Article-At-A-Glance
- The Feyslayer[1] build guide provides strategic insights for countering and defeating fey adversaries.
- Mastery involves developing skills and abilities for optimal character growth.
- Discusses equipment choices, focusing on adaptability and effectiveness in varied encounters.
- Roleplaying tips help create immersive experiences and develop rich, dynamic characters.
Click on the level for more information
The Feyslayer[1] Hunter at level 1 focuses on versatility and defense. With emphasis on grappling, medium armor proficiency, and a solid array of weapons such as the Mancatcher and Hand Crossbow, this character is primed for subduing and dispatching fey adversaries. The build starts human for extra feats and takes advantage of the Military Tradition Alternate Racial Feature, positioning Strength as a primary attribute.
Stat Block Level 1:
Feyslayer[1]: male, human Hunter/Feykiller 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8; hp 9; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp +3; Atk Mancatcher +4 melee (1d8+3) or Hand Crossbow +2 ranged (1d6); Full Atk Mancatcher +4 melee (1d8+3) or Hand Crossbow +2 ranged (1d6); SA None; SQ None; AL NG; SV Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 11, Int 8, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Planes) +4, Stealth +6, Sleight of Hand +6, Perception +7, Handle Animal +7, Acrobatics +6; Medium Armor Proficiency, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Mancatcher), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Hand Crossbow).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Focused on grappling and using cold iron weapons against the fey.
Possessions: Medium armor, Mancatcher, Hand Crossbow, Cold Iron Longsword, assorted Cold Iron Crossbow Bolts, Light Crossbow, Bolas, Lasso, Net.
The level 5 Hunter Feyslayer[1] excels at controlling fey with grappling and entanglement tactics. Equipped with cold iron weapons, the character counters the fey’s notorious resistance. Aided by a bear companion, they slowly diminish enemies while wearing spiked medium armor for additional offense.
Stat Block Level 5:
Feyslayer[1]: male, Human Hunter (Feykiller) 4/Slayer 1 (Bounty Hunter); CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10; hp 38; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk Mancatcher +9 melee (1d6+6/×2) or Hand Crossbow +7 ranged (1d4/19-20); Full Atk Mancatcher +9 melee (1d6+6/×2) or Hand Crossbow +7 ranged (1d4/19-20); SA Precise Shot, Improved Grapple; SQ Feykiller abilities, Animal Aspect, Quick Tracker, Studied Target, Track; AL CN; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4; Str 19, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Planes) +8, Perception +9, Stealth +7, Handle Animal +9, Acrobatics +7; Medium Armor Proficiency, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Mancatcher), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Hand Crossbow), Fey Obedience, Precise Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Grapple to immobilize targets, Entangle and trap fey using terrain manipulation and spells.
Possessions: Mancatcher, Hand Crossbow, Cold Iron Longsword, heavy wrist launcher, cold iron crossbow bolts, spiked medium armor (cold iron spikes), Tanglefoot bags, Alchemical Fires, various cold iron daggers and darts.
The level 10 Hunter is a highly specialized Feyslayer[1] build with a focus on grappling, entanglement, and suppression of Fae using a combination of brute strength, strategy, and various weapons. This build excels in controlling battlefield engagements against Fey and enhances its versatility through spells like Entangle and Electric Touch while supported by an animal companion.
Stat Block Level 10:
Feyslayer[1]: Male, Human Hunter (Feykiller) 6/Smayer (Bounty Hunter) 1/Feysworn 3; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 10d8; hp 75; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 14, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +7; Grp +13; Atk Cold Iron Longsword +13 melee (1d8+4/19-20), or Mancatcher +13 melee (1d2+2 plus grapple); Full Atk Cold Iron Longsword +13/+8 melee (1d8+4/19-20), or Mancatcher +13/+8 melee (1d2+2 plus grapple); SA Grapple, Entangle, Poison, Spellcasting, Animal Companion; SQ Alternate Racial Features, Fey-themed powers, DR 10/Cold Iron, Plane Shift; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +8; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 11, Int 8, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Planes) +8, Stealth +11, Sleight of Hands +11, Perception +14, Handle Animal +12, Acrobatics +9; Medium Armor Proficiency, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Mancatcher), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Hand Crossbow), Fey Obedience, Precise Shot, Precise Strike, Heavy Armor Proficiency, Improved Unarmed Strike, Escape Route, Improved Grapple.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Grapple targets easily due to low CMD of Fey, suppress and control with spells like Entangle and Faerie Fire, and deal damage with Cold Iron weapons while maintaining utility through tactical gadgetry.
Possessions: Heavy Wrist Launcher, Mancatcher, Net, Cold Iron Longsword, Cold Iron Crossbow Bolts, Spiked Full Plate Armor, Tanglefoot bags, Alchemical Fires, and various daggers and darts for throwing.
At 15th level, this Hunter is laser focused on fighting fey though using strength heavy attributes and trained skills, the character capitalizes on grappling enemies to render them defenseless. Equipped with a variety of cold iron weapons and supported by a Bear Animal Companion, the Hunter excels at controlling the battlefield. The Slayer’s teamwork feats and the Feysworn abilities add versatile options, including powerful spells and resistances.
Stat Block Level 15:
Feyslayer[1] Hunter: Male, Human Hunter 9/Slayer 1/Feysworn 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+30; hp 105; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 14, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +15; Grp +21; Atk Longsword +21 (1d8+6/cold iron) or Hand Crossbow +20 (1d4+6/cold iron); Full Atk +21/+16/+11 (1d8+6) or Crossbow +20/+15/+10; SA +2d6 sneak attack; SQ Animal Companion (Bear), Exotic Weapon Proficiency, Heavy Armor Proficiency, Precise Shot, Power Attack, Improved Grapple, Fey Form III; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +12, Ref +10, Will +8; Str 19, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 9, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Planes) +18, Stealth +10, Sleight of Hands +10, Perception +23, Handle Animal +15, Acrobatics +8; Medium Armor Proficiency, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Mancatcher, Hand Crossbow), Precise Strike, Improved Unarmed Strike, Escape Route, Quick Draw, Combat Reflexes.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Choose an Eldest like Ng for quick access to Fey boons; cast Plane Shift and summon fey.
Possessions: Heavy Wrist Launcher, Mancatcher, Cold Iron Longsword, Bolas, Net, Lasso, Cold Iron bolts, Cat O’ Nine Tails, Spiked Full Plate with cold iron spikes; Tanglefoot bags, Alchemical Fires, various daggers, darts, and Spiked Armor for Bear.
This Level 20 build focuses on the Hunter (Feykiller) with an intricate understanding of combat against the Fey. It uses grapples, entanglements, and cold iron weaponry. The character excels in controlling the battlefield with spells and strategic equipment, providing both offensive and defensive support. The bear companion is essential for entanglement tactics, allowing the Hunter to efficiently take down Fey while maintaining versatility against other foes like Giants or Dragons.
Stat Block Level 20:
Fey Slayer: Male, Human Hunter (Feykiller) 1/Slayer (Bounty Hunter) 1/Hunter (Feykiller) 6/Feysworn 10/Hunter (Feykiller) 2; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d8; hp 182; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 29, touch 14, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +15; Grp +25; Atk Cold Iron Longsword +25 melee (1d8+6/19-20) or Hand Crossbow +21 ranged (1d4/19-20); Full Atk Cold Iron Longsword +25/+20/+15 melee (1d8+6/19-20) and Cold Iron Longsword +25 melee (1d8+6/19-20); SA Improved Grapple, Power Attack, Entangle; SQ DR 10/cold iron, Plane Shift, Animal Focus, Fey Form III, Eldest Boons; AL CN; SV Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +12; Str 21, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Planes) +12, Stealth +18, Sleight of Hands +14, Perception +23, Handle Animal +19, Acrobatics +14; Medium Armor Proficiency, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Mancatcher, Hand Crossbow), Fey Obedience, Precise Shot, Precise Strike, Heavy Armor Proficiency, Improved Unarmed Strike, Escape Route, Improved Grapple, Power Attack, Quick Draw, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Greater Grapple, Outflank.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
The character uses grapples and entanglements proficiently, utilizing his bear companion for assistance. His cold iron implements aid him in defeating Fey. The Fey Form spells allow for strategic shifts in the battlefield.
Possessions: Heavy Wrist Launcher, Mancatcher, Bolas, Net, Lasso, Cold Iron Longsword, Cold Iron Crossbow Bolts, Cat O’ Nine Tails, Spiked Full Plate with Cold Iron spikes, Tanglefoot bags, Alchemical Fires.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin with Hunter (Feykiller) and Slayer (Bounty Hunter) for diversified combat skills. Focus on obtaining Medium and Heavy Armor Proficiency, and acquire Exotic Weapon Proficiency for Mancatcher and Hand Crossbow. By level 3, start specializing in fey tactics by taking Fey Obedience and Precise Shot for offensive capabilities.
- Levels 6-10: Develop further with the Feysworn Prestige Class, emphasizing advanced strategies against fey. Continue improving defense and offense with Heavy Armor Proficiency and Improved Unarmed Strike. Focus on teamwork with Escape Route and start grappling effectively with Improved Grapple.
- Levels 11-15: Equip Power Attack to maintain competitive damage output. Quick Draw enhances flexibility in battles, supporting both swift defense and rapid offense against fey and other high threat creatures. Enhance combat strategies with Combat Reflexes, increasing reactionary attack opportunities.
- Levels 16-20: Capitalize on maximized grappling skills and Greater Grapple for improved battlefield control. Take Outflank for enhanced teamwork benefits. Explore the advantages of Improved Initiative for first strike capability, crucial in encounters with agile or cunning opponents.
Core Abilities & Features
The Feyslayer[1] Hunter brings a lethal edge to the Pathfinder 1E universe, tailored exclusively to counter the shenanigans of the fey. At the heart of this build is the way it leverages unequaled combat prowess combined with domain-specific abilities. The Journey begins with a mix of a Hunter (Feykiller) and Slayer (Bounty Hunter), providing an arsenal of skills uniquely designed for the campaign against whims and deceptions of the fey.
Versatile Combat: One could think of the Hunter’s ability to adapt with armament and armor as a major plus. Through feats like Medium Armor Proficiency, Power Attack, and Heavy Armor Proficiency, the character becomes robust in melee confrontations. With Exotic Weapon Proficiency for tools like the Mancatcher and Hand Crossbow, surprises await any fey trickster. Your armor and weapons crafted in cold iron slice through fey defenses, making every strike count. Moreover, teamwork feats like Outflank amplify brawny attacks when coordinating with allies.
Spell and Fae Manipulation: Engaging in the mystical realm, this build provides spells like Faerie Fire and Entangle to immobilize and shed the illusions of the fey. The enigmatic Feysworn prestige class further enhances these capabilities, granting rapid access to Eldest Boons and legendary powers like Plane Shift and Fey Form spells. These skills enable you to not just confront the fey but also assume their abilities for extra trickery. Through the Feykiller’s abilities, the Feyslayer[1] not only becomes a hunter but a deft manipulator of the Nigthshade riddles.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Cold Iron Longsword | Your primary melee weapon effective against Fey due to their vulnerability to cold iron. |
| L6-10 | Cat O Nine Tails (Cold Iron) | Secondary weapon; good for inflicting damage while keeping distance. |
| L11-15 | Alchemical Items: Tanglefoot Bags, Alchemical Fire | Versatile items for hampering foes and dealing persistent damage over time. |
| L16-20 | Spiked Full Plate (Cold Iron) | The pinnacle of defensive armor, protects well while the spikes offer offensive capability against grappled foes. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight dungeon corridors, use your Bear Companion to block passages, preventing fey from escaping. Rely on Grappling and Entangling weapons like the Mancatcher and Net to control movement. Spells such as Faerie Fire illuminate dark areas, exposing invisible targets, while cold iron weapons deal direct damage.
- Open Fields:
- Capitalize on your long-range capabilities with Cold Iron Crossbow Bolts and Heavy Wrist Launcher. Utilize spells like Call Lightning to strike from afar. Use Animal Focus to enhance your strengths, and coordinate with your Bear Companion for flanking opportunities and grapples against isolated Fey.
- Ambushes:
- Quickly react to ambushes with Improved Initiative, ready to counterattack. Use Quick Draw to switch rapidly between ranged and melee weapons. The spell Know Direction ensures you are not disoriented. Set up counter traps with Tanglefoot Bags and prepare to grapple down the foes with your Bear.
- Defensive Stands:
- Fortify your position in defensive stands with Heavy Armor. Use Ironskin to bolster defenses, making you resistant to surprise attacks. Draw attackers into a choke point where your Bear can grapple them, and spells like Entangle can lock multiple foes in place. Power Attack effectively damages trapped fey.
- Urban Encounters:
- In urban environments, rely on Stealth and Knowledge(Local) to gain advantages. Use Sleight of Hand to manage concealed weapons and handle animal to direct your Bear Companion subtly. Spells like Pass without Trace can help cover escapes. Non-lethal equipment like Bolas or Lasso subdues foes with minimal collateral damage.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Constitution | Prioritize Constitution increases at level-up or use the “Bear’s Endurance” spell to temporarily boost. |
| Limited ranged combat capabilities | Equip a “Heavy Wrist Launcher” with “Cold Iron Bolts” for effective dealing of damage from afar. |
| Heavy reliance on grappling | Use “Tanglefoot bags” or spells like “Entangle” to restrict enemy movement when grappling isn’t an option. |
| Vulnerability to area of effect spells | Position yourself strategically behind cover or use defensive spells like “Resist Energy”. |
| Animal Companion’s lack of durability | Enhance companion’s survival with “Medium Armor Proficiency” and AC boosting spells or equipment. |
Roleplaying
Embodying the Hunter Feyslayer[1] means delving into a character that has an intricate past deeply entwined with the fey. Imagine a backstory where a mischief of fairies caused chaos in your village, resulting in a family tragedy that set you on a path of vengeance. Your character’s motivation is fueled by a bitter understanding of the fey’s capricious nature. Themes of redemption and justice drive your actions as you seek to protect others from similar fates.
Lean into the uncompromising determination that being a Feyslayer[1] requires. Your character’s relationship with their animal companion, a bear, reflects an unyielding bond and shared resolve. This bond not only serves a practical purpose in combat but also adds emotional depth. Use your knowledge of planes and stealth skills to navigate worlds where others fear to tread. The symbolism of transforming with Fey Form spells highlights the duality of embracing some of the strengths of your enemies to defeat them.
FAQ
What is the best strategy for a Feyslayer[1] Hunter when facing fey creatures?
Feyslayer[1] Hunters excel in controlling the battlefield with traps and tactical maneuvers. Focus on using terrain to your advantage. Set up ambushes and lead fey into them. Use spells like entangle or spike growth to restrict their movement. Fey creatures often have high mobility, so grounding them is key.
How vital is weapon choice for a Feyslayer[1] Hunter build?
Weapons are crucial for a Feyslayer[1]. Bows or crossbows allow you to keep distance from agile fey. A cold iron weapon is essential, exploiting fey vulnerabilities for extra damage. As you progress, magic enhancements like bane against fey can become pivotal.
Does Feyslayer[1] have any weaknesses in combat?
The Feyslayer[1] struggles against non-fey with high defenses and resistances. They’re specialized to fight fey, so diversifying tactics and gear is crucial when facing other foes. Group synergy is important, so rely on allies to cover gaps in capabilities.
How does the environment impact a Feyslayer[1]’s effectiveness?
A Feyslayer[1] thrives in forested and natural terrains where fey roam. The environment increases their tracking and hiding capabilities. In urban settings, their effectiveness decreases without familiar terrain. Adapt tactics to ensure continued effectiveness in different environments. Utilize spells that mimic natural obstructions.
What spells should a Feyslayer[1] prioritize in building their spell list?
Essential spells like entangle and barkskin enhance both your control and defense. As you face fey, focus on enchantment and protection spells to counter their magic. Spells like resist energy can help reduce the impact of fey abilities. Buff spells for yourself and allies augment combat performance.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Fey Slayer!
Try playing a Hunter Fey Slayer in your next session. Do you think they could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join discussions on this build and other hunter builds at the Stellar Dragons Discord server: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Hunter – Feyslayer – Pathfinder 1E ( Feyslayer )
Feyslayer
One concept that permeates mythology, both ancient and modern is that of the fey. The fairfolk take many a name and appearances across the world, but they are always there, ready to play their pranks and tricks to unfortunate mortals all over. This is no less the case in Pathfinder. It turns out that the Hunter has a dedicated archetype to fighting them, the Feykiller. Mixing this Archetype with the Roof Runner one conjures pictures of a young adventurer, a thief whose family was cursed by the Fae and has left their life of petty crimes behind to fight the inhabitants of the First World as a Slayer with the Bounty Hunter Archetype. Doubly ironic if they were to vow allegiance to one of the Eldest and take the Feysworn Prestige Class wouldn’t it?
Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Hunter (Feykiller) 1/Slayer 1 (Bounty Hunter)/Hunter (Feykiller) +6/Feysworn 10/Hunter (Feykiller) +2
Race
Human, taking the Military Tradition Alternate Racial Feature. Put that floating +2 in Strength.
Ability Scores
15Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 14/Con 11/Int 8/Wis 16/Cha 7
Round up Constitution then everything else in Strength.
20Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 14/Con 11/Int 8/Wis 16/Cha 7
Round up Constitution then everything else in Strength.
25Point-Buy
Str 19/Dex 14/Con 12/Int 9/Wis 16/Cha 7 Put everything in Strength.
Traits
Armor Expert for reduced armor penalty, Rich Parents for better starting equipment.
Favored Class Bonus
We will need more HP
Skills
Knowledge(Planes), Stealth, Sleight of Hands, Perception, Handle Animal, Acrobatics.
Feats by Level
1-Medium Armor Proficiency
Human Bonus-Exotic Weapon Proficiency(Mancatcher) Human Bonus-Exotic Weapon Proficiency(Hand Crossbow)
3-Fey Obedience
Bonus 3-Precise Shot
Bonus Teamwork 4-Precise Strike
5-Heavy Armor Proficiency
7-Improved Unarmed Strike Bonus Teamwork
7-Escape Route
9-Improved Grapple
11-Power Attack
13-Quick Draw
15-Combat Reflexes
17-Improved Initiative
19-Greater Grapple
Bonus Teamwork
20-Outflank
So, nothing constrains the Hunter to non-metallic armors like the Druid, so we’re getting Heavy Armor Proficiency. Via Military Training we’re grabbing two Exotic Weapons Proficiency feats, one with the Mancatcher and the other with the Hand Crossbow. Improved Grapple becomes a must for this build, and Power Attack will keep our damage relevant. As you see, this feat list may seem all over the place but we are specializing against hunting down and killing the Fae. We will need as many tricks up our sleeves as we damned can fit in.
Animal Companion
Type: Bear
1-Light Armor Proficiency
3-Power Attack
4-+2 AC, +1 Str/Dex, +1 Int
6-Weapon Proficiency(Spiked Armor)
7-+4 AC, +1Str/Dex
20-Medium Armor Proficiency
Our companion may not be the strongest of companions but that ain’t it’s role. His role is to provide support via grappling while we slowly take care of our target.
Spells
1-Resistance, Guidance, Detect Magic, Know Direction, Faerie Fire, Entangle
Purify Food and Drink, Nature’s Path
Spark, Pass without Trace 5-Flame Blade, Fog Cloud 6-Greensight
Ironskin
Speak with Animals, Aquaeous Orb, Burrow
Call Lightning
Fey Form I
Lesser Restoration, Air Walk, Blight
13-Charm Animal, Freedom of Movement
14-Scrying
Iron Stake, Animal Growth, Fey Form II
Bull’s Strength, Entice Fey
Raise Animal Companion
Kiss of the First World, Fey Form III, Find the Path
Lily Pad Stride, Green Caress
Tar Pool
Feysworn
Choose an Eldest of your fancy(my personal go to would be Ng), you gain it’s Boons at a much faster rate, and you gain a variety of Fey themed powers, such as a DR 10/Cold Iron, the ability to cast Plane Shift, to rip open a portal to the First World, and to summon various fey creatures.
Equipment
Get yourself a Heavy Wrist Launcher, a Mancatcher, Bolas, a Net, a Lasso and a Cold Iron Longsword and a bunch of Cold Iron Crossbow Bolts for your wrist launcher. Plus a Cat O Nine Tails, again, Cold Iron. Plus various daggers and darts for throwing. Get yourself a good medium armor with spikes, eventually grab a Spiked Full Plate and have the spikes made of cold iron too. Don’t hesitate to purchase alchemical items with your extra like
Tanglefoot bags and Alchemical Fires. Remember, you are a Fey Slayer, you need to be as tricky as they are.
Final Thoughts on the Build
So this build relies on shutting down your target via Grapple, Entanglements and Trips via your various weapons, Poison too, and via your Spells and helped by your Bear companion to slowly murder these abominable creatures that are the Fey. Generally Fey creatures don’t have a great CMD so grappling should be fairly simple, grab em, get em in a place where they can’t escape and slowly murder em with your Cold Iron weapons and spells. This is a very, very specialized build but who still works fairly well in any scenario. Even against creatures such as Giants or Dragons, you can still support your team with your spells and various abilities and you are no slouch in battle, plus you always have your Animal Focus and you can turn into a fey yourself via Fey Form spells for extra trickery.
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