Combat Archetypes and the Six Stat Limit

[MusedFable]

I was wondering if it’s possible to have a competent warrior (not the warrior class) using different stats. What I mean is could you create a viable combatant with only charisma as a good stat. I’d like to find out if you can be just as effective in combat with a good wisdom instead of dexterity. I’m looking for non-rule specific archetypes rather than a stat block. Has there ever been a character who could handle himself in combat while not having (in D&D terms high physical stats). I’d like for the character or niche to not rely on magic much. Well here is what I’ve got so far:

Strength: Platemail laden powerhouse with a big two handed weapon; Fast Barbarian running, leaping, pouncing, smashing; Woodsmen/Miner who relies on accurate and powerful strikes.

Dexterity: Stealthy Assassin; Acrobatic Fencer; Quick shooting Archer.

Constitution: Unstoppable Brute who keeps taking blows… can’t think of any more.

Intelligence: Fast thinking Opportunist (like MacGyver-ish); Learned Stylist (think how the Inigo and Wesley kept talking about fighting styles when they fought in Princess Bride)

Wisdom: Sharp Sensed Sniper (vision and hearing are both wisdom); Devout Zealot (strength of will carries him threw battle); Reactive Swordsman (Can tell what others will do before they do it)

Charisma: Luck/Chaos Dependent (think Jester); Feint Expert (like the Drunken Master); Unsuspicious One (I keep thinking of the Monte Python Vorpal Bunny, but I mean more like someone you don’t expect to hit hard… like a kender or kobald); Rage Filled Berserker (just the screaming, yelling, and shield bitting are enough of an edge)

What I’m trying to get at is: could you play in or believe a character could be a Fighter/Warrior/Combatant with only one good stat; and a non-physical stat. Would you have a problem with a Berserker with stats10,10,10,11,11,18 and going toe to toe with a “normal” fighter. I’d love to hear any and all opinions.

 

[SpuneDagr]

I don't know if a charismatic barbarian could ever stand up to his strong counterpart, but the archtypes you describe sound a lot like the D20 Modern classes. Each one is based around an ability score: Strong Hero, Fast Hero, Tough Hero, Smart Hero, uh... I wanna say Determined Hero, and Charismatic Hero.
Smart hero ends up like MacGyver, etc. Cool system.

 

[Pants]

Smart hero ends up like MacGyver, etc. Cool system.

Only if he has the ability 'Make Rocket Launcher out of a Sponge (Ex).'

 

[SpuneDagr]

FEAT

Uncanny Ingenuity (General):
Prerequisites: 10 ranks in any 10 Craft skills, 10 ranks in any 10 Knowledge skills, 10 ranks in Disable Device, and 10 ranks in Use Rope.
Benefit: Once per day, as a full-round action, you may use whatever materials may be around you to solve a time-sensative dilemma. This acts as a limited wish spell.
Normal: Without this feat, you are not as awesome as MacGyver.

 

[Dark Jezter]

FEAT

Uncanny Ingenuity (General):
Prerequisites: 10 ranks in any 10 Craft skills, 10 ranks in any 10 Knowledge skills, 10 ranks in Disable Device, and 10 ranks in Use Rope.
Benefit: Once per day, as a full-round action, you may use whatever materials may be around you to solve a time-sensative dilemma. This acts as a limited wish spell.
Normal: Without this feat, you are not as awesome as MacGyver.

Ah, the joy of slaying an ancient red dragon using nothing more than a bedroll, a pinch of pipeweed, a wooden spoon, and a bit of pocket lint.

 

[Nightfall]

Ah, the joy of slaying an ancient red dragon using nothing more than a bedroll, a pinch of pipeweed, a wooden spoon, and a bit of pocket lint.

Isn't that how Macgyver does it?

 

[hong]

What I’m trying to get at is: could you play in or believe a character could be a Fighter/Warrior/Combatant with only one good stat; and a non-physical stat. Would you have a problem with a Berserker with stats10,10,10,11,11,18 and going toe to toe with a “normal” fighter. I’d love to hear any and all opinions.

In fantasy, you can find a handwave for anything. However, some handwaves are better than others.

 

[Epinephrine]

I’d like to find out if you can be just as effective in combat with a good wisdom instead of dexterity. I’m looking for non-rule specific archetypes rather than a stat block.

I actually did this as an exercise a while back. There were also examples of casters who used each of the stats, but I guess they're not really relevant here. Here's what I ended up coming up with (please excuse the overlap):

Strength: Barbarian with a big two-handed weapon. Or a brawler who pummels opponents with his fists.

Dexterity: Rogue darting in and out of the shadows doing fast but light damage. Or a thief-acrobat who relies on acrobatics to keep herself in good positions and out of danger.

Constitution: Knight in shining full plate armor and tower shield. Or a hulking half-ogre bodyguard. Or an unstoppable force (like the Terminator or Juggernaut).

Intelligence: Quick thinker who figures out his opponent's weaknesses and capitalizes on them. Lots of pre-planning and smart improvisation. Or a master tactician who always moves to the right place at the right time. Or a combat sage who already knows all of the weak points of his common enemies and goes after those (think sneak attack).

Wisdom: Contemplative who can foresee her opponent's moves before they actually happen, gaining massive combat advantages. Or a holy warrior driven by her faith. Or a martial artist who uses keen senses to pick up unconscious cues from her opponents that reveal what they'll do.

Charisma: Swashbuckler who relies on panache and force of personality/luck/coolness to guide his actions right. Or a weapon expert who intimidates his opponents by showing off. Or a con artist constantly distracting his opponents and playing them against one another.

 

[Hypersmurf]

What I mean is could you create a viable combatant with only charisma as a good stat.

It's all about Divine Might, darling. And Divine Shield. And Leadership.

"I am so charismatic, I can stand here looking pretty while my hundred rabid minions and my Frenzied Berserker cohort tear you to pieces..."

-Hyp.