Optimization Advice Sought for a Knife-Fighter

[StreamOfTheSky]

Hmm, I guess because it was written by Paizo just a few years ago and is listed on d20pfsrd I mistakenly thought it was for PF specifically. But Paizo just printed a feat in UC ("Guided Hand," iirc) that basically only clerics can take (requires channel energy) to replace Str OR Dex (depending on what'd normally be used) with your deity's favored weapon. Which is kinda a kick in the nuts to Zen Archer Monk, but hey. So I have trouble believing they've reconsidered anything.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Was hoping to hear there was a way to insinuate more damage into each knife attack, like a Weapon Finesse upgrade that rolls Dex into damage. But, doesn't sound like that's the case.

I guess I could try to sell my DM on some old 3e PP's, like Invisible Blade and Master Thrower.

There is such a magical weapon power (like keen) - it's called Agile from the new Pathfinder Society Field Guide @ p.50.

Description: Agile weapons are unusually well balanced and responsive. A wielder with the Weapon Finesse feat can choose to apply her Dexterity modifier to damage rolls with the weapon in place of her Strength modifier. This modifier to damage is not increased for two-handed weapons, but is still reduced for off-hand weapons. The agile weapon enhancement can only be placed on melee weapons that are usable with the Weapon Finesse feat.

The Weapon Finesse feat works thusly:

Weapon Finesse: With a light weapon, rapier, whip, or spiked chain made for a creature of your size category, you may use your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier on attack rolls.

Note: Light weapon includes "dagger".

So, YES, long story short - your halfling rogue can be made into a "knife fighter" using a dagger sized for a halfling (which does a really crappy base damage of 1d3) and purchase a magical, Agile version of same to allow you to apply your Dex to the damage roll. Price it the same as a keen weapon and Bob's your uncle.

Throw in another magical item that allows you to cast Twilight Knife 3/ day and that would not only be TOTALLY on Character Concept, but it would permit all manner of nasty sneak attack damage during combat.

Edit: Crap -- should have finished reading the thread further -- somebody posted Agile already

 

[ash_rex]

HUMAN KNIFE MASTER SCOUT (Rogue) - Pathfinder

HUMAN KNIFE MASTER SCOUT
Rogue favored class alternative

Name: Aedan (ay-den) Aelirin
20 point buy abilities:
STR: 10, DEX: 19 +4, CON: 12 +1, INT: 14 +2, WIS: 12 +1, CHA: 8

Alignment: Lawful neutral
Role: Striker and scout. Local guide. Using wands.
Initiative: + 6
Skill points: 10 per level

Traits:
1. Reactionary (+2 int)
You were bullied often as a child, but never quite developed an offensive response.
Instead, you became adept at anticipating sudden attacks and reacting to danger quickly.
2. Deft dodger (+1 ref)
Growing up in a rough neighborhood or a dangerous environment has honed your senses.

Feats:
1 feat: two weapon fighting
1 bonus human feat: weapon focus dagger
2 rogue talent: weapon finesse
3 feat: dodge
4 rogue talent: slow reactions
4 scout talent: charge and SA
5 feat: disorienting maneuver
6 rogue talent: offensive defense
6 bonus rogue talent: befuddling strike
7 feat: point blank shot
8 rogue talent: combat trick precise shot
8 scout talent: move 10ft then SA
9 feat: skill focus (use magic device)
10 rogue talent: entanglement of blades
11 feat: spring attack
12 rogue talent: crippling strike
12 bonus rogue talent: skill mastery
13 feat: magical aptitude

Skills:
acrobatics
appraise
disable device
escape artist
knowledge (dungeoneering)
knowledge (local)
linguistics
perception
stealth
use magical device

Weapons of choice:
Two daggers
Throwing dagger
Short bow

Sneak attack options:
1d8 with knifes
1. Flank for SA
2. Charge for SA. Charge again for SA with no OA.
3. Move through enemies square and SA, +2 hit
4. Move 10ft and throw a knife for SA
5. Move 10ft and melee attack for SA
6. Win initiative and throw two knifes for SA
7. Move 10ft SA Move up to 20ft (Spring attack)

Single SA's use d8 dice not d6 so they are a viable option.
Use returning daggers.
Collect a wide range of magical daggers, and wands.
Have two spring loaded wrist sheaths.
Buy boots of elvenkind, and use exlirs of acrobatics.

Equipment options:
Boots of Elvenkind +5 Acrobatics
Exlirs of acrobatics +10
Belt of incredible dexterity
Efficient Quiver
Glove of storing
Wrist braces, spring loaded
A +1 alchemical silver light mace* for bludgeoning, silver
cold-iron dagger
wooden stake
adamantine weapon
Holy water, alchemist's fire, a thunderstone, smokesticks, sunrods
Mithral Chain Shirt

Wands:
align weapon
protect from evil
shield
obscuring mist
silent image
reduce person
resist energy
mirror image
blindness
cats grace
alter self
knock
darkvision
invisibility

Daggers:
Spell storing
Menacing
Ghost touch
Throwing + Returning (essential)
Disruption
Speed
Transformative
Vorpal

This is the sneak freak...stab first, ask questions later!!