, and with such a high bonus you'll be able to fake any document you want, hence being able to infiltrate almost anywhere.
Another option is going Tengu for the +4 racial bonus on Linguistics, but you will start at most with 18 Int and won't be able to get Orator before 3rd level. However, at 3rd level, it gives you a net +3 on the check.
For disguise/stealth, you are a full caster, so just use spells: Disguise Self and Vanish/Invisibility are amazing. Eventually buy a Hat of Disguise and later on upgrade it to the greater version so that you can transform into a small-sized race, hence getting a +1 racial bonus on Dex and +4 size bonus on stealth.
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Negotiator seems like a good starting point.
At level 10 you could have:
silver tongued focused study human negotiator bard 10
skill focus: bluff, skill focus: intimidate, persuasive, deceitful
mask of stony demeanor http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/m-p/mask- of-stony-demeanor/
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/e-g/elixe r-honeytongue/
bluff: +8 cha +10 skill ranks +3 class skill +2 silver tongue +6 skill focus +1 trait +5 negotiator +4 deceitful +10 competence mask +20 glibness +20 +10 honey tongue elixir take 20 = 107
diplomacy: +8 cha +10 skill ranks +3 class skill +2 silver tongue +6 skill focus +1 trait +5 negotiator +4 persuasive +5 competence some item +20 take 20 = 64
10 less if you're out of your take 20 for the day
Convincing Lie seems like a good rogue talent to take.
if you drop 1 level for cleric you can use this item to use diplomacy as a swift action.
I can't link to it from where I'm at (site's blocked), and I'm unsure if it's PFS legal (can't currently check), but in Ravingdork's Crazy Character Emporium there is a character named "Job the Lesser" who is a social skill focused rogue who is ridiculously good at all the face skills.
Negotiator seems like a good starting point.
At level 10 you could have:
silver tongued focused study human negotiator bard 10
skill focus: bluff, skill focus: intimidate, persuasive, deceitful
mask of stony demeanor http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/m-p/mask- of-stony-demeanor/
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/e-g/elixe r-honeytongue/bluff: +8 cha +10 skill ranks +3 class skill +2 silver tongue +6 skill focus +1 trait +5 negotiator +4 deceitful +10 competence mask +20 glibness +20 +10 honey tongue elixir take 20 = 107
diplomacy: +8 cha +10 skill ranks +3 class skill +2 silver tongue +6 skill focus +1 trait +5 negotiator +4 persuasive +5 competence some item +20 take 20 = 6410 less if you're out of your take 20 for the day
Convincing Lie seems like a good rogue talent to take.
if you drop 1 level for cleric you can use this item to use diplomacy as a swift action.
That Bard can use "Pageant of the Peacock" too.
Dart.
EDIT: "Dart" and "Dot" - I dunno, I blame autocorrect (even though this isn't autocorrect's fault).
Do you like being a sauve motherf#&!er? Be a Phantom Thief. It's practically THE con artist archetype.
The obvious draw is the fact that you get skill unlocks earlier than typical rogues, but that skill unlocks are fantastic. You also have the highest skill ranks per level of any class, so this is an extra draw. You also get half your level on up to 10 different skills as you gain levels, and can take skill focus in place of rogue talents at any given time, along with multiple combat tricks and minor/major magic talents. This is in addition to standard rogue talents. You also get Dex to Damage if you go Unchained Rogue, so you can still very easily contribute to combat.
So; You get lots of class skills, but we are going to focus on particularly Intimidate for our combat uses. The skill unlocks for Intimidate essentially grant to you a powerful tool whenever you demoralize a creature, and there are lots of ways to make this easier. Utilizing Dazzling Display, you can cause creatures within an area around you to become frightened, and eventually panicked. This is great stuff, and really gets going as early as 4th, though you can get Dazzling Display by 1st through taking Human and choosing Adoptive Parentage, taking a humanoid race that doesn't have weapon familiarity and taking your light weapon of choice (try to get rapier, probably through Tengu, since Swordtrained is not weapon familiarity). Then, just take Dazzling Display with your regular feat and waza!
Then, we get to appreciate some of the vigilante social talents such as social grace and the like. Being able to boost checks further only makes this better, and you are already getting half your level on a variety of skill checks as is.
Definitely recommend it. I haven't trialed this myself but I'm itching to give it a go.
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Something very Powerfull that isn't Mentioned here are 2 Inquisitor Ways and a Spell.
An Inquisitor with the Infiltrator Archtype can add his Wis to his Diplo, Inti and Bluff Checks.
The Reformation InquisitionlLets you use the Wis instead of the Cha for Diplo, Inti and Bluff. And at Forth Level lets you Roll Diplo Checks twice (Wis/Day)
(Both Things sadly don't stack)
Honeyed Tongue (Spell) lets you roll Diplo twice 10min/level and you can get it for 750 as a Wand.
Right off the bat Relic Channeler Medium with the trickster spirit might so the trick. Seven skills per level before INT and FCB, not to mention spirit bonuses and spirit surge.
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Great spell for a face but the wand is level 2 in PFS....
Honeyed Tongue (Spell) lets you roll Diplo twice 10min/level and you can get it for 750 as a Wand.
No! Its a Level 1 Paladin spell. Since this Spell isn't on Any Cleric, Druid and Wizard spell list you can Choose who crafts it.
So its a legally Level 1 Spell in PFS.
6 levels of bard getting versatile performance and advanced versatile performance you can get all three of those skills being based off of one performance skill. Then take a level of vigilante to get the +4 circumstance to it via social grace. Get a skill focus feat somehow for it. And 3 levels of Investigator for Unconventional Inspiration to add the free inspiration to it. And circlet of persuasion for +3 competence. So at lv10 you're at cha+26+1d6 at the least, traits and racial abilities for perform can make this higher. Take another level of bard with the banner of the ancient kings and you even have a +3 inspire courage.
Or go sacred attendant cleric with the glory domain.
Get a full 1/2 level as an enhancement bonus that lasts the full day.
and get 3+wis times per day getting your level to the check. So at lv 10 with skill focus and the circlet you're at cha+37 before traits or racials.
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Diabolical Negotiator feat.
Silver-tongued human.
Authoritative Vestments and any class which can channel. Swift action diplomacy to change attitude. Won PFS.
At high levels you can take Conversion Channel and make your allies realize their faith should rest in Asmodeus as he heals them while the unbelievers perish.
As other people have shown it is absurdly easy to get the actual skill check ridiculously high. Your focus should be on getting special abilities to increase the effectiveness of your checks. The first 3 options allow that.
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Great spell for a face but the wand is level 2 in PFS....
Honeyed Tongue (Spell) lets you roll Diplo twice 10min/level and you can get it for 750 as a Wand.No! Its a Level 1 Paladin spell. Since this Spell isn't on Any Cleric, Druid and Wizard spell list you can Choose who crafts it.
So its a legally Level 1 Spell in PFS.
Thanks for cheecking me on that. Some how I got the idea that bard was on the madatory crafter list for spells.
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Here are a few class/archetype dips and breakpoints that I found might be particularly appropriate.
Mesmerist (Vexing Trickster Archetype) 3-4 levels gets you +1 or +2 in Bluff, Disguise, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth checks. 2-3 mesmerist tricks and one bonus trick feat, and free combat expertise. Hypnotic Stare to give a foe -2 will saves, 1st and maybe 2nd level mesmerist spells and knacks. You also get 1 bold stare, such as Psychic Inception, which lets your mind effecting abilities work on mindless and immune creatures.
Unchained Rogue (Kitsune Trickster Archetype) 1-4 levels. 1 level lets you add your Int modifier to Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, and Sense Motive checks, finesse training, and sneak attack. Taking it up to level 3 or 4 gets you dex to damage, 1-2 rogue talents, evasion, uncanny dodge, and debilitating injury. Not to mention 8+ skill points per level.
Sorcerer (Rakshasha Bloodline) 1 level lets you self buff yourself with +5 bluff as a swift action 3+Cha mod times per day. Along with Eschew Materials, cantrips, and level 1 sorcerer spells.
Investigator (Mastermind Archetype) 1 level gets you unlimited uses per day of Inspiration on Diplomacy and Intimidate, and level 1 formulae.
Bard (Negotiator Archetype) 1+ levels. 1/2 level bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge (local), and Sense Motive checks. Bard cantrips and spell list, rogue talents, etc.
Might be worth nothing that if you get a familiar, pig, thrush, and toucan all give +3 diplomacy.
I'll add more as I find them :)
It is worth to look at the archetype of a courtly hunter.
Of course, not PFS, but as a aside I played a Courtier in a Rokugan campaign. Pretty much almost useless in combat, with a sort of mild bardic ability, but if he had a chance to do Diplomacy it was over.
Kemuri Kunoichi your name and avatar brought this memory out.
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I'm surprised halflings haven't been mentioned. Besides their cha bonus, they have an alternate racial trait that gives +2 bluff.
I have an Infiltrator Inquisitor with the Student of Philosophy trait, so I add both my int and wis to my bluff and diplomacy, but not my cha score. Works great for a skill focused inquisitor, since int and wis are my highest stats.
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Halflings are a strong option for a lot of the choices mentioned above.
Gnomes can be as well, the Gift of Tongues alternate racial trait gives a +1 to Bluff and Diplomacy, and also gives you 2 languages for every point you put into Linguistics (which is super nice, since bluff and diplomacy are language dependent).
ha-ha, dandy ranger! I forgot about him.
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I keep coming back to the Kitsune race...the idea of a shapeshifting, sly fox character appeals to me.
So...I'll be starting with a 20 Cha, the rest of the stats are somewhat flexible...though I don't want to dump anything below an 8 (especially Str, as PFS does use encumbrance rules). Higher Int for more skills might be helpful.
I'll be using shapeshifting a fair amount, so I'll grab the Fast Shifter alternate racial trait, along with Gregarious. I'll also drop a feat on Realistic Likeness, gotta love fast shifting into any human you've met before as a move action.
Now I just need to decide on what class (or classes). So many choices...
Combat is definitely secondary, if not tertiary. Spellcasting, if any, should be primarily buffs or other spells which don't need to scale up their DCs (Unless single classing, or only taking a single 1-2 level dip or another class, which can be countered by taking the Magical Knack trait) I don't want to build a Kitsune Enchanter.
My mind is all over the place right now...I am picturing a crazy amalgam of 6+ classes mashed together, all at level 1-3. (Things like 1 level of tattooed sorcerer, with the rakshasa bloodline to get the +5 buff and a tattoo familiar...1 level of courtly hunter, losing the pet for the permanent animal focus...1 level of mastermind investigator for the inspiration...1 level of negotiator bard for a +1 bonus and some minor spells...1 level of kistune trickster rogue for the int bonus...
Thoughts?
I would recommend to pay attention to the investigator with the archetype "questioner".
Sadly, Questioner gets Spell Failure. But if he iant using armor, its one I was looking at for a long while now.
It seems that the OC likes Kitsune? Have you thought about going with the Tails build with the Sorcerer Archetype? You could get Dominate Person 2/day at level 7.
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1 level of tattooed sorcerer, with the rakshasa bloodline to get the +5 buff and a tattoo familiar
That combination doesn't work. That Tattooed Sorcerer archetype gives up the 1st level bloodline power in order to get the familiar. So if you go for that archetype to get the familiar, then you lose the +5 bluff bonus.
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Sadly, Questioner gets Spell Failure. But if he iant using armor, its one I was looking at for a long while now.
It seems that the OC likes Kitsune? Have you thought about going with the Tails build with the Sorcerer Archetype? You could get Dominate Person 2/day at level 7.
I don't want to play an enchanter, I want to play a social skills character.
That combination doesn't work. That Tattooed Sorcerer archetype gives up the 1st level bloodline power in order to get the familiar. So if you go for that archetype to get the familiar, then you lose the +5 bluff bonus.1 level of tattooed sorcerer, with the rakshasa bloodline to get the +5 buff and a tattoo familiar
Oops, forgot about that...been looking at too many options, getting all mixed up.
The questioner is made an archer, and armor is no longer so important. Enough haramaki.
And he will be the best in skills.
Something to consider would be an Infiltrator Investigator. Just be a Half Elf, Skill Focus (Linguistics) and then take Orator and max that Linguistics skill.
Basically max Lingustics and get to use it over Diplo/Bluff/Intimidate, but only in certain situations, (ie to tell a lie (Bluff), change an attitude (Diplomacy), or force cooperation (Intimidate). Take Clever Wordplay and make Disguise INT based. Max your intelligence (better skill points + linguistics mod), and use your extracts to buff (Acute Senses, Perceive Cues etc). As a bonus, you can also use Linguistics to forge documents which means if your con man wants to claim he is a legitimate tax collector - he can. Infiltrator gives you a heck of a lot of bonuses to disguise, including the ability to impersonate specific individuals. Take an investigator talent to make inspiration free to use on Linguistics and its INT+Mod+Inspiration+Favoured class bonus on whatever you roll. Bonus, with all the knowledge skills you have, you can more accurately pretend to be someone you are not.
Just an option to add to your list.
If you want to go Kitsune though, I would go CHA based and probably move into straight bard. You can try and take Eldritch Heritage to pick up Silver Tongue if you were minmaxing it. Otherwise to be honest, Phantom Thief rogue is really going to outshine @ skills and you could still go Kitsune for that.