This Factotum build, named ‘The Professional[1],’ epitomizes versatility. At level 1, they can add their level to a skill check once a day per skill, thanks to Cunning Knowledge, and generate Inspiration Points to fuel abilities with Font of Inspiration.
Stat Block Level 1:
[The Professional[1]]: unknown, Changeling Factotum 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[2]); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +0; Grp -1; Atk Rapier +1 melee (1d6-1/18-20); Full Atk Rapier +1 melee (1d6-1/18-20); SA Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge; SQ Changeling Traits, Inspiration Pool, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge; AL N; SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Use Magic Devices +4, Use Psionic Devices +4, Autohypnosis +4, Iaijutsu Focus +4, Search +8, Disable Device +8, Diplomacy +4, Hide +6, Move Silently +6, Tumble +6; Font of Inspiration, Weapon Finesse.
Special Abilities:
Inspiration (2 points), Cunning Insight (+Int modifier to attacks or checks), Cunning Knowledge (+1 level to skill check once/day). Possessions: Rapier, chainshirt.
Level 5 Brief:
By level 5, ‘The Professional[1]’ can cast two Arcane Dilettante spells per day and use Opportunistic Piety. They have increased Inspiration Points, enhancing their versatility further.
Stat Block Level 5:
[The Professional[1]]: unknown, Changeling Factotum 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[2]); HD 5d8+10; hp 32; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +3; Grp +2; Atk Rapier +4 melee (1d6-1/18-20); Full Atk Rapier +4 melee (1d6-1/18-20); SA Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Arcane Dilettante (2 spells), Opportunistic Piety; SQ Changeling Traits, Inspiration Pool, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Arcane Dilettante; AL N; SV Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +4; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Use Magic Devices +8, Use Psionic Devices +8, Autohypnosis +8, Iaijutsu Focus +8, Search +12, Disable Device +12, Diplomacy +8, Hide +10, Move Silently +10, Tumble +10; Font of Inspiration, Weapon Finesse.
At level 10, ‘The Professional[1]’ has access to four Arcane Dilettante spells, increased Inspiration Points, and Opportunistic Piety twice per day. They can also breach magical defenses with Cunning Breach.
Stat Block Level 10:
[The Professional[1]]: unknown, Changeling Factotum 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[2]); HD 10d8+20; hp 65; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +7; Grp +6; Atk Rapier +8 melee (1d6-1/18-20); Full Atk Rapier +8 melee (1d6-1/18-20); SA Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Arcane Dilettante (4 spells), Opportunistic Piety; SQ Changeling Traits, Inspiration Pool, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Brains Over Brawn, Cunning Defense, Cunning Strike, Arcane Dilettante, Cunning Breach; AL N; SV Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Use Magic Devices +15, Use Psionic Devices +15, Autohypnosis +15, Iaijutsu Focus +15, Search +19, Disable Device +19, Diplomacy +15, Hide +17, Move Silently +17, Tumble +17; Font of Inspiration, Weapon Finesse.
By level 15, ‘The Professional[1]’ has six Arcane Dilettante spells, additional Inspiration Points, and Opportunistic Piety three times per day. They also employ advanced defensive abilities with Improved Cunning Defense.
Stat Block Level 15:
[The Professional[1]]: unknown, Changeling Factotum 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[2]); HD 15d8+30; hp 97; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +11; Grp +10; Atk Rapier +10 melee (1d6-1/18-20); Full Atk Rapier +10 melee (1d6-1/18-20); SA Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Arcane Dilettante (6 spells), Opportunistic Piety; SQ Changeling Traits, Inspiration Pool, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Brains Over Brawn, Cunning Defense, Cunning Strike, Arcane Dilettante, Cunning Breach, Improved Cunning Defense, Opportunistic Piety +1 use, Cunning Surge; AL N; SV Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Use Magic Devices +21, Use Psionic Devices +21, Autohypnosis +21, Iaijutsu Focus +21, Search +25, Disable Device +25, Diplomacy +21, Hide +23, Move Silently +23, Tumble +23; Font of Inspiration, Weapon Finesse.
At level 20, ‘The Professional[1]’ wields eight Arcane Dilettante spells and immense Inspiration Points. They also possess Cunning Brilliance for extraordinary versatility, making them resourceful in any situation.
Stat Block Level 20:
[The Professional[1]]: unknown, Changeling Factotum 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[2]); HD 20d8+40; hp 130; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +15; Grp +14; Atk Rapier +14 melee (1d6-1/18-20); Full Atk Rapier +14 melee (1d6-1/18-20); SA Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Arcane Dilettante (8 spells), Opportunistic Piety; SQ Changeling Traits, Inspiration Pool, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Brains Over Brawn, Cunning Defense, Cunning Strike, Arcane Dilettante, Cunning Breach, Improved Cunning Defense, Opportunistic Piety +1 use, Cunning Surge, Cunning Dodge, Cunning Brilliance; AL N; SV Fort +9, Ref +13, Will +11; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Use Magic Devices +27, Use Psionic Devices +27, Autohypnosis +27, Iaijutsu Focus +27, Search +31, Disable Device +31, Diplomacy +27, Hide +29, Move Silently +29, Tumble +29; Font of Inspiration, Weapon Finesse.
Special Abilities:
Inspiration (25 points), Cunning Insight (+Int modifier to attacks or checks), Cunning Knowledge (+20 level to skill check once/day), Arcane Dilettante (8 spells), Opportunistic Piety (heal 40 hp), Cunning Breach (ignore magical protections), Improved Cunning Defense (+4 AC), Cunning Surge (extra standard action), Cunning Brilliance (mimic abilities of other classes for 1 minute). Possessions: Rapier, chainshirt.
Key Abilities
With each level gained, The Professional[1] becomes increasingly capable. At level 10, you can tap into four Arcane Dilettante spells and have a hearty reserve of Inspiration Points. By level 20, you’re a force to be reckoned with, boasting eight Arcane Dilettante spells and the game-changing Cunning Brilliance ability.
Level 1: Start with Cunning Insight and Inspiration Points to boost your skill checks and adapt to various situations.
Level 10: Gain Opportunistic Piety and Cunning Breach to heal and bypass magical defenses, enhancing your utility.
Level 20: Unlock Cunning Brilliance to mimic other class abilities, making you highly adaptable in any scenario.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
Level 1
Rapier
– Primary weapon for close combat. – Deals 1d6 damage with 18-20/x2 critical range.
Chain Shirt
– Provides +4 AC with a maximum Dexterity bonus of +4. – Offers good protection without heavy armor penalties.
Levels 2-5
Healing Potions
– Potion of Cure Light Wounds: Heals 1d8+1 HP.
Scrolls and Wands
– Wand of Cure Light Wounds: Healing option for emergencies. – Scrolls of Feather Fall: Protection from falling damage. – Scrolls of Detect Magic.
Levels 6-10
Headband of Intellect +2
– Provides +2 enhancement bonus to Intelligence. – Enhances skill checks, spellcasting, and abilities dependent on Intelligence.
Gloves of Dexterity +2
– Provides +2 enhancement bonus to Dexterity. – Improves AC, reflex saves, and skills reliant on Dexterity.
Levels 11-15
Headband of Intellect +4
– Upgrade to +4 enhancement bonus to Intelligence. – Further boosts Intelligence-dependent abilities.
Gloves of Dexterity +4
– Upgrade to +4 enhancement bonus to Dexterity. – Further improves Dexterity-dependent skills and combat effectiveness.
Amulet of Natural Armor +2
– Provides +2 natural armor bonus to AC. – Enhances survivability in combat.
Levels 16-20
Headband of Intellect +6
– Upgrade to +6 enhancement bonus to Intelligence. – Maximizes Intelligence for skill checks and abilities.
Gloves of Dexterity +6
– Upgrade to +6 enhancement bonus to Dexterity. – Maximizes Dexterity for AC, reflex saves, and skills.
Belt of Physical Might +4
– Provides +4 enhancement bonus to Dexterity and Constitution. – Enhances combat effectiveness and survivability.
Ring of Protection +3
– Provides +3 deflection bonus to AC. – Additional protection in combat.
Cloak of Resistance +5
– Provides +5 resistance bonus to all saving throws. – Significantly enhances survivability against spells and effects.
Special Items
Cold Iron Rapier
– Non-magical backup weapon. – Effective against certain creatures with damage reduction.
Various Utility Scrolls
– Scroll of Invisibility: For strategic positioning and retreat. – Scroll of Knock: To bypass locked doors and chests. – Scroll of Fly: For mobility.
Combat Strategies for the Professional
The Professional[1] shines in combat with their ability to adapt and overcome. Whether you’re casting spells from the backline or engaging in melee, you have a tool for every situation. But it’s not just about having options; it’s about knowing when and how to use them.
Use Cunning Insight to add your intelligence modifier to attack rolls when you need to land a critical hit.
Exploit Cunning Breach to bypass enemy magical defenses, making your spells more effective against protected foes.
Employ Opportunistic Piety to heal yourself or allies in a pinch, sustaining your party’s endurance.
Save Cunning Brilliance for moments when mimicking another class’s abilities can turn the tide of battle.
These strategies can give you the upper hand, but remember, they’re only as effective as your timing and execution. Practice and foresight are your best allies.
As The Professional[1], you’re the team’s Swiss Army knife. Your versatility means you can fill in the gaps, no matter the party’s composition. This ability to adapt makes you invaluable in any group.
If your party lacks a healer, use Opportunistic Piety to provide support.
When facing tough enemies, Cunning Breach lets you weaken their defenses for your allies to exploit.
Your Arcane Dilettante spells can complement the party’s primary spellcaster or provide utility spells they may lack.
Being a jack-of-all-trades means you can be the glue that holds the party together. Coordinate with your teammates to cover weaknesses and enhance strengths.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls: Use your skills to navigate traps and tight spaces, and your spells for control and support.
Open Field: Leverage your mobility and range to control the battlefield.
Ambushes: Quickly assess the situation and use your Cunning abilities to turn the tables.
Defensive Stands: Hold the line with strategic spell use and Opportunistic Piety to keep allies fighting.
Urban Encounters: Blend into the environment using your skills, and strike when the moment is right.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weakness
Counter
Limited healing abilities
– Carry healing potions (e.g., Potion of Cure Light Wounds for 1d8+1 HP). – Coordinate with other party healers, such as clerics or druids. – Use Opportunistic Piety at higher levels to heal yourself (heals 40 HP at level 20).
Dependency on Intelligence and Dexterity
– Prioritize items that boost Intelligence and Dexterity. – Headband of Intellect: +2, +4, or +6 enhancement bonus to Intelligence. – Gloves of Dexterity: +2, +4, or +6 enhancement bonus to Dexterity.
Jack-of-all-trades but master of none
– Work with your party to fill in gaps. – Focus on skills that other party members lack, such as Disable Device or Use Magic Device. – Use Cunning Knowledge to boost skill checks once per day.
Limited spell slots from Arcane Dilettante
– Choose spells that offer the greatest utility. – Feather Fall: Protection from falling damage. – Detect Magic: Identify magical auras and dangerous spells. – Grease: Versatile for combat and utility uses.
Vulnerability to anti-magic
– Carry non-magical backup weapons, such as a Cold Iron Rapier or a Silvered Dagger. – Develop a counter strategy, such as retreating or using Cunning Surge to gain extra actions.
Roleplaying Themes of the Professional
As The Professional[1], you’re not just a character sheet; you’re a story waiting to unfold. Your character’s background, motivations, and personality all contribute to the rich tapestry of the game’s narrative.
Themes & RP Opportunities
Secret Agent: Your character could be a spy, using their versatility for covert operations and intelligence gathering.
Master of Trades: Perhaps you’re a seasoned adventurer who’s picked up a wide range of skills from your travels.
Mercenary for Hire: Your skills make you an ideal mercenary, taking on any job for the right price.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
The Professional[1] might come from a guild of adventurers, a secret society, or a lineage of spies. Their background can influence their approach to problems and interactions with others.
Guild Training: Trained by a guild that values knowledge and adaptability, you could have access to unique resources and contacts.
Secret Society: Your skills might be the result of a secret society’s teachings, adding a layer of mystery to your character.
Family Legacy: Perhaps your abilities were passed down from a family of renowned adventurers, giving you a reputation to uphold.
These cultural influences not only add depth to your character but also open up new paths in your adventure. Your background can lead to unique quests, allies, and even enemies.
The Professional[1] is a viable choice at any level, but to really take advantage of their versatility, starting at a higher level allows for more immediate access to their unique abilities.
A rapier for finesse attacks, a chain shirt for protection, and items that boost intelligence and dexterity are crucial for maximizing The Professional[1]’s potential.
Consider the campaign’s setting and challenges to select skills and spells that will be most beneficial. Tailor your equipment and tactics to suit the adventure and your party’s needs.
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Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
One of the urban legends of the Capital talks about “The Professional”.
Nobody knows if they’re a he or a she. Or even if they’re a human, elf, dwarf or orc.
What is known is that they oft appear as a sort of generous benefactor, helping the few honest folks in a city rife with corruption.
Sightings include appearances as a wandering guard to save an urchin from thugs, as an artisan with just the right tool set for a critical job, a priest of any number of deities, or even a mighty traveling wizard.
It is sure, however, that the Professional always introduces their self simply as “a Professional.” They then help people, free of charge, finally disappearing into the crowd once the job is complete.
This person – or persons? – have become a sort of folk hero, as well. A silent guardian terrorizing evildoers everywhere…
Race
Changeling
Class
Factotum 20
Ability Scores
Str 8/Dex 14/Con 14/Int 18/Wis 10/Cha 10
Skills
All skills are class skills – go to town. My recommendations are Use Magic Devices, Use Psionic Devices, Autohypnosis, Iaijutsu Focus, Search, Disable Devices, Diplomacy, Hide, Move Silently, Tumble. This leaves one skill point open each level to try and hit as many skills as possible with one point to combine with Cunning Knowledge
Equipment
A rapier, a chainshirt.
Goal
The Factotum is the ultimate jack of all trades classes, with every single skill in the game being considered a class skill. It’s also able to mimic other classes’ abilities to a some degree.
For this build, with multiple instances of the Font of Inspiration feat, you have an Inspiration Pool of ~25 at level 20 every single encounter.
This wildly enhances your ability to deal with any situation. And with Cunning Knowledge, once per day per skill in which you have at least one rank in, you can add your full level as a bonus to a roll of that skill. This means you are highly capable in all skills.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Factotum
10
Font of Inspiration
Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge
2
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Arcane Dilettante (1 Spell)
3
Factotum
1d8+2
Weapon Finesse
Brains Over Brawn, Cunning Defense
4
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Arcane Dilettante (2 Spells), Cunning Strike, +1 Int
5
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Opportunistic Piety
6
Factotum
1d8+2
Font of Inspiration
–
7
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Arcane Dilettante (3 Spells)
8
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Cunning Surge, +1 Int
9
Factotum
1d8+2
Font of Inspiration
Arcane Dilettante (4 Spells)
10
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Opportunistic Piety +1 Use
11
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Cunning Breach
12
Factotum
1d8+2
Improved Initiative
Arcane Dilettante (5 Spells), +1 Int
13
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Cunning Dodge
14
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Arcane Dilettante (6 Spells)
15
Factotum
1d8+2
Font of Inspiration
Opportunistic Piety +1 Use
16
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Improved Cunning Defense, +1 Int
17
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Arcane Dilettante (7 Spells)
18
Factotum
1d8+2
Font of Inspiration
–
19
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Cunning Brilliance
20
Factotum
1d8+2
–
Arcane Dilettante (8 Spells), Opportunistic Piety +1 Use, +1 Int
-“What happened to her after you defeated the beast?” Asked one of the kids, the old man across from them gave a mild chuckle, their curiosity always bringing a smile to him. He scratched his chin slowly, collecting his thoughts as the fire cracked in the fireplace. The whole inn was listening to the half-elf’s story now.
-“Well, as well traveled as I am, there were many things I could teach her, I could teach everything about listening to nature, how to hunt beasts and how to recognize plants and prints. Though, as with all teachers, there were some things I could never teach her. How to be a beast, as she already was, being a werewolf and all. She wanted to learn to better control and use that part of her. So she left too, eventually, in search of the Lady of the Woods.”
There were whispers in the inn when that name came out of the storyteller’s mouth. The traveling woman pulled out a smoke pipe and started cleaning it, and prepared some dried herbs.The half-elf continued unfazed.
-“The Lady is said to be as old as the forest, and its most ancient guardian, capable of taking the form of all the beasts who walk its depths. From the smallest insect to the most majestic dragon, she is one with each of these forms. If someone could teach our young wolf lady how to control her inner beast, it was the Lady.”
Race
Changeling
Class
Wildshaping Ranger 5(Variant)/Master of Many Forms 10/Nature’s Warrior 3/Warshaper 2
You are a ranger capable of Wildshaping like the druid. But you take that ability and crank it to eleven. You have more than ten uses per day, can change your form in the same use of wild shape, and can take nearly any form in the monster manual. This makes you a fantastic swiss army knife of a character, with a form for every situation, and by gaining the Extraordinary abilities of your forms, your toolset only expands even more. Take the form of a fly to spy on a conversation or the form of a friggin’ Dragon to fight virtually any enemy as two examples.
And they say only Tier 1 characters have a backpocket plan for any situation…
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