Article-At-A-Glance
- Focuses on an effective Base Medium[1] Build specifically for Pathfinder 1E gameplay mechanics.
- Discusses mastery of abilities and features unique to Medium character classes.
- Guides players in optimizing their skills and strategies to improve gameplay outcomes.
- Offers comprehensive insights into level progression and character enhancement strategies.
Click on the level for more information
The level 1 Medium build focuses on flexibility and charisma. As a Human Medium with a +2 in Charisma, the emphasis is on Sleight of Hand and Bluffing. With the Divine Fighting Style, Charisma is used for attack and damage. A Harrow Deck adds fun and flavor.
Stat Block Level 1:
Base Medium[1]: Medium 1, female, Human Medium 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8; hp 8; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Starknife melee +3 (1d4+3) or Starknife ranged +3 (1d4+3); Full Atk Starknife +3 (1d4+3); SA None; SQ Spirit Channeling; AL Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Sleight of Hand +7, Bluff +7, Diplomacy +7, Use Magic Device +7, Sense Motive +4; Divine Fighting Style (Way of the Shooting Star), Two-Weapon Fighting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Spirit Channeling allows the Medium to channel spirits for added abilities.
Possessions: Starknife, Breastplate, Harrow Deck.
This Medium build centers around Charisma and throwing Starknives using Two-Weapon Fighting. At level 5, you are becoming proficient in ranged combat with bonuses from Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot. You enhance your chances of hitting targets with Rapid Shot. Your spell selection supports psychological and divination tactics.
Stat Block Level 5:
Medium: female, human Medium 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8; hp 32; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk Starknife +7 melee or +7 ranged (1d4+3/×3) or throw Starknife +6; Full Atk Starknife +5/+5 ranged (1d4+3/×3); SA Accurate Strike; SQ Spirit Channeler, Séance Boon, Location Channel, Haunt Collector; AL CN; SV Fort +1, Ref +7, Will +4; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +12, Diplomacy +12, Use Magic Device +12, Sleight of Hands +12, Sense Motive +12; Divine Fighting Style (Way of the Shooting Star), Two-Weapon Fighting, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Uses Charisma for attack and damage with Starknives; summon spirits for assistance.
Possessions: Two Starknives, Breastplate, Harrow Deck.
At level 10, the Medium character thrives as a Charisma based weapon thrower using Starknives. They excel in intel gathering with divination spells like Scrying and Dream. Their combat revolves around two-weapon fighting with a pair of Starknives, enhanced by Divine Fighting Style using Charisma for attacks. Skills in Sleight of Hands, Bluff, Diplomacy, and Use Magic Device ensure versatility, while their favored class bonus adds resilience.
Stat Block Level 10:
Human Medium 10: Female, Human Medium 10; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 10d8; hp 70; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Starknife +13 (1d4+5) or Starknife +11; Full Atk Starknife +13/+8 (1d4+5) and Starknife +13/+8; SA Divine Fighting Style (Way of the Shooting Star); SQ Spirits, Spellcasting, Channel abilities; AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +9; Str 10, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Sleight of Hands +15, Bluff +15, Diplomacy +15, Use Magic Device +14; Divine Fighting Style (Way of the Shooting Star), Two Weapon Fighting, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Quick Draw, Improved Two Weapon Fighting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can channel spirit abilities, uses Charisma for attack rolls with Starknives, capable of detecting psychic significance, divination spells up to level 5.
Possessions: Starknives, Breastplate, Harrow Deck, assorted medium armor.
This Medium build at level 15 begins to master focusing on a Charisma based combat style, skilled at ranged combat with Starknives. It leverages Divine Fighting Style to use Charisma for attacks with a two-weapon fighting style. Spells are used for scouting and intel, allowing great versatility in combat and strategic situations.
Stat Block Level 15:
Medium: female, human medium 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+30; hp 97; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 13, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +11; Grp +11; Atk Two Starknives (+19/+14/+9 melee or +22/+17/+12 ranged); Full Atk Two Starknives (+19/+14/+9 melee or +22/+17/+12 ranged); SA Channel spirit; SQ Spirit communion, spirit surge, haunt channeler; AL Neutral; SV Fort +12, Ref +15, Will +12; Str 10, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +18, Diplomacy +18, Use Magic Devices +18, Sense Motive +13, Sleight of Hand +18; Divine Fighting Style (Way of the Shooting Star), Two-Weapon Fighting, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Quick Draw, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Piranha Strike, Clustered Shots, Improved Initiative.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Spirit surge allows re-rolls; can select from Guardian, Champion, Archmage spirits; extensive divination spells for battlefield intelligence and support.
Possessions: A pair of masterwork Starknives, +2 mithral breastplate armor, a Harrow Deck, wands of Detect Magic and Detect Psychic Significance.
At level 20, this Medium build excels in using Charisma for both attack and damage, focusing on throwing Starknives. It heavily relies on charisma, particularly due to the Divine Fighting Style (Way of the Shooting Star). The character is adept at gathering information through superior divination abilities, making it versatile for various situations. Key skills include Sleight of Hands, Bluff, Sense Motive, and Diplomacy. It also uses spells like Scrying, True Seeing, and Divination for strategic advantages.
Stat Block Level 20:
Medium: female, human Medium 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d8+60; hp 180; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 12, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +15; Grp +15; Atk Starknife +22 (1d4+12/×3) or Ranged Starknife +24 (1d4+12/×3); Full Atk Starknife +22/+17/+12 (1d4+12/×3) and Starknife +22 (1d4+12/×3); SA Trance of Three, Spirit Surge, Connection Spirits; SQ Haunt Channeler, Astral Beacon, Location Channel; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +17; Str 10, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 26.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +26, Sleight of Hand +26, Sense Motive +26, Diplomacy +26, Use Magic Device +26; Divine Fighting Style(Way of the Shooting Star), Two Weapons Fighting, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Quick Draw, Divine Fighting Style(Advanced Way of the Shooting Star), Improved Two Weapons Fighting, Piranha Strike, Clustered Shots, Improved Initiative.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Charisma based attacks with starknives, superior divination spell capacity, use Divination and True Seeing for strategic advantages.
Possessions: Several masterwork Starknives, Breastplate (Medium Armor), Harrow Deck.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Establish your role as a Charisma based weapon thrower with proficiency in Starknives through Varisian Tattoo. Gain a foundation in key skills like Sleight of Hands and Bluff. Collect critical feats such as Divine Fighting Style and Two Weapons Fighting, enhancing your combat potential.
- Levels 6-10: Develop efficiency in ranged combat by mastering Precise Shot and Rapid Shot. Expand your spell repertoire with powerful divination spells like Psychic Readings and Detect Thoughts, improving your strategic approach and scouting abilities.
- Levels 11-15: Enhance melee capabilities with Improved Two Weapons Fighting and Piranha Strike. Strengthen your spellcasting with high-level spells such as True Seeing and Invisibility. Reinforce combat readiness with Quick Draw for smooth transitions between actions.
- Levels 16-20: Maximize versatility as a battlefield strategist by choosing Spirits that fit mission requirements, like Guardian or Champion. Augment your divination mastery with spells like Glimpse of Truth and Dream Council. Solidify initiative advantage with Improved Initiative, ensuring leadership in combat.
Core Abilities & Features
The Base Medium[1] excels in charismatic spellcasting and combat prowess with starknives, using the Divine Fighting Style. Divine Fighting Style allows attacking and dealing damage based on Charisma rather than Dexterity, enhancing synergy with the Medium’s core attribute.
This build utilizes feats like Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, and Rapid Shot for effective ranged attacks. The combination with traits like Varisian Tattoo ensures proficiency with the starknife, while Sleight of Hand and Bluff enhance the character’s versatility in and out of combat.
Strategic use of spirits such as Guardian, Champion, Hierophant, or Archmage ensures adaptability. The spell list, including divination and illusion magic, offers superior tactical options, making it possible to gather crucial information before engagements.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Starknife | Your primary weapon, used in combination for two weapon fighting. Aim to have at least two for effective dual wielding. |
| L6-10 | Cloak of Resistance +1 | Boosts your saving throws, providing critical protection against spells and effects. |
| L11-15 | Ring of Protection +2 | Increases your AC by providing a deflection bonus, improving overall durability. |
| L16-20 | Harrow Deck | Functions both as a fun role-playing element and a tool for enhancing divination abilities. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the confined spaces of a dungeon, make use of the Medium’s ability to gather intel using spells like Detective Thoughts and Object Reading. With insightful prep, lead engagements by luring foes into narrow corridors. Use Rapid Shot and the Starknives for distance advantage, while the Spirits provide tactical flexibility to solve challenges.
- Open Fields:
- Utilize the vastness to your benefit by positioning yourself effectively. Cast Divination or Augury to predict enemy movements. With the Charisma driven Starknives, become a devastating force of pinpoint ranged attacks. Keep mobility at peak to dodge potential long ranged threats with Quick Draw and Precise Shot.
- Ambushes:
- Leverage Bluff and Diplomacy for tactical misdirection. Use spells like Silent Image and Prestidigitation to confuse the enemy’s expectations. Quick Draw and Rapid Shot ensure you control the pace, while tracking down enemies through Sense Motive.
- Defensive Stands:
- In a defensive stand, use the Guardian or Hierophant Spirit for enhanced resilience. Analyze the battleground using Detect Psychic Significance and Detect Magic to identify weaknesses and prioritize threats. Strategically position yourself to stymie enemy advances, utilizing increased initiative from Improved Initiative.
- Urban Encounters:
- Amidst the unpredictability of urban skirmishes, rely on Haste and Fly for swift repositioning. The presence of the Psicrystal excels in surveillance and crowd control. Leverage Urban’s constraints to manipulate line of sight, while Starknives and your skills in Sleight of Hand can turn even a crowded street into your arena.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Strength and Constitution | Use a Breastplate for better AC; rely on Dexterity and Charisma for ranged combat to avoid direct hits. |
| Reliance on Charisma | Engage in dialogue-heavy scenarios to make the most of Bluff, Diplomacy, and Use Magic Devices skills. |
| Limited Direct Damage Output | Select the Champion Spirit for bolstering combat abilities when in need of additional damage. |
| Weapon Limitations | Utilize Divine Fighting Style (Way of the Shooting Star) to enhance attack and damage rolls with Charisma. |
| Two-Weapon Penalties | Feat choice includes Two-Weapon Fighting and Improved Two-Weapon Fighting; training reduces penalties in such combat style. |
Roleplaying the Base Medium Build
The Medium character is more than a simple fortuneteller; they wander the lands, embodying the lore and charisma of a free spirit. Drawing inspiration from the lifestyle of a mystic gypsy or shaman, the Medium serves as a beacon of wisdom, fortune, and intrigue. The key to roleplaying this build lies in embracing a character who thrives on narrative momentum. They are the nexus between worlds, unlocking the mysteries of the spirit realm with each encounter.
Focus on storytelling as your primary interaction tool. The Medium’s charming demeanor isn’t just for combat advantage, but for weaving tales that captivate those around them. Picture your character sitting with townsfolk, spinning tales of distant lands and unseen spirits. Your bond with the people can be as effective as any weapon, sowing seeds of trust and alliance wherever you go. The starknives are not merely tools for battle; they are extensions of your enigmatic persona, part of a crafted illusion of power and mystery.
Opportunities & Themes
This character thrives in situations where keen perception and quick thinking play pivotal roles. Imagine entering a town and offering readings with your Harrow Deck, becoming a temporary centerpiece in the community, gathering information and allies along the way. Use your spells subtly; the Medium is about finesse, not fireworks. Each spell, like ‘Detect Thoughts’ or ‘Augury’, should be perceived as part of your character’s mystic aura, enhancing your role as an insightful guide rather than a forceful warrior.
Emphasize themes of duality and balance. Your Medium walks the thin line between the seen and unseen, fact and fiction. Let this duality influence your decisions and interactions. Are you a medium through whom the spirits speak, or are you the master of your own fate, perhaps using your gifts for personal gain or altruistic purposes? The narrative possibilities are endless, which lets you create enriching, unique adventure arcs for your character.
FAQ
What is the best strategy for playing a Base Medium[1]?
The Base Medium[1] excels by blending support and offense. Use your supernatural powers to empower allies and weaken foes. Position yourself strategically, so you can affect the maximum number of targets with your performance.
How should I allocate skill points for a Base Medium[1]?
Prioritize skills that enhance your utility in and out of combat. Consider boosting Knowledge for identifying enemies, and Perform for your medium abilities. Concentration is also crucial for maintaining your focus under pressure.
What feats complement a Base Medium[1] build?
Choose feats that enhance your unique abilities. Combat Casting helps when maintaining focus in battles. Consider Extend Spell to lengthen the duration of beneficial effects. Select feats like Lingering Performance to stretch the impact of your abilities.
In what kind of parties does a Base Medium[1] thrive?
A Base Medium[1] is ideal in balanced parties needing both magic and combat support. They work well alongside tanks and damage dealers, bolstering defenses and striking morale-lowering blows. Ensure communication within your team to maximize efficiency in battle.
What early-game gear is essential for a Base Medium[1]?
Focus on gear that boosts your defenses and performance enhancing capabilities. A Chain Shirt offers good protection without hindering your movement. Enchanted instruments and a Headband of Charisma are key for enhancing your medium powers.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Base Medium!
Call to Action Consider trying out a Base Medium[1] in your next game. Do you think the Base Medium[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the discussion on the Stellar Dragons Discord server
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Medium – Base Medium – Pathfinder 1E ( Base Medium )
Base Medium
The basic Medium build, your character is a traveling fortuneteller, the free men and women of the road, the birthplace of heroes.
Class
Medium 20
Race
Human, put the floating +2 in Charisma
Ability Scores
Increase Dex to 17 with your lvl 8 increase, but everything else should go in Charisma
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 16
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 18
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 18
Traits
Varisian Tattoo gives us Proficiency in the Starknife which will be our main weapon. Dealer nets you Sleight of Hands as a class skill which we do want.
Favored Class Bonus
Hit Points!
Skills
Aight, we need Sleight of Hands. We also want Bluff, Diplomacy, Use Magic Devices, Sense Motive.
Feats by Level
1-Divine Fighting Style(Way of the Shooting Star)
Human Bonus-Two Weapons Fighting
3-Point-Blank Shot
5-Precise Shot
7-Rapid Shot
9-Quick Draw
11-Divine Fighting Style(Advanced Way of the Shooting Star)
13-Improved Two Weapons Fighting
15-Piranha Strike
17-Clustered Shots
19-Improved Initiative
So you are two weapons fighting with a pair of Starknives, and with Divine Fighting Style you can use your Charisma for attack and Damage which is great! And you can throw them very efficiently via Precise Shot+Rapid Shot+Quick Draw.
Spells Learned by Level
1-Detect Psychic Significance, Detect Magic
2-Dancing Lights
3-Stabilize
4-Psychic Readings, Wizened Appearance
5-Ghost Sounds, Ventriloquism
6-Silent Image
7-Prestidigitation, Augury, Bestow Curse
8-Detect Thoughts
9-Oneiric Horror, Eagle’s Splendor
10-Divination, Dream
11-Scrying
12-Object Reading, Haste, Fly
13-Invoke Deity, True Seeing
14-Thoughtsense
15-Invisibility, Glimpse of Truth, Dream Council
18-Hollow Heroism, Nightmare
Equipment
A few Starknives, a good medium armor(aim for a Breastplate). A Harrow Deck for sheer fun.
Final Thoughts on the Build
So, we focus our build as a Charisma based Thrower. Except that’s just one of our tools in our back pocket. We have some surprisingly great divination spells to prepare and scout areas well before we ever step foot there, we can get great intel rapidly and try to get the Spirit we need for the right job.
Need more resilience? Pick the Guardian or Hierophant Spirit. Need more damage? Go for Champion. A set of specific spells are needed and the Wizard actually doesn’t know them? Go for Archmage. With great intel gathering you can be as batman-like to a situation as you need.
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