This Swashbuckler/Jester build for Level 1 utilizes Weapon Finesse and Combat Expertise, focusing on agile combat with high dexterity and finesse.
Stat Block Level 1:
The Jester Many Faces : Male, Half-Elf Godblooded (Vecna) Swashbuckler 1; CR 1; Medium Humanoid (Elf); HD 1d10+0; hp 10; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +1; Grp +3; Atk Shortsword +3 (1d6+2/19-20) or Light Crossbow +3 (1d8/19-20); Full Atk Shortsword +3 (1d6+2/19-20) or Light Crossbow +3 (1d8/19-20); SA None; SQ Elven Blood, Low-Light Vision; AL CN; SV Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +0; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 15.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff 4, Disguise 4, Perform (Act) 4, Perform (Comedy) 4; Weapon Finesse, Combat Expertise. Special Attacks and Qualities: Elven Blood: Can use magic items as if an elf; Low-Light Vision: See twice as far as a human in conditions of dim light. Possessions: Shortsword, Light Crossbow, Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, Whip.
Level 5 Brief:
Versatile in combat with Weapon Finesse and Insightful Strike. Bluff, Disguise, and Perform skills support deception.
Stat Block Level 5:
The Many Faced One[1]: male, Half-Elf Godblooded of Vecna Jester 2/Swashbuckler 3/Half-Elf Paragon 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 5 (1d6+1d8+3d10); hp 29; Init +2; Spd 30 ft; AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +4; Grp +6; Atk +6 Elven Courtblade (1d10+2) or +6 Short Sword (1d6+2); Full Atk +6 Elven Courtblade (1d10+2) or +6 Short Sword (1d6+2); SA none; SQ Jester’s Audacity, Jester’s Performance, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip, Divided Ancestry (Sound Imitation), Elven Vision (low-light vision), Grace +1; AL CN; SV Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +0; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 15.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff 8, Disguise 8, Perform (Act) 8, Perform (Comedy) 8; Weapon Finesse, Combat Expertise, Versatile Performer, Improved Trip. Special Attacks and Qualities: Jester’s Audacity: +2 morale bonus to attack rolls, Weapon Finesse: use Dex with light weapons, Insightful Strike: add Int to damage with light weapons, Fascinate: make subjects fascinated, Grace +1: add bonus to Reflex saves. Possessions: Elven Courtblade, Short sword, Chainshirt, Light crossbow, Heavy shield, Whip.
Level 10 Brief:
A versatile combatant who excels in both melee and ranged combat, spellcasting, and scouting. Can change masks for varied abilities such as sneak attack, spell-like abilities, and caster level boosts.
Stat Block Level 10:
The Many Faced One[1]: male, Half-Elf Godblooded of Vecna Jester 5/Swashbuckler 3/Master of Masks 2; CR 10; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 10d6+2; hp 45; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +7; Grp +9; Atk +9 melee (1d8+2/19-20, Elven Courtblade) or +9 ranged (1d8/19-20, Light Crossbow); Full Atk +9/+4 melee (1d8+2/19-20, Elven Courtblade) or +9 ranged (1d8/19-20, Light Crossbow); SA Jester’s Performance, Fascinate, Sneak Attack; SQ Jester’s Audacity, Master of Masks Persona Masks (Jester’s Mask, Assassin’s Mask, Angel’s Mask, Gladiator’s Mask), Improved Uncanny Dodge; AL NE; SV Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +3; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 17.
Versatile, tactical Jester/Swashbuckler with multiple masks for different roles. Excels in melee with Elven Courtblade, strong caster with boosted spells, and adept at disguises and bluffs.
Stat Block Level 15:
The Many Faced One[1]: male, Half-Elf Godblooded of Vecna Jester 5/Swashbuckler 3/Half-Elf Paragon 2/Master of Masks 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (elf, human); HD 1d10+3d10+2d8+10d6; hp 68; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +11; Grp +13; Atk +16 Elven Courtblade (1d10+5/18-20) or +13 Light Crossbow (1d8/19-20); Full Atk +16/+11 Elven Courtblade (1d10+5/18-20) or +13 Light Crossbow (1d8/19-20); SA Sneak attack +2d6, spell-like abilities; SQ Jester’s Audacity, masks (7), many faces, persuasion, insightful strike, grace +1, divided ancestry, elven vision; AL CN; SV Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +6; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 15 (+1 with masks).
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +19 (8 ranks + 6 Cha + 5), Disguise +19 (8 ranks + 6 Cha + 5), Perform (Act) +19 (8 ranks + 6 Cha + 5), Perform (Comedy) +14 (8 ranks + 6 Cha), Use Magic Device +12 (+8 ranks + 4 Cha); Weapon Finesse, Combat Expertise, Versatile Performer, Improved Trip, Imperious Command, Combat Panache, Improved Disarm, Power Attack. Special Attacks and Qualities: Sneak attack +2d6, spell-like abilities from masks, command and inspire quip, persona masks (Jester’s, Assassin’s, Angel’s, Gladiator’s, Faceless’s, Archmage’s), many faces up to 3/day (swift), persuasion, insightful strike, grace +1, divided ancestry, elven vision. Possessions: Elven Courtblade, Shortsword, Whip, Light Crossbow, Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, various masks.
Level 20 Brief:
Master of deception and combat versatility. Uses masks to adapt for different combat roles, spellcasting, and support functions.
Stat Block Level 20:
The Many Faced One[1]: male, Half-Elf Godblooded of Vecna Jester 5/Swashbuckler 3/Half-Elf Paragon 2/Master of Masks 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 20d6+0; hp 90; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +13; Grp +15; Atk +15 melee (1d10+2/19-20, Elven Courtblade) or +13 ranged (1d8/19-20, Light Crossbow); Full Atk +15/+10/+5 melee (1d10+2/19-20, Elven Courtblade) or +13/+8/+3 ranged (1d8/19-20, Light Crossbow); SA Sneak Attack +2d6, Inspire Courage, Spell-Like Abilities; SQ Trap Sense +1, Evasion, Grace +1, Many Masks, Spell Resistance; AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +12, Will +9; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 17.
Sneak Attack +2d6, Evasion, Jester’s Audacity, Spell-Like Abilities, Many Masks. Possessions: Elven Courtblade, Shortsword, Whip, Light Crossbow, Chainshirt, Heavy Shield.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
Level 1: Embrace Weapon Finesse and Combat Expertise for agile combat.
Level 6: Acquire the Gladiator’s Mask, enhancing your physical combat abilities.
Level 11: Gain the Many Faces ability, allowing swift mask changes mid-battle.
Level 16: Increase your charisma, further empowering your mask abilities.
Level 20: Attain Jester’s Audacity, boosting your combat and leadership prowess.
Equipment Progression for the Many Faces Build
Level Range
Equipment
Description
1-5
Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, Shortsword, Whip
Chainshirt: Light armor providing decent protection without hindering mobility. Heavy Shield: Offers additional defense to deflect unexpected blows. Shortsword: A versatile weapon for precise strikes. Whip: Allows for crowd control and non-lethal damage.
5-10
+1 Chainshirt, +1 Shortsword, Cloak of Elvenkind
+1 Chainshirt: Magic armor that provides an additional +1 enhancement bonus to AC. +1 Shortsword: Magic weapon with a +1 enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls. Cloak of Elvenkind: Grants a +5 competence bonus on Move Silently checks.
10-15
Cloak of Charisma +2, Boots of Elvenkind, Headband of Intellect +2
Cloak of Charisma +2: Increases Charisma by +2, enhancing performance abilities and spellcasting. Boots of Elvenkind: Grants a +5 competence bonus on Move Silently checks, aiding in stealth. Headband of Intellect +2: Increases Intelligence by +2, boosting skill checks and spellcasting ability.
15-20
+3 Chainshirt, +3 Shortsword, Ring of Protection +2, Amulet of Health +2
+3 Chainshirt: Magic armor that provides a +3 enhancement bonus to AC. +3 Shortsword: Magic weapon with a +3 enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls. Ring of Protection +2: Grants a +2 deflection bonus to AC and saving throws. Amulet of Health +2: Increases Constitution by +2, boosting hit points and overall durability.
Combat Scenarios & Strategies for the Many Faces Build
One of the key strategies of The Jester Many Faces is utilizing the unique abilities provided by each mask. Switching between the Gladiator, Assassin, and Jester masks during combat can provide the flexibility necessary to overcome any danger. Utilizing the Many Faces skill, you have the capability to rapidly alternate between masks to easily transition into various combat functions, including inflicting harm, performing magic, or aiding comrades.
Donning the Gladiator’s Mask boosts your close-quarter combat skills and improves your effectiveness in face-to-face fights. When you wear the Archmage[2]’s Mask, you can cast spells and obtain spell-like powers. It’s important to choose the right mask at the appropriate time in order to keep your rivals confused.
Master of Deception: Sneak Attacks and Subterfuge Tactics
The Jester build focuses on more than just flashy combat; it also involves strategic thinking and deception. By being able to execute surprise attacks, you can inflict additional harm on opponents who are caught unawares. This works best when paired with the Assassin’s Mask, providing extra bonus to sneak attack damage.
Strike from the shadows when an enemy is engaged with an ally.
Use the environment to your advantage, hiding and ambushing foes.
Employ feints and misdirection to create openings for devastating sneak attacks.
Combat Scenarios
Ambushing a patrol: Use the Faceless’s Mask to approach undetected, then strike with a sneak attack.
Defending a stronghold: Employ the Gladiator’s Mask to bolster your defensive capabilities.
Magical duel: Don the Archmage’s Mask to counter enemy spells with your own.
Mass combat: Utilize the Lord’s Mask to inspire allies and intimidate foes.
Chasing a fleeing target: Switch to the Angel’s Mask for enhanced mobility and pursue relentlessly.
Party Synergy for the Many Faces Build
In a party, The Jester Many Faces can take on the role that’s most needed at the moment. You can be a front-line fighter, a stealthy rogue, or even a spellcaster, depending on the situation. Complementing the traditional roles of your companions, you fill the gaps and strengthen the party’s overall capabilities. For those interested in an adaptable combatant, consider exploring the battle dancer’s adaptable role builds.
Communicate your role-switching to keep allies informed and ready to adapt.
Complement the strengths and cover the weaknesses of your party members.
Use your masks to offer tactical advantages in combat, bolstering your allies’ efforts.
Strengths & Weaknesses of the Many Faces Build
Weakness
Counter
Indecision in Mask Selection
– Prepare a strategy for common scenarios in advance: Pre-plan which masks to use in different situations to reduce hesitation.
Reliance on Surprise
– Mix up tactics to remain unpredictable: Use a variety of skills, masks, and abilities to keep enemies guessing.
Limited Spellcasting
– Choose spells that complement your combat style: Focus on spells that enhance mobility, disguise, and versatility. – Use Magic Items: Equip items like a Wand of Cure Light Wounds or Scrolls of Invisibility.
Resource Management
– Keep track of mask uses and plan for rest periods: Monitor your mask usage and ensure you rest adequately to replenish abilities.
Party Dependence
– Communicate clearly to ensure synergy with teammates: Plan and discuss strategies with your party to ensure effective teamwork.
Roleplaying Themes
Roleplaying The Jester Many Faces offers a wealth of creative opportunities. Your character is a master of disguise, a performer who can be anyone, anywhere. This duality should be reflected in how you interact with the world and the characters within it.
Incorporating the Character’s Backstory within the Campaign
Your backstory is a treasure trove of plot hooks and character development. Were you an entertainer who stumbled upon ancient masks? Or perhaps a spy who uses performance as a cover? Use your backstory to add depth to your character and drive their motivations.
Secrets of The Jester Many Faces: In-Game Mysteries and Revealments
As The Jester Many Faces, secrets are your currency. Whether you’re concealing your true intentions or the nature of your next move, keeping others in the dark can give you the upper hand. Let these mysteries unfold naturally, surprising both fellow players and their characters. Master the art of deception with techniques akin to those used by a Shadow Acrobat, blending into the background until the moment of revelation.
Identity: Explore the concept of self through the many personas you adopt.
Mystery: Keep others guessing about your true goals and allegiances.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Your character’s use of masks can draw from real-world cultural influences and traditions. Research different masking traditions from around the world to add authenticity and richness to your portrayal.
Incorporate elements of Venetian masquerade into your character’s aesthetic.
Draw inspiration from Japanese Noh theater for your character’s mannerisms.
Adopt motifs from Mesoamerican rituals to add mystique to your masks.
FAQ
What Unique Advantages Does The Jester Many Faces Build Provide?
The Jester Many Faces offers unparalleled versatility. With a mask for every occasion, you can adapt to any role needed—damage dealer, spellcaster, or support. Your unpredictability is your greatest asset.
How Can I Effectively Use Masks During Gameplay?
To use masks effectively, you must understand each one’s abilities and limitations. Plan your mask changes strategically, and don’t be afraid to switch roles if the situation calls for it. Remember, flexibility is your strength. For more insights on role adaptability, consider exploring the concept of a versatile dragonborn tradition.
What is the Best Equipment Plan when Leveling The Jester Many Faces?
Your equipment should enhance your dexterity and charisma. Invest in items that support your role as a master of disguise and deception, such as cloaks of elvenkind or boots of elvenkind.
Cloak of Elvenkind: For improved stealth.
Boots of Elvenkind: To bolster your agility.
Bracers of Armor: For a non-restrictive defense.
What Party Roles Does This Build Best Support?
The Jester Many Faces is skilled in many different areas. You have the opportunity to fill any hole in your party’s team, whether it be a scout, a striker, or even a last-minute spellcaster. Your responsibility is to assist and improve the abilities of your group.
Can The Jester Many Faces Be Adapted for Different Campaign Styles?
Yes, The Jester Many Faces is highly adaptable. Whether your campaign is combat-heavy, roleplay-intensive, or a mix of both, this build can thrive. Tailor your mask choices and strategies to fit the campaign’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?
“Then, who are you, really?” Finally asked the scribe as he rubbed his flowing white beard, pensively.
With a wistful tone, the Lord Banker replied, “As you can imagine, living so many lives can make things…” A long pause, “hard to remember at some point. I was so many people…”
“A gladiator, who worked for the criminal underworld as a bruiser,” he said, as he removed yet another mask to now have the face of a tough, rugged man with many scars.
“I was a drug dealer, nicknamed the Angel,” he continued, and removed yet another face. ‘He’ now took on a semi-angelic, androgenous face with platinum tones.
As he spoke, he continued to remove faces – masks – the Scribe growing more unsettled with each passing moment, “I was behind a secret thug organization. Mastermind of the terrorists who blew up the King’s treasury. Even battle master of this here arena.” With a weak grin on his face, “I was every person with any ounce of importance in this city.”
He let out a sigh.
“But I suppose, all of this was merely to escape who I truly was,” he continued, as he removed his final mask, “a clown, and a murderer…”
The Scribe, completely oblivious to what was happening around them, finally saw the real face of the man he once thought a friend.
Race
Half-Elf Godblooded of Vecna
Class
Jester 5/Swashbuckler 3/Half-Elf Paragon 2/Master of Masks 10 (1 LA Buyback)
Shortsword, Whip, Light Crossbow, Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, an Elven Courtblade
Goal
You can do it all. You can cast spells reliably, fight well both in melee and ranged. You’re also a capable scout, face, and even support.
It all depends on the combination of masks you wear at the time. With the gladiator mask you can use an Elven Courtblade. Which will enable you to use both weapon finesse and power attack with two hands.
That’s only one of your seven masks, each with a variety of abilities ranging from sneak attack to spell-like abilities and boosting your caster levels.
Also, Master of Masks is one of my favorite PrCs in 3.5, and it fits so well with Jester that I had to make such a build.
As both leads would go, they reunited rapidly back at the Academy, for it turns out that the real target was none other than the Headmaster himself. They hurried themselves, but their guard dropped a little.
“The Headmaster is not only one of the rare Archmages out there, but he also is an Abjurer to top it up,” said the older brother in a way to calm the rest of his group. Yet something was wrong. He knew it. All this strategy and false flags. He had encountered such a clever killer only once in the past.
His concerns did not go unnoticed. The girl in the white coat put a hand on his shoulder.
“You have my sister and I now. I know something is gnawing at you, but this time, you have us to cover your backs.”
The two brothers smiled, and they proceeded up the tower, only to find the door leading into the headmaster’s quarters wide opened…
Race
Human
Classes
Wizard 5/Master Specialist 1/Geometer 2/Wild Mage 1/Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 7/Archmage 4
Most of our feats serve as Prerequisites fulfilling. Then again, the ability to reduce the level adjustment of Extend Spell to zero a few times per day via Metamagic School Focus is nothing to sneeze at, and Improved Counterspell fits in just well with being an Abjurer.
Practiced Spellcaster however is of note. As a Wild Mage, we get a permanent -3 penalty to our Caster Level in exchange to be able to roll 1d6 and add that amount to our Caster Level each time we cast a spell. With Practiced Spellcaster, we outright cancel that penalty, meaning we get a straight +1d6 to our caster level at all time which is ridiculously good, and all that starting level 6(meaning at level 6 we can possibly cast spells with a caster level of 12. Hello 10d6 Fireball four levels early).
Special Abilities
Specialist School(Abjuration)
Forbidden Schools(Conjuration, Necromancy)
Familiar(Toad)
High Arcana 17-Spell Power
High Arcana 18-Mastery of Counterspelling
High Arcana 19-Arcane Reach
High Arcana 20-Spell-Like Ability(Dispel Magic-9th Level)
We specialize in Abjuration, making us what amounts to an expert anti-spellcasters wizard. Having to choose Conjuration as one of the Forbidden Spells hurts my soul to no end, but Contingency alone for an Abjurer Specialist is too good to pick Evocation. If that doesn’t bother you, absolutely do switch up those.
Our High Arcana gives us another +1 to Caster Level on top of our Wild Mage’s Wild Magic, meaning a +2 to +7 to CL of all our Spells, the ability to cast touch spells at a 30ft. range, sending counterspelled spells back at sender and the Spell-Like Ability to Dispel Magic 6/day which is really good considering our Caster Level.
Equipment
Early on, you will be relying on a good old Light Crossbow for support and your obvious Spellbook and Component Pouch. Later on, adding a Rod of Absorption to your arsenal can only do great things to further emphasize your anti wizardry. Otherwise, standard stuff for high level wizards you would normally look for(Robe of the Archmagi, Magic Staffs, Wands etc).
Final Thoughts on the Build
So, our Caster Level is 21-27 at any time we cast a spell at a minimum(namely, before spells shenanigans). We are a master of the Abjuration School, meaning protection and countering other spellcasters is our specialty. Yet we remain quite effective against most other situations too. And for those who complain that there are no offensive spells in Abjuration: Maw of Chaos? Dispel Magic? Explosive Runes Bombs? Energy Vulnerability+Fireball? Also, we still have Evocation (Because a Contingency->Wall of Force is always a good panic button. Or Contingency->Prismatic Wall/Sphere for extra hilarity).
Finally, as an Initiate of the Sevenfold Veils, we get access to various Wards and Veils which, if used correctly, can be used to become what amounts to immune to almost everything, get total control over the battlefield and completely and utterly disrupt the enemy movements while dealing them significant damage and debuffs (Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil is largely considered one of the best prestige classes in the game and frankly? As contrarian as I like to be, I have to admit it is up there powerscale-wise). And all of that is just the Wardings, don’t get me started on its other features like Kaleidoscopic Doom turning your Dispels into downright lethal events once per day or the fact that dispelling your Abjuration becomes near impossible with Unimpeachable Abjuration…
We finish up as Archmage rounding up our few weaknesses and adding more versatility to our spellcasting and counterspelling, turning us into one of the best anti-batman wizard possible. Whether that makes us the Joker is entirely up to your interpretation of course ~
Level Table
Level
Class
HD
Feats
Special Abilities
1
Wizard
9
Magical Aptitude, Metamagic School Focus(Abjuration, Scribe Scroll
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