Article-At-A-Glance
- The Noble Courtesan[1] highlights synergy between bard and class skills for optimized gameplay.
- Offers insights into strategies for effective character development of the character build.
- Breakdown of ability scores and feats to enhance Noble Courtesan’s combat prowess.
- Utilizes specific spells and equipment to maintain balance and strengthen roleplay.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, you’ll play a Kitsune Bard with the Geisha archetype, wielding charm over brute force. Primarily using Charisma for casting powerful enchantment spells, this build makes you an influential figure in social scenarios. Weapon Finesse compensates for a lower strength, and Scribe Scroll sets you up to be a versatile spellcaster.
Stat Block Level 1:
Noble Courtesan: Female, Kitsune Bard (Geisha) 1; CR 1/2; Medium Humanoid (shapechanger); HD 1d8; hp 8; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Fighting Fan +2 melee (1d4-1/18-20); Full Atk Fighting Fan +2 melee (1d4-1/18–20); SA Bardic Performance, Spells; SQ Low-light vision, Kitsune Magic, Tea Ceremony; AL N; SV Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (Dance) +8, Perform (Sing) +8, Perform (Keyboard) +8, Stealth +6, Perception +4, Bluff +8, Sense Motive +4; Weapon Finesse, Scribe Scroll.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Bardic Performance allows you to inspire courage in allies. Kitsune Magic enhances enchantment spells. Tea Ceremony prolongs performance effects.
Possessions: Fighting Fan, noble clothing suitable for high society.
This Level 5 Noble Courtesan build features a Kitsune Geisha Bard. Focusing on Enchantment with Kitsune Magic, they utilize their Charisma to manipulate social situations and perform enthralling arts. Equipped with Instruments and Lingering Performance, their enchantments are both powerful and enduring. Their combat capability is enhanced with Weapon Finesse and culturally thematic gear like the Fighting Fan.
Stat Block Level 5:
Noble Courtesan: female, Kitsune Bard (Geisha) 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (kitsune); HD 5d8+5; hp 32; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +3; Grp +2; Atk Fighting Fan +6 melee (1d6+1) or Dagger +6 melee (1d4+1); Full Atk Fighting Fan +6 melee (1d6+1) or Dagger +6 melee (1d4+1); SA Bardic Performance (9 rounds/day), Enchantment spells; SQ Kitsune Magic, Change Shape (kitsune or fox; polymorph), Low-light vision, Bardic Knowledge, Versatile Performance (Sing); AL NG; SV Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +6; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 19.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (Sing) +12, Bluff +12, Sense Motive +8, Knowledge (Arcana) +8; Weapon Finesse, Lingering Performance, Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (Enchantment).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Bardic Performance (Inspire Courage, Fascinate), Geisha’s Tea Ceremony, Spellcasting (Bluff to disguise casting).
Possessions: Fighting Fan, Scribe Scroll materials, Courtier’s Outfit.
This build at level 10 focuses on social manipulation and enchantment magic using the Enchanting Courtesan PrC and the Kitsune race. Balancing charm and combat ability, the character excels at controlling battles through enchantments while using poison and stealth for tactical advantages. With high Charisma and wise use of the Geisha archetype, the build becomes a formidable force in social interactions as well.
Stat Block Level 10:
Noble Courtesan: female, Kitsune Bard (Geisha) 5/Enchanting Courtesan 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (shapechanger); HD 10d8+20; hp 65; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +7; Grp +5; Atk fighting fan +10 melee (1d4+2/crit x2) or dagger +10 melee (1d4+2/19-20/x2); Full Atk fighting fan +10/+5 melee (1d4+2/crit x2) or dagger +10/+5 melee (1d4+2/19-20/x2); SA bardic performance, spellcasting; SQ Kitsune Magic, versatile performance, tea ceremony; AL CN; SV Fort +7, Ref +10, Will +10; Str 7, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (dance) +15, Stealth +13, Bluff +18, Sense Motive +12, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Sleight of Hand +12, Craft (alchemy) +10; Weapon Finesse, Lingering Performance, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Piranha Strike, Swift Kitsune Shapechange.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can enchant through touch, hide spellcasting using Bluff and Sleight of Hand, proficient with poisons, prolonged bardic performances.
Possessions: Fighting fan, noble clothes, alchemical ingredients for poisons.
This build at reaching level 15 fully focuses on enchantment and social manipulation, allowing the Bard to control and influence the battlefield through spells and high Bluff and Diplomacy skills. The character excels in non combat scenarios, serving as a puppet master among nobility while being capable of defending themselves with strategic fighting techniques.
Stat Block Level 15:
Kitsu Elyna: female, Kitsune Bard (Geisha) 5/Enchanting Courtesan 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (shapechanger); HD 15d8+30; hp 105; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 14, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk Fighting Fan +13 melee (1d6+3/18-20) or spell +14 melee touch; Full Atk Fighting Fan +13/+8 melee (1d6+3/18-20); SA Enchantment Spells, Poison Use, Bardic Performance; SQ Kitsune Magic, Shapechanger, Tea Ceremony, Bluff Mastery, Spellcasting; AL CN; SV Fort +9, Ref +17, Will +11; Str 6, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +31, Diplomacy +31, Perform (Dance) +23, Perform (Sing) +23, Perform (Keyboard Instrument) +23, Sense Motive +18, Sleight of Hand +18, Stealth +18; Weapon Finesse, Scribe Scroll, Lingering Performance, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Piranha Strike, Fox Shape, Swift Kitsune Shapechange, Greater Spell Focus (Enchantment), Toughness, Improved Initiative, Vulpine Pounce.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Enchantment Spells are very hard to resist; can hide spellcasting with Bluff and Sleight of Hand; excels in non-combat scenarios using Bardic Performance and enchantments.
Possessions: Fighting Fan, fine clothing, alchemical reagents, scrolls of enchantment spells.
This Noble Courtesan build thrives in social situations and enchantment magic, utilizing the Kitsune race and Geisha archetype for unparalleled charm and versatility. With high Charisma and access to potent enchantments, this character excels in manipulation and control. The build focuses on Bard (Geisha) abilities and Enchanting Courtesan PrC to amplify spell effects and deceive foes. Capable of subtle magic casting and skilled in the use of poisons, this character is a master of intrigue and persuasion, ensuring allies are buffed and enemies bent to their will.
Stat Block Level 20:
Noble Courtesan: Female, Kitsune Bard (Geisha) 5/Enchanting Courtesan 10/Bard (Geisha) 5; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger); HD 20d8+40; hp 170; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 17, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +15; Grp +14; Atk Fighting Fan +20 (1d6-1); Full Atk Fighting Fan +20/+15/+10 (1d6-1); SA Bardic Performance, Enchantment Spells; SQ Bardic Knowledge, Changeling Shape; AL CN; SV Fort +10, Ref +14, Will +14; Str 7, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (Dance) +30, Bluff +29, Sleight of Hand +25; Weapon Finesse, Scribe Scroll, Lingering Performance, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Piranha Strike, Fox Shape, Swift Kitsune Shapechange, Greater Spell Focus (Enchantment), Toughness, Improved Initiative, Vulpine Pounce.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Bardic Performance (Inspire Courage, Inspire Competence as Tea Ceremony), Secret Magic, Disguise Spellcasting.
Possessions: Fighting Fan, elegant clothing suitable for high society.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Establish the foundation with Geisha archetype leveraging Charm and Dexterity for diplomacy and evasion. Focus on gaining proficiency in Bardic Performance and fundamental enchantment spells.
- Levels 6-10: Transition into Enchanting Courtesan prestige class, enhancing spellcasting subtly through Bluff and Sleight of Hand. Enrich social influence and stealth skills significantly, making a mark in noble circles.
- Levels 11-15: Advance poison use with Craft (Alchemy) and gain the greater maneuverability seen with Swift Kitsune Shapechange. Further bolster enchantment spells with Greater Spell Focus and expand social manipulation skills.
- Levels 16-20: Refine combat and shapechanging strategies using Vulpine Pounce. Perfect social control with almost irresistible enchantments and maintain the role of a strategic mastermind using improved feats and skills.
Core Abilities & Features
In the Noble Courtesan[1] build, we harness the allure and magick associated with the Geisha archetype and the Enchanting Courtesan prestige class. This combination results in a character who thrives on Enchantment spells and social manipulations, using her charisma and wiles to her advantage. The Kitsune race choice amplifies this with innate magic potential, making it easier to cast compelling enchantments.
Strategically, the Geisha archetype introduces the use of Bardic Performances as extended Tea Ceremonies that have effects lasting up to 10 minutes. This boon is exceptionally beneficial, especially with Inspire Courage, bolstering allies for extended encounters. The Enchanting Courtesan levels further this by allowing the character to conceal spellcasting, increasing subterfuge efficacy. This build can seamlessly enchant and manipulate in the thick of courtly intrigue or negotiations. The presence of weapon finesse feats ensures she can navigate physical confrontations with grace and efficiency.
At the heart of the build lies the capacity to leverage Enchantment spells in combination with poisons. This is achieved through skillful mastery in Bluff, Sleight of Hand, and Crafting (Alchemy). These tools in the courtesan’s arsenal ensure her enchantment spells can be enacted subtly and effectively. As a tactical addition, the kitsune’s shapechanging abilities allow for flexible combat strategies, enabling alternation between a charming social manipulator and a formidable combatant adept at swiftly dispatching foes or escaping danger.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Fighting Fan | A thematic weapon for a Geisha Bard, proficient as a Monk weapon. Useful in combat and fits the noble setting. |
| L6-10 | Gloves of Storing | Allows quick access to various items or weapons, useful for swift spellcasting or weapon usage. |
| L11-15 | Amulet of Tears | Provides temporary hit points, enhancing survivability in unexpected confrontations. |
| L16-20 | Vestment of Many Styles | Allows quick changes in appearance, perfect for maintaining a cover in various social situations. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the dark and winding halls of a dungeon, keeping enemies confused is key. Utilize Sleight of Hand to discreetly apply poisons and cast Enchantment spells without alerting foes. Use Inspire Courage ceremonially before entering to boost party morale and effectiveness.
- Open Fields:
- Leverage the open space by taking advantage of Kitsune’s shape-shifting abilities. Switch forms using Swift Kitsune Shapechange to disrupt enemy lines and pounce with Vulpine Pounce, maximizing both mobility and damage output.
- Ambushes:
- When caught in an ambush, rely on Stealth and Perception to assess threats and stay undetected. Your Lingering Performance keeps allies inspired even after initially engaging, while you deploy Enchantment spells surreptitiously to control attackers.
- Defensive Stands:
- Build a defensive stronghold by employing Bluff to mislead your attackers about your strength and position. Use Enchantment magic to manipulate enemy ranks while your party prepares for counteroffensives. The Fighting Fan can be used for both attack and defense.
- Urban Encounters:
- Navigating urban settings requires subtlety and charm. Use your high Diplomacy and Bluff skills to de-escalate potential combat. When unavoidable, rely on your knowledge of the environment and social engineering to turn the surroundings to your advantage, subtly isolating targets with enchantments.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Combat Ability | Use Kitsune feats for flexibility; invest in ‘Vulpine Pounce’ to attack effectively after shape change. |
| Mediocre Strength | Utilize ‘Weapon Finesse’ to apply Dexterity modifier to attack rolls with lighter weapons; capitalize on ‘Piranha Strike’ to enhance damage output. |
| Limited Defensive Options | Consider ‘Toughness’ to boost hit points; use ‘Improved Initiative’ to take powerful acts early in battle. |
| Risk of Poisoning Failure | Increase ‘Craft (Alchemy)’ skill score for reliability in poison crafting. |
| Spellcasting Exposure | Employ ‘Sleight of Hand’ and ‘Bluff’ to mask spellcasting; use the ‘Enchanting Courtesan’ class’s capability to disguise spellcasting with subterfuge. |
Roleplaying
Embrace the Kitsune’s Mystique
As a Kitsune Noble Courtesan, your allure is unmatched. Use your Fox Shape to intrigue and surprise. Shift forms during social gatherings to enhance conversations, keeping others captivated. Remember, as a creature of legend, not all recognize your true nature. Use Bluff and Disguise to mask intentions and surprise rivals.
Leverage Social Mastery
Your charisma is a weapon. With high Diplomacy and Bluff, steer gatherings towards desired outcomes. At noble courts, hint at subtle truths without revealing all. At tense moments, a well-timed bit of flattery or deception can alter the power balance. Be the master of whispered secrets and instigate rivalries with elegance.
Utilize Bardic Performance with Style
Your Geisha subclass allows bardic performances in the form of graceful tea ceremonies. Use them in social settings to calm tensions or inspire allies. Each performance is a blend of art and magic, entwining your audience in your spell. Perform with purpose, as each artistic display influences relationships and alters perceptions.
Dabble in the Shadow Arts
With proficiency in poisons and sleight of hand, engage in clandestine activities under the guise of nobility. At a banquet, use these skills to manipulate outcomes. Poison a rival’s drink discreetly or palm a ceremonial dagger without a trace. Such acts ensure your enemies are none the wiser until it’s too late.
Play the Master Strategist
Possessing both charm and wit, orchestrate events from behind the scenes. Let allies handle direct confrontations while you weave enchantments. Dictate the battlefield’s tempo with planted suggestions and enchanted whispers. Show the power of a true mastermind as you manipulate pawns to conquer the throne.
FAQ
What makes the Noble Courtesan[1] build unique?
The Noble Courtesan[1] excels in social manipulation, a true master of persuasion and charm. Her class abilities allow for creative problem-solving, both in combat and social interactions. With skills like Diplomacy and Bluff, the build weaves magic into conversations seamlessly. The intrigue lies in turning foes into allies and manipulating the battlefield.
How does the Noble Courtesan[1] fare in combat situations?
While not a frontline fighter, the Noble Courtesan[1] sways battles with support spells and debuffs. Charm abilities can turn enemies against each other, creating chaos. It’s vital to stay out of direct melee, using spells to control the fight’s pace. Partner with allies who appreciate your supportive role.
Which skills are essential for a successful Noble Courtesan build?
Focus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Sense Motive to navigate social scenarios effectively. Knowledge (Nobility) helps you thrive in courtly settings, gaining valuable insights about nobility. Spell like abilities such as Charm Person can smooth over tense situations. Maintain versatility for various challenges.
What kind of equipment is recommended for a Noble Courtesan?
Equip items enhancing Charisma and social skills, like a Circlet of Persuasion. A Cloak of Resistance boosts saving throws, critical for surviving spells and effects. Consider a Handy Haversack for carrying essentials discreetly. Choose accessories that augment your spellcasting capabilities.
How should strategies change when playing solo as a Noble Courtesan?
Solo play requires a strong focus on stealth and escape strategies. Use spells like Invisibility to avoid direct conflict and gather information. Engage enemies through manipulation rather than confrontation. Constantly assess situations, adjusting tactics to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Noble Courtesan!
The Noble Courtesan[1] offers unique gameplay through social and magical prowess. For those valuing intrigue and diplomacy, it’s unmatched. Join the conversation on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7!
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Bard – The Noble Courtesan – Pathfinder 1E ( The Noble Courtesan )
Categories: Pathfinder 1E Bard Builds, Pathfinder 1E Character Builds
The Noble Courtesan
So, Bards have the reputation of being le horny. But also, of being able to seduce anyone. We are doubling down on that trope.
We will take the Geisha Archetype. We will also take all ten levels in the Enchanting Courtesan PrC.
Our Leveling should look like this:
Class
Bard (Geisha) 5/Enchanting Courtesan 10/Bard (Geisha) +5
Race: We will be going with Kitsune. Kitsune Magic works extremely well with our focus on Enchantment spells and effects. And since we have very few combat abilities otherwise, the Kitsune feats will allow us more flexibility on that matter.
Ability Scores
Round up Constitution if odd, everything else in Charisma.
15Point-Buy
Str 8/Dex 14/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 18
20Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 16/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 19
25Point-Buy
Str 6/Dex 16/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 20
Traits
Maestro of the Society and Reactionary are our two go to traits for the same reasons as usual.
Favored Class Bonus
We will be putting those in Skills as our Constitution is actually fairly decent.
Skills
Perform (Dance, Sing and Keyboard Instrument) will all combine greatly with Versatile Performance, Stealth and Perception are both no-brainers, we also need at least 5 points in Bluff and Sense Motive, and 2 points in Knowledge(Arcana). Once we take our PrC, investing in Sleight of Hands is not a bad idea at all. Craft(Alchemy) will also be extremely useful for poison purposes.
Feats by Level
1-Weapon Finesse
Bonus Geisha Feat 1-Scribe Scroll
3-Lingering Performance
5-Spell Focus(Enchantment)
7-Piranha Strike
9-Fox Shape
11-Swift Kitsune Shapechange
13-Greater Spell Focus(Enchantment)
15-Toughness
17-Improved Initiative
19-Vulpine Pounce
Weapon Finesse and Piranha Strike are two no-brainers due to our mediocre strength, Lingering Performance is a damn must and Spell Focus just makes our already difficult to resist Enchantment spells even harder to resist. Fox Shape enables our Fox Shape as a Kitsune, Swift Kitsune Shapechange and Vulpine Pounce let us change forms and Pounce in the same round which is huge for damage output.
Geisha
As a Geisha, we can use certain of our Bardic Performances as a Tea Ceremony which makes the effects last for 10 minutes. A ten minute Inspire Courage is nothing to laugh at. We also get to be proficient in a single Monk Weapon. Take the Fighting Fan for thematic reasons.
Enchanting Courtesan
We can hide our spellcasting via Bluff and Sleight of Hands checks. We become extremely proficient with Poisons and can raise our spells when people are unaware of our presence or don’t consider us a threat. And if we deliver our Enchantment Spells by touch, enemies will have the hardest of times to resist them.
Spells Gained by Level
- Ghost Sounds, Prestidigitation, Lullaby, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Sleep
- Daze, Comprehend Languages 3-Unwitting Ally, Dancing Lantern 4-Detect Thoughts, Suggestion
5-Enthrall 6-N/A
- Invisibility
- Fumbletongue, Glibness, Charm Monster
- Haste 10-Fear
- Seducer’s Eyes, Dominate Person, Dimension Door
- Innocence, Mass Charm Person
- Freedom of Movement
- Displacement, Death Pact, Greater Heroism
- Alter Self, Mind Fog
- Phobia
- Hold Monster, Mass Charm Monster, Irresistible Dance
- Enticing Adulation, Overwhelming Presence
- Waves of Ecstasy
- Mass Suggestion
Equipment
A Fighting Fan, good clothes that will allow you to fit within noble society.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You can fight decently well yourself, but you are ten times more adept at forcing others to fight for you instead. As a mastermind behind the scenes, buffing your allies and completely overwhelming your enemies senses into complete obedience, you control the flow of events. Being the single best social build I can think of in Pathfinder, between your crazy high Diplomacy and Bluff checks and your impossible to resist Enchantments, social scenes will pose no problem to you at all.
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