A character will have the ability to impersonate individuals, rather than generic members of a race, via shapeshifting. He will also be able to do this as a swift action.
The plan is to have him impersonate bad guys in the middle of a fight. The old "No, I am the real Jones" trope, except doing it to the bad guys.
What I envision is using bluff to make a distraction, much like using bluff to create a distraction for stealth. Then making a disguise check for the actual impersonation.
Any thoughts on how else this combat impersonation might work?
Any thoughts on the effects of a successful impersonation?
Outside of flanking, and not being immediately attacked, what is the goal?
There are abilities like Rogue Talents that allow enemies to count as allies for flanking and stuff, so the mechanics are not unheard of.
Are you going to go back and infiltrate the enemy organization?
Are you going to try command the enemy by pretending to be their captain?
Hm, sounds like a Kitsune with the Realistic Likeness feat (and either Swift Kitsune Shapechanger or the Quick Change spell).
For an actual mechanical benefit, maybe you can make Betraying Blow work.
Hm, sounds like a Kitsune with the Realistic Likeness feat (and either Swift Kitsune Shapechanger or the Quick Change spell).
For an actual mechanical benefit, maybe you can make Betraying Blow work.
Yup
Equipment is the main complication of a build like this.
Outside of flanking, and not being immediately attacked, what is the goal?
There are abilities like Rogue Talents that allow enemies to count as allies for flanking and stuff, so the mechanics are not unheard of.
Are you going to go back and infiltrate the enemy organization?
Are you going to try command the enemy by pretending to be their captain?
Not being attacked (aside from the impersonated person) is definitely one of the goals. Getting the enemies to attack their ally by mistake is another. And setting up sneak attack or hidden strike is is a third.
Infiltration is a different subject. Right now I am just looking at combat. Infiltration would not work here because they know they have at least on imposter.
I had not considered causing confusion by issuing contradictory commands. But that is the kind of effect I was looking for suggestions on.
Mummer's Ruff would be good for a concept char like this.
Badge of Veiled Authority might be kinda fun too.