Building the Better Pirate

[thundershot]

Okay, here's the scoop.

One of the characters that used to be a PC returned to the group (quick story: Avariel lost faith, was transformed into an Erinyes by a Pit Fiend, became NPC of evil and such, returned, and was defeated, and her evil and good halves were split. Now the PC half is a Half-Celestial, the evil half is out there somewhere), and she wants to be a Cleric/Rogue (neutral good) and would like to use a bit of her life as an NPC toward her new life (the Erinyes was a pirate). She was going to build toward Dread Pirate, until it was realized that the PrC was very under-powered. Now she's at a loss of what skills and such to take for 2nd level to make a good pirate (she won't start the quest for her old ship, which is being controlled by the half-fiend part of her, until she has the leadership feat).

So... she does a LOT of ranged combat (fly above people and snipe them with Mighty Composite Longbow because of the +5 ECL imposed, thus low hit points compared to the others). Her goal right now is to atone for the evil that she committed as an Erinyes (she's not aware of her half-fiend self yet). She wants to become a GOOD pirate, and only take from those who would do harm to others...

What ideas do the masses have? Right now she's Cleric/1, Rogue/1. (the rest of the party is around 7th-8th level, so with ECL +5, it's working out.)


Thanks!
Chris

 

[kenjib]

I think that pirate is one of those things that really doesn't need a PRC. It's like making a PRC for generic bandits. It's a way of life, not a series of special powers or traits. That said, there here are a couple of thoughts revolving around the life of a pirate:

- Drowning is bad. Heavy armor = drowning. Heavy armor is bad. Because of this, the duellist PRC might be useful although not at all necessary (especially since you are focusing more on ranged combat).
- Some skills that might be useful for someone who lives a rough and tumble life on the high seas: Use Rope, Climb, Balance, Profession (sailor), Swim, Intimidate, Forgery, Appraise, Bluff, Sense Motive - note that these are all class skills for a rogue.
- The leadership feat is useful for the more captain-minded.
- Check out Broadsides, Seas of Blood, and/or Seafarer's Handbook for more resources and inspiration.

There are also plenty of roles to fill in a pirate crew and I'm sure there would be a place for all sorts in addition to the general swashbuckling type suggested above. I think a wizard/sorcerer would make a pretty effective pirate (more likely a master, captain, or navigator) - he would surely have a fearsome reputation. A bard would also make a great pirate - his powers of persuasion would be quite an asset. A fighter or barbarian might be a little lacking in skills but could make up for it with intimidate and a reputation for his deadly prowess - a couple of rogue levels thrown in certainly wouldn't hurt. A cleric of course would be very useful in filling out the ship's surgeon role.

I dunno - just some odd thoughts here and there.

 

[mmadsen]

I think that pirate is one of those things that really doesn't need a PRC. It's like making a PRC for generic bandits. It's a way of life, not a series of special powers or traits.

Like many character concepts, the Pirate makes a good variant class -- in this case, probably a variant Rogue. Switch out the Rogue skill list for (or restrict it to) the list kenjib suggested: Use Rope, Climb, Balance, Profession (Sailor), Swim, Intimidate, Appraise, Bluff, Sense Motive.
Then choose a list of Pirate Special Abilities and Feats that fit the concept better than Sneak Attack: Rage; Evasion; Dodge (Mobility, Spring Attack), Expertise (Improved Disarm), Improved Unarmed Strike, Leadership, Skill Focus (class skill), Weapon Finesse.

 

[thundershot]

Well, the PrC concept is pretty much going out the door... and she, being a half-celestial (with wings), doesn't wear armor at all, and generally snipes from above. One of her domains allows her to breathe water for so long (the Ocean domain in FRCS), so that helps in that respect. Diplomacy and Intimidate as some skills.. (though people are intimitated by her as is, thinking she's an angel).

 

[Larry Fitz]

Source material

As was suggested above take a look at Broadsides! from Living Imagination, also the Privateer PrC in the Twin Crowns source book. It sounds like you're running a campaign with a Naval flavor so I highly recommend the Broadsides! supplement.

"Once ye get saltwater in yer veins it does you in for anything on land, the further ya get from her, the harder she pulls on ye, I hate the sea lad, but she's all their is fer me." Bill "Stormcrow" McCardle, sailor and pilot.