Article-At-A-Glance
- The Witcher[1] build is renowned for its masteries over alchemy and martial combat, as we will explore in this guide.
- Explores an application Pathfinder 1E Fighter Builds for character creation and development.
- Details skills to enhance combat effectiveness using Witcher styled archetypes.
- Highlights roleplaying aspects for dynamic narrative integration and player immersion.
Click on the level for more information
This Level 1 Witcher build begins as a Human Fighter, choosing the Mutation Warrior archetype. With a focus on Strength, the character excels in physical combat using a longsword. Key skills include Acrobatics, Perception, and Linguistics, with Craft(Alchemy) aiding future potion making. Feats like Power Attack increase melee damage output significantly.
Stat Block Level 1:
Witcher: male, Human Fighter 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10; hp 10; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 10, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk longsword +4 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or longsword +4 melee (1d8+3/19-20); Full Atk longsword +4 melee (1d8+3/19-20); SA Power Attack; SQ Mutation Warrior traits; AL Chaotic Good; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +0; Str 17, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +4, Perception +4, Linguistics +7; Power Attack, Reactionary (Trait), Cosmopolitan (Trait).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Mutation Warrior traits provide the foundation for future mutagen use enhancing physical capabilities.
Possessions: Chain shirt, longsword, basic adventuring gear.
At level 5, our Witcher build stands as a versatile blend of Martial prowess and Arcane cunning. With the Mutation Warrior archetype, we can efficiently use Mutagens, enhancing our physical capabilities. Combining the Fighter’s brute force with the Magus’s arcane skills makes this character formidable.
Stat Block Level 5:
Witcher: male, Human Fighter 3/Magus 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid; HD 5d10+10; hp 42; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 11, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +4; Grp +8; Atk Longsword +9 (1d8+6/19-20) or Magical Ranged Touch +6; Full Atk Longsword +9 (1d8+6/19-20); SA Mutagen Use, Spell Combat (limited); SQ Enhanced Reflexes (Trait), Orc Mouth (Trait), Combat Casting (Class); AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +3; Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +8, Perception +8, Linguistics +8, Survival +8, Craft (Alchemy) +8, Spellcraft +8; Power Attack, Improved Initiative, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Mutagen Use (boosts physical attributes temporarily), Spell Combat (cast spells while making weapon attacks).
Possessions: Chain Shirt, Longsword, Potion of Cure Light Wounds, Cloak of Resistance +1, Adventurer’s Kit.
This Witcher-inspired build focuses on blending martial prowess with magic. The combination of Fighter, Magus, and Eldritch Knight allows the character to enhance combat capabilities through spells and mutagens, while counteracting magical threats. With a focus on Strength and a broad skill set including Acrobatics, Perception, and Spellcraft, this character excels both as a formidable combatant and a knowledgeable adventurer.
Stat Block Level 10:
Witcher: Male, Human Fighter 3/Magus 7; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 3d10+7d8; hp 65; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +7; Grp +10; Atk +12 Longsword (1d8+4/17-20) or +11 Shocking Grasp (spell); Full Atk +12/+7 Longsword (1d8+4/17-20) or +11/+6 Shocking Grasp (spell); SA Spellcasting; SQ Mutagen, Arcane Pool, Spellstrike; AL Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +5; Str 18, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +13, Perception +14, Linguistics +10, Survival +10, Spellcraft +15, Craft (Alchemy) +13; Skill Focus (Linguistics), Power Attack, Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Arcane Strike.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can use spells to enhance combat ability, enhance senses with Mutagen.
Possessions: Chain Shirt, Two Longswords, Various Potions, Spell Components.
This Witcher build is a versatile fighter who effectively uses a mix of martial prowess, spellcasting, and mutagen abilities. At level 15, with a focus on longsword expertise and potent spells, this character excels in combat against both humans and monsters. The character’s strengths lie in exceptional physical ability, skill versatility, potent offensive capabilities, and strong defenses, augmented by magical buffs and a selection of combat feats.
Stat Block Level 15:
Witcher : male, Human Fighter 7/Magus 7/Eldritch Knight 1; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d10+45; hp 142; Init +9; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 14, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +15/+10/+5; Grp +18; Atk +23 melee (1d8+12/17-20, +2 longsword) or +14 ranged; Full Atk +23/+18/+13 melee (1d8+12/17-20, +2 longsword) or +14 ranged; SA Spellcasting, mutagen; SQ Magus Arcana, Mutagen, Spontaneous Healing; AL CN; SV Fort +14, Ref +9, Will +8; Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +18, Acrobatics +10, Linguistics +18, Survival +15, Spellcraft +18, Craft(Alchemy) +18; Skill Focus (Linguistics), Power Attack, Orator, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Improved Initiative, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Arcane Strike, Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Improved Critical (Longsword), Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword), Disruptive, Spellbreaker.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Spellcasting (arcane spells as a Magus), Mutagen (enhances physical stats), Spontaneous Healing (Fast Healing effect), Arcane Scent (detect magic), Flamboyant Arcana (expenditure of Arcane Pool for skills and combat actions).
Possessions: +2 longsword (humans), +1 longsword (monsters), chain shirt, potions and alchemical items, assorted spell components, utility wand.
This build embodies a Witcher, channeling Geralt like attributes at level 20. A human fighter utilizing the Mutation Warrior Archetype alongside Magus levels and the Eldritch Knight prestige class, it excels in combat through a mix of physical prowess and spellcasting. Potions, spells, and keen senses enhance combat strategy and survival. Mutagens provide exceptional physical enhancement, while spells like Haste, Stoneskin, and Displacement offer tactical advantages.
Stat Block Level 20:
Witcher: male, Human Fighter 7/Magus 7/Eldritch Knight 6; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 17d10+3d8+60; hp 190; Init +8; Spd 30 ft.; AC 29, touch 18, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +18; Grp +22; Atk Longsword +31 melee (1d8+11/17-20) or Spell Strike +29 ranged touch; Full Atk Longsword +31/+26/+21/+16 melee (1d8+11/17-20) or Spell Strike +29/+24/+19/+14 melee; SA Spell Combat, Spell Strike, Arcane Strike; SQ Mutagen, Spontaneous Healing, Witcher Senses; AL Neutral; SV Fort +20, Ref +13, Will +11; Str 22, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +12, Perception +15, Linguistics +16, Survival +15, Spellcraft +15, Craft Alchemy +15, Stealth +10; Power Attack, Improved Initiative, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Arcane Strike, Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Improved Critical (Longsword), Weapon Focus (Longsword), Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword), Disruptive, Spellbreaker, Greater Blind-Fight, Lightning Reflexes, Greater Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Orator, Skill Focus (Linguistics).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Mutagen enhances physical capabilities beyond normal limits; Spontaneous Healing augments those enhancements with Fast Healing; Witcher Senses grant exceptional perception, ability to detect magic.
Possessions: Chain Shirt advanced to Breastplate, two Longswords (one magical), assortment of potions, alchemical components.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Emphasize combat effectiveness with feats like Power Attack and Improved Initiative. Obtain Mutation Warrior archetype for physical enhancement. Start building skills in linguistics and combat proficiency.
- Levels 6-10: Focus on integration of Magus spells for diverse combat tactics, including some signature Witcher spells like Shocking Grasp and Alter Self. Gain Arcane Scent for heightened magical senses.
- Levels 11-15: Develop Eldritch Knight abilities to blend magic and swordplay seamlessly. Achieve improved criticals with longsword, enhancing combat prowess, along with improved feats like Improved Trip.
- Levels 16-20: Maximize Witcher combat mastery through advanced feats like Greater Weapon Specialization and Spontaneous Healing mutagen effect. Perfect balance between strategic combat and magical utility.
Core Abilities & Features
The crux of our Fighter Witcher build capitalizes on a variety of class abilities, feats, and strategic multiclassing. Our build mimics the famed Witcher, Geralt, through the combination of skillful combat and spellcraft. Commencing as a Mutation Warrior, this configuration provides distinctive mutagens. These enhance our physical prowess beyond ordinary limits, granting unparalleled agility and immense strength. Toward the journey’s end, our character literally regenerates from wounds, thanks to the spontaneous healing capabilities.
Embracing the Magus class, our Witcher commands a collection of carefully chosen spells. They bolster defense and inflict fiery, electrifying damage. Skills such as ‘Shocking Grasp’ and ‘Burning Hands’ breed chaos among tightly packed foes. A repertoire of arcane feats like ‘Arcane Strike’ amplifies melee might, ensuring devastating blows strike true. The role of Eldritch Knight further augments martial prowess with arcane expertise, fusing sword and spell into one unavoidable weapon.
Our feat selection bolsters combat effectiveness with the longsword. ‘Weapon Focus’ chains into formidable enhancements like ‘Improved Critical’, giving sharp precision and lethality. Coupled with ‘Combat Reflexes’ and ‘Improved Trip’, foes find themselves ensnared in relentless offensives. ‘Blind-Fight’ offers a countermeasure against magically-concealed adversaries. In essence, the Witcher[1] navigates a complex web of magical and physical prowess, conducive to versatile and adaptive combat against diverse threats.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Alchemist’s Kit | Facilitates crafting of mutagens and potions necessary for Witcher abilities. |
| L6-10 | Silver Longsword | Essential against monsters vulnerable to silver. |
| L11-15 | Ring of Protection +2 | Increases AC, essential for a frontline fighter to avoid hits. |
| L16-20 | Greater Paragon Armor | Custom armor providing extensive protection, ideally magical. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the cramped corridors of a dungeon, leverage your spells like Mirror Strike to overcome low visibility and tight spaces. Utilize your improved Reflexes to dodge traps and attackers from the shadows. Blind-Fight helps handle creatures lurking in the dark, while Arcane Strike adds power for quick kills.
- Open Fields:
- When fighting in the open, cast Haste to move swiftly and quickly engage ranged attackers. Your longsword’s extended crit range and Power Attack can devastate foes. Use spells like Bull’s Strength to increase damage output, and Spontaneous Healing keeps you healthy during prolonged battles.
- Ambushes:
- In ambush scenarios, Improved Initiative combined with Reactionary Trait ensures you’re not caught off-guard. Use Blur to make yourself a harder target immediately. Combat Reflexes and Improved Trip help control the battlefield, disarming or tripping attackers quickly.
- Defensive Stands:
- When on defense, spells like Stoneskin increase your survivability. Combine it with Disruptive to prevent enemy spellcasters from easily casting their spells. Your Combination of Displacement and Blind-Fight make you a nightmarish target to face head-on.
- Urban Encounters:
- In crowded urban areas, Stealth and Perception are crucial. Use Alter Self to blend in or escape quickly. Keep your downtime minimal with spell-driven conversations and oratory skills ensuring vigilance. Utilize Linguistics with Skill Focus to uncover secrets and gain allies during social interactions.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Charisma | Use skills like Orator and Cosmopolitan trait to boost social checks. |
| Limited Spell Slots | Focus on choosing spells that enhance versatility such as Haste and Displacement. Optimize use with Magus Arcana like Arcane Pool. |
| Average Reflex Saves | Equip items like Ring of Evasion to mitigate damage from failed saves. |
| Weak Against Long Range Attacks | Utilize spells like Mirror Strike and Mount to close the distance quickly. |
| High Resource Management | Plan resource use effectively, balancing spellcasting with physical combat capabilities. |
Roleplaying
Embodying a Witcher demands more than combat prowess—it’s about depth. Witchers, known for their stoic demeanor, possess complex moral codes. Imagine Geralt, not just a hunter but a thinker grappling with the monster within. Portray your character debating whether to save a village from a beast or profit from letting chaos reign.
Your interactions reflect a somber, weary traveler outlook, whose wit is as sharp as his sword. Engage in exchanges where each word feels carefully weighed, balancing between necessity and truth. This archetype values the strength found in words and swords, crafting a presence that exudes wisdom and danger. In dialogues, remain succinct, cryptic, yet deeply insightful.
Operationally, live the dual life of both monster slayer and investigator by displaying an unerring dedication to understanding your prey. Dive into studying lore, interrogate witnesses, and analyze tracks with a critical eye. Your detective-like embrace of knowledge should permeate your interactions, driving quests and motivations.
In Social settings, consider the sarcasm and dry humor Geralt uses to navigate tricky relations. Your character can find themselves caught in disputes, offering biting insights rather than outright conflict. This not only stays true to a Witcher’s ethos but allows for suave oratory skills to emerge.
FAQ
What makes a Fighter Witcher unique in Pathfinder 1E?
A Fighter Witcher specializes in blending martial prowess with limited spellcasting. They are adept at both using swords and preparing alchemical potions. This allows them to deal with a variety of threats. Their resilience and adaptability make them formidable opponents. They thrive in roles that require quick adaptability and sharp reflexes.
How should I allocate ability scores for a Fighter Witcher?
Focus on Strength and Dexterity for combat effectiveness and weapon proficiency. Wisdom should be a secondary priority for spellcasting and potion usage. Don’t neglect Constitution for survivability in tough battles. Balancing these scores will make the Fighter Witcher more versatile in combat.
What spells or potions should a Fighter Witcher prepare?
Prioritize potions that enhance perception and defense, like Cat’s Grace. For spells, focus on buffs and utilities that improve combat efficiency. Blade oil concoctions like Troll Oil add extra damage to your attacks. Always be ready with a healing potion for emergencies.
How does teamwork affect a Fighter Witcher in combat?
The Fighter Witcher benefits greatly from having spellcasters in the party. Buff spells can enhance their already impressive combat capabilities. Healers and support characters help maintain their stamina during extended battles. Coordination with rogues can make surprise attacks more devastating.
Why choose a Witcher build over a classic Fighter?
A Witcher offers a higher level of versatility and adaptability. The inclusion of potions and minor spells adds a layer of strategy. The Witcher[1] can handle a broader range of threats effectively. Traditional Fighters may have more raw power, but Witchers have better situational responses.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Witcher Build!
Start your journey as a Witcher and add a unique twist to your game. Could the Witcher[1] be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the discussion on our Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Fighter – The Witcher – Pathfinder 1E ( The Witcher )
The Witcher
This one is a “what if I want to play as close to possible to Geralt as possible.
Witchers use potions to increase their fighting abilities, spells and arcane knowledge along with their swords to fight both monsters and men.
We will multiclass this build, we will take the Mutation Warrior Archetype, Magus Levels, and the Eldritch Knight Prestige Class.
Our Levelling will look as such:
Class
Fighter 3/Magus 7/Eldritch Knight 6/Fighter +4
Race
As we want to stay close to Geralt, we are, once again, taking Human. Our floating will go into Strength.
Ability Scores
We will always be putting everything into Strength.
15Point-Buy
Str 17/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 16/Wis 10/Cha 7
20Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 12/Con 12/Int 16/Wis 10/Cha 7
25Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 16/Wis 10/Cha 8
Traits
Reactionary for extra initiative, as Witchers are reputed to have extremely good reflexes, and Cosmopolitan, granting us Linguistics, to study old tomes telling us of creatures and how to fight them, but also to make our tongue very sharp indeed.
Favored Class Bonus
Skills, Witchers are good at a variety of things and so we need more skills.
Skills
Acrobatics, Perception, Linguistics and Survival take the core of our skills, Spellcraft, Craft(Alchemy) and at least one rank in all knowledge skills along with ride will be most useful to us. Try to sprinkle Stealth too whenever you can.
Feats by Level
Skill Focus(Linguistics) 1-Power Attack
Human Bonus-Orator
Weapon Focus(Longsword)
3-Improved Initiative
5-Blind-Fight
7-Combat Reflexes
8-Arcane Strike
9-Combat Expertise
11-Improved Trip
11-Improved Critical(Longsword)
13-Weapon Specialization(Longsword)
15-Greater Weapon Focus(Longsword)
15-Disruptive
17-Spellbreaker
17-Greater Blind-Fight
19-Lightning Reflexes
19-Greater Weapon Specialization(Longsword)
We kick asses with our Longsword with the Weapon Focus feat chain, we have a +2 to Attack, +4 to Damage from it alone, and our Crit threat range is 17-20. We get Power Attack and Arcane Strike for even more damage, Improved Trip make us a dangerous and tricky opponent to fight, as a Witcher, our senses are so sharp that we can Blind-Fight, and as Geralt is a great metrosexual man, he has Orator for great social skills. As a Witcher, we are also used to fight magic, so Disruptive and Spellbreaker get us some more Witchery feel.
Mutation Warrior
3-We get the ability to use Mutagens which further increase our physical abilities far beyond what a normal human could achieve
20-We get the Spontaneous Healing benefit to our Mutagen, giving us a few rounds of Fast Healing.
Magus Arcanas by Level
6-Arcane Scent
9-Flamboyant Arcana
We can literally smell magic on others and we can use our Arcane Pool to fuel certain thematically appropriate skill checks and even parry attacks.
Spells by Level
Magus learn all their spell list’s cantrips
Mirror Strike, Mount, Obscuring Mists, True Strike, Burning Hands, Shocking Grasp
Blurred Movements, Blade Tutor’s Spirit
Bed of Iron, Abjuring Step
Alter Self, Alacrity
Bladed Dash, Bull’s Strength
Fiery Runes, Glitterdust
Haste, Displacement
Heart of the Metal, Slow
Toxic Blood, Versatile Weapon
Forceful Strike, Quieting Weapons
Stoneskin, Shout
Fire Shield, Sadomasochism
Mostly buff spells, some fiery effects, and usually things you would expect from a Witcher.
Equipment
A Chain Shirt(we will increase to a Breastplate later), two longswords. One for monsters, the other, for humans.
Final Thoughts on the Build
Between a fairly large skill pool, magic buffs and effects, the ability to cast spell while fighting with your sword, and with mutagen, yeah, you are an actual damn Witcher, capable against a variety of enemies, both monsters and humans, and while technically a longsword specialist, with your spells and social skills, you still remain well within a generalist, breaking the usual dichotomy of having to choose between the two.
In short, you get to have your cake and to eat it too.
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