Tips for a Beguiler/Assassin build?

[Thurbane]

Hi all,

I have an upcoming game where I may be running an evil character, part of an "inquisition", from a racist, human nation. (The characters race must be human).

I was thinking about taking a Beguiler with a view to becoming an Assassin, since both cast off INT and all the skills I need to qualify for Assassin are on the Beguiler list.

Any pointers or ideas? The build should probably be as close to core as possible (with the obvious exception that the Beguiler is in PBHII), maybe including Complete Adventurer and the other Complete books.

 

[FalcWP]

What sort of level are you looking at?

Combat Expertise and Improved Feint are good choices for feats, obviously. A 6th level Beguiler with Improved Feint can feint as a swift action. If you end up in a situation where you need to get a sneak attack in, this is way to make sure you'll be able to. And Combat Expertise is certainly helpful in other situations.

If you see yourself doing a good amount of melee fighting (as opposed to having your spells do all the work, then death attack), I'd highly recommend three levels of Swashbuckler. Pick up Weapon Finesse and give your high intelligence yet another way to shine.

A few levels of Rogue wouldn't be bad, to snag additional sneak attack dice. Alternatively, consider a level of Spellthief, and the Master Spellthief feat from Complete Scoundrel. You'll be much more effective against casters, and have the opportunity to steal some damaging spells to augment your illusions and enchantments.

The Unseen Seer Prestige Class in Complete Mage might be handy for you. Full(ish) spellcasting and increased sneak attack, while still giving you good skills.

 

[nittanytbone]

I'd skip Assassin altogether and just be an evil Beguiler that kills people for profit. Assassin doesn't progress your spellcasting progression; Assassin grants SA dice which synergize well with close-in melee using TWF, which is NOT a Beguiler's forte; Assassin reduces your skill points even more, which will already be spread thin given the many attractive skills on the beguiler class list.

 

[Thurbane]

Thanks for the advice.

Character will be starting at 1st level. Not to keen on taking other classes, I'd like to make the most of my spellcasting, so probably looking at Beguiler for 5 or 6 levels, then into Assassin. I was considering the Practiced Spellcaster feat for both classes. Also looking at ability focus for Death Attack.

He'll primarily be a caster and trickster moreso than a melee type.

 

[Thurbane]

I'd skip Assassin altogether and just be an evil Beguiler that kills people for profit. Assassin doesn't progress your spellcasting progression; Assassin grants SA dice which synergize well with close-in melee using TWF, which is NOT a Beguiler's forte; Assassin reduces your skill points even more, which will already be spread thin given the many attractive skills on the beguiler class list.

Thanks, but I'm pretty set on Assassin.

Skills shouldn't be too much of a problem being a Human with high INT. It's a 32 point build, so INT will be 18.

 

[Kat']

Imaskari Vengeance Taker? Has the flair of the Assassin and continues your spellcasting progression (yet not fully).

 

[Thurbane]

Imaskari Vengeance Taker? Has the flair of the Assassin and continues your spellcasting progression (yet not fully).

What book is that from?

 

[Psion]

What book is that from?

Underdark

 

[szilard]

Beguilers make nasty assassins.

Improved Feint is a must. I'd pick up Two-weapon fighting as well. Feint as a swift action, then make multiple death attacks. Every round. Ability focus is good. I wouldn't bother with Practiced Spellcaster for Assassin... but get it for Beguiler.


-Stuart

 

[Wolfwood2]

Beguilers make nasty assassins.

Improved Feint is a must. I'd pick up Two-weapon fighting as well. Feint as a swift action, then make multiple death attacks. Every round. Ability focus is good. I wouldn't bother with Practiced Spellcaster for Assassin... but get it for Beguiler.

Death Attack /= Sneak Attack. You have to study a target for at least 3 rounds withotu the target knowing you are a threat before you can death attack.

The OP can get into Assassin at Beguiler 5, but I recommend going Beguiler 6 to get those tasty 3rd level spells.

As an Assassin, you have three big concerns:

1. How do I study the target for 3 rounds and then get in close without being detected as a threat?

2. How do I make a successful hit when I attack?

3. How do I make my getaway if the target doesn't die? (Or if he does die.)

A Beguiler has lots of ways to do the first one. They can go the disguise route and pretend to be someone harmless, palming a dagger via slight of hand. Or they can use Invisibility and Zone of Silence to get in close unobserved.

Number 2 is tougher. On humanoid targets, you want to do everything you can to catch the target out of armor (and flatfooted). You can also get True Strike as a first level assassin, casting it silently with a lesser metamagic rod (or inside your zone of silence, but positioning is tricky).

Number 3 isn't purely a matter of mechanical builds, but of in-character planning and resourcefulness.