New feat: Inconspicuous Underdog

[Sammael]

Inconspicuous Underdog
Enemies don’t see you as a threat until it’s too late.
Prerequisites: Int 13, Bluff 4 ranks, Disguise 4 ranks, Combat Expertise, Improved Feint.
Benefit: If you are wearing no armor or light armor, and wielding no weapon or a light weapon, the first intelligent opponent you attack in any encounter is denied his Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) against your attack (as if you had successfully feinted).
Intelligent opponents tend to ignore you in combat until they become aware of your combat capabilities.
For the purpose of this feat, intelligent opponents are those who have an Intelligence score of at least 3.
Special: You do not gain this feat’s benefits against opponents who have seen you in combat before. If you disguise yourself, you gain the feat’s benefits against all opponents who do not recognize you.

Too weak? Too strong? Just right?

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

Actually I kind of like it. It is a one time (first time) bonus. I think I would add in something to suggest that when others see you attack someone else that they realize what's going on.

For instance, someone with this feat attacks a party of orcs. The orcs seem him approach one of their number and pull this little trick. The reast of them know that appearances are quite deceiving.

 

[the Jester]

Hmm, makes me think of Priggle.

 

[daTim]

I assume it would only work once against any given opponent, since they arent going to fall for it again. And what about those who see you pull this trick, are they also immune?

I like the idea, but I would be annoyed if my character was forced to assume somebody was not combat capable.

 

[Sammael]

Yes, it should work only one against any given opponent. If his buddies actually see the trick being pulled off, they won't fall for it.

It's a bit weird in that it's one of those things that shouldn't really work against the party, like using Diplomacy to influence attitude. If an NPC has the feat, it's up to DM to portray him as harmless. E.g. "You see a group of mercenaries, clad in chainmail and riding on warhorses. Their leader shouts an order to charge at you, and they nearly run over a beggar who was riding beside them. Roll for initiative."