Article-At-A-Glance
- The Base Hunter[1] is renowned for its masteries over beasts and nature, as we will explore in this guide.
- The article details strategies to maximize your Hunter’s combat efficacy and progression.
- Strategies include abilities and fusion synergies to enhance your strengths in combat.
- Role playing insights offer deeper engagement through tactical and thematic choices.
Click on the level for more information
This Level 1 Hunter build focuses on agility and teamwork. With a T-Rex as an animal companion, you’ll use fast movement and coordination feats like Two-Weapon Fighting and Weapon Finesse to maximize attack options and flexibility. The Hunter’s animal companion will grow alongside you, providing a formidable presence in battles. Basic survival skills add to your scouting abilities, and you’ll have simple but effective gear ready for combat.
Stat Block Level 1:
Hunter: male, human hunter 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+1; hp 9; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +0; Grp +1; Atk longspear +1 melee (1d8+1/x3) or longspear +1 ranged (1d8+1/x3); Full Atk longspear +1 melee (1d8+1/x3) or longspear +1 ranged (1d8+1/x3); SA Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse; SQ Track (1 bonus feat); AL neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +8 (1), Perception +7 (1), Ride +7 (1), Stealth +7 (1), Swim +5 (1), Climb +5 (1), Craft +4 (0); Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Reactionary.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can share teamwork feats with animal companion.
Possessions: Hide armor, longspear.
This Hunter build at level 5 focuses on DPS through a combination of their spear and a powerful T-Rex companion. With feats like Two-Weapon Fighting and Spear Dancing Style, the Longspear becomes a deadly tool. The T-Rex adds mobility and significant damage output using abilities like Power Attack. The character effectively uses spells and teamwork abilities to enhance the T-Rex and their own combat prowess.
Stat Block Level 5:
Hunter: male, human hunter 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8+10; hp 40; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk Longspear +8 (1d8+3) or Bite +11 (2d8+10); Full Atk Longspear +8/+3 (1d8+3); SA Power Attack, Spear Dancing Style; SQ Animal Companion, Teamwork Feats, Spells; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5; Str 12, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +12, Perception +11, Ride +11, Stealth +11, Swim +10, Climb +10; Feats: Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Outflank, Weapon Focus (Longspear), Escape Route, Spear Dancing Style.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Animal Companion benefits from shared teamwork feats, gains boosted damage from Precise Strike.
Possessions: Hide armor, Longspear, basic camping equipment.
This Hunter, accompanied by a powerful T-Rex at level 10, excels at both melee combat and battlefield control. Equipped with skills like Spear Dancing Reach and teamwork feats shared with their companion, they dominate the battlefront. Riding their T-Rex enables them to execute devastating charges, while their strategic spellcasting ability offers versatile support.
Stat Block Level 10:
Hunter: male, Human Hunter 10; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (human); HD 10d8+20; hp 75; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +10; Grp +11; Atk Longspear +14 (1d8+3/x3) or T-Rex Bite +14 (3d6+14); Full Atk Longspear +14/+9 (1d8+3/x3) or T-Rex Bite and Claws +14 (3d6+14, 1d8+7 x2); SA Power Attack, Spear Dancing Reach; SQ Hunter’s Bond, Animal Companion, Teamwork Feats (shared); AL Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +8; Str 13, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +15, Perception +14, Ride +15, Stealth +15, Climb +12; Weapon Finesse, Two-Weapon Fighting, Outflank, Lookout, Escape Route, Spear Dancing Style, Intercept Charge.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
The T-Rex animal companion can execute Whirlwind Attack, striking multiple foes; shared teamwork feats enhance combat strategy.
Possessions: Longspear, hide armor, component pouch for spells.
This human Hunter excels in teamwork with their T-Rex companion at level 15. Using a combo of Ranger’s tricks, Whirlwind Attack, and powerful spell buffs, they deal out massive damage using a Longspear as a double weapon. The build capitalizes on mobility and spear tactics, granting reach for devastating charges, all while maintaining exceptional battlefield presence through Animal Focus and various spells.
Stat Block Level 15:
Hunter: male, human Hunter 15; CR 14; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+45; hp 135; Init +10; Spd 30 ft.; AC 24, touch 17, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk longspear +20 (1d8+7/x3) or T-Rex bite +20 (7d6+43 plus 1d4 acid); Full Atk longspear +20/+15/+10 (1d8+7/x3) and T-Rex bite +20 (7d6+43 plus 1d4 acid); SA Power Attack, Precise Strike, Spirited Charge; SQ Animal Focus, Teamwork feats shared with companion, Hunter spells, Tactician ability; AL NG; SV Fort +12, Ref +13, Will +10; Str 13, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +23, Perception +23, Ride +23, Stealth +23, Swim +10, Climb +10, Craft +10; Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (Longspear), Spear Dancing Style, Spear Dancing Spiral, Spear Dancing Reach, Outflank, Escape Route, Intercept Charge, Lookout, Power Attack, Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Precise Strike, Spirited Charge.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Teamwork with T-Rex allows shared feats for tactical advantage, spear finesse converts strength bonus to dexterity for attacks, exceptional mobility with mounted combat using Spirited Charge.
Possessions: Hide armor, longspear, various potions, treasure map, survival gear, enchanted saddle for T-Rex, healing kits.
This Level 20 Hunter build revolves around using a T-Rex companion as a formidable combat force. The Hunter utilizes a combination of spear combat and teamwork feats to maximize effectiveness in battle. With spears as a primary weapon, the Hunter achieves high damage via Power Attack and Spirited Charge while sharing tactical feats like Outflank with the T-Rex for deadly flanking maneuvers. The Hunter’s spellcasting supports through control spells and buffs to both the T-Rex and the Hunter. The T-Rex, enhanced with Vital Strike and Whirlwind Attack, can deal massive area damage, making this duo a prime example of synergy between character and companion.
Stat Block Level 20:
Hunter: male, human Hunter 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d8+60; hp 200; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 16, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +20; Grp +24; Atk Longspear +28 (1d8+6/×3) or T-Rex bite +37 (17d6+1d4+43); Full Atk Longspear +28/+23/+18 (1d8+6/×3) or T-Rex bite and Whirlwind Attack +37 (9d6+1d4+43); SA Animal Companion Tricks, Vital Strike, Improved Natural Attack; SQ Teamwork Feats, Animal Focus, Spear Fighting Style, Buff Spells; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +11; Str 13, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +28, Perception +25, Ride +28, Stealth +28, Swim +22, Climb +22; Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (Longspear), Outflank, Escape Route, Spear Dancing Style, Intercept Charge, Spear Dancing Spiral, Power Attack, Spear Dancing Reach, Lookout, Pack Attack, Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Precise Strike, Spirited Charge, Punch Through, Improved Initiative.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
The T-Rex can deliver devastating single and area attacks facilitated by Whirlwind Attack with significant bonus damage from Vital Strike and Improved Natural Attack. The Hunter’s spear fighting style allows finesse with reach, supported by a strength boost from Animal Focus, achieving high single target and area damage potential.
Possessions: Hide armor, Longspear.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: You establish yourself as a spear expert with feats like Two-Weapon Fighting and Weapon Finesse for superior control in combat. Your journey begins with a loyal T-Rex companion, setting the stage for teamwork and devastation in battle.
- Levels 6-10: Your combat strategies improve with Outflank and Intercept Charge, boosting your cooperative tactics. Your T-Rex, equipped with improved AC and attack abilities, becomes a formidable partner, capable of incredible damage through Vital Strike.
- Levels 11-15: You gain increased offensive power with feats like Power Attack, while your teamwork flourishes through precise striking tactics with your companion. Mounted Combat opens new dynamic opportunities as you integrate more synergy with your T-Rex.
- Levels 16-20: Riding your T-Rex, the Spirited Charge feat unleashes devastating attacks. Your companion reaches its peak, delivering tremendous damage. Your full spell arsenal supports and enhances both you and your T-Rex for the climactic battles to come.
Core Abilities & Features
The Hunter class in Pathfinder 1E opens up a thrilling combination of features that pushes strategic play. At its core is an immense synergy with its Animal Companion. This build hones in on using a Tyrannosaurus Rex – a captivating choice for players drawn to primal power!
Focusing on Dexterity provides an edge in combat versatility, boosted by Weapon Finesse. A multitude of Teamwork feats shared effortlessly with the T-Rex, such as Outflank and Escape Route, enhances their cooperative battlefield presence. Such combinations allow the Hunter to flank enemies decisively, even intercepting threats with Intercept Charge, amplifying tactical prowess.
The Hunter’s spellcasting ability is seamlessly integrated into the build. Through spells like Animal Growth, Greater Magic Fang, and Strong Jaw, the Hunter exponentially amplifies the T-Rex’s fearsome damage potential. Mix this with Sic’em for an extra attack, and we have a deadly, multi-attack predator. Precision with the Longspear, bolstered by feats like Spear Dancing, makes the Hunter formidable both mounted and on foot.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Longspear | A versatile weapon necessary for exploiting reach and finesse at early levels. |
| L6-10 | +1 Hide Armor | Enhanced hide armor for additional defense; incrementally improves while remaining cost-effective. |
| L11-15 | +2 Holy Longspear | A powerful upgrade, adding divine damage against enemies with an enhancement bonus for better attacks. |
| L16-20 | +3 Brilliant Energy Longspear | Pierces most physical defenses, perfect for striking against heavily armored opponents. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight spaces, the Hunter can position themselves strategically for effective attacks with a Longspear. The T-Rex may lag behind due to space constraints, but spells like Entanglement can control enemy movements.
- Open Fields:
- The Hunter shines as they utilize the T-Rex’s full movement potential, charging enemies and utilizing Whirlwind Attack for maximum area damage. With spear in hand, Outflank and Precise Strike become deadly.
- Ambushes:
- High initiative from Reactionary and Improved Initiative keep you on your toes. Set up with Stealth to gain surprise. Use Escape Route to reposition swiftly and avoid being pinned down.
- Defensive Stands:
- When holding ground, set up natural defenses using Spike Growth. The Spear Dancing Style allows flexibility in both offense and defense, and the T-Rex can intercept enemy charges to protect you.
- Urban Encounters:
- Navigate crowded cityscapes using high Dexterity to weave through street fights. The Longspear’s reach lets you engage from a safe distance, while spells can disrupt enemies in busy environments.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Charisma | Opt for the Diplomacy skill and Headband of Alluring Charisma (+2 to Cha) for improvement. |
| Feats and skills dependent on teamwork, ineffective when separated from the animal companion | Coordinate actions via Feather Token (bird) to maintain communication and synchronization. |
| Difficulty dealing with flying or highly mobile enemies | Train the animal companion in Acrobatics to improve mobility and use Entangle or Spike Growth to ground or slow enemies. |
| Lower Constitution | Use Amulet of Health (+2 Con) to boost overall health and battlefield stamina. |
| Potentially insufficient damage output | Apply the Strong Jaw spell to enhance damage output, and focus attacks on weak spots with Precise Strike feat. |
Roleplaying: Opportunities & Themes
Channeling the Predator:
Embrace the primal instincts of the hunter, merging the ferocity of your T-Rex companion with your skill. Picture the bond akin to Spear and Fang from Primal, relying on each other in the dangerous wilderness. You’re not just taming the beast, you’re part of a symbiotic relationship. In game, emphasize eye contact and subtle signals to show the deep understanding with your companion. Your end goal is not just the hunt, but maintaining the delicate balance of predator and friend.
The Silent Guardian:
Off the battlefield, your character takes on a protector role within the party. With your trained senses and exceptional stealth, you’re not only the group’s frontline in battle but a sentinel in the darkest nights. Lean into your high Perception and Stealth skills to spot danger distances before it strikes. Engage your party members by offering tactical advice, suggesting alternative routes or strategies to avoid trouble. Roleplay this as a calm, centered presence, putting the group’s safety above personal glory.
FAQ
How effective is The Base Hunter[1] with a T-Rex compared to other companions?
The T-Rex, when tamed by a Base Hunter[1], offers raw power unmatched by many companions. With its high damage output and robust health, it’s formidable in combat. However, managing its size and mobility in tight spaces can be challenging. Its presence provides intimidation that can alter enemy strategies. In open battles, it dominates the field but requires careful positioning.
What feats are essential for optimizing a Base Hunter[1]?
Key feats include Weapon Focus for increased attack accuracy and Improved Critical for enhanced damage. Power Attack can be invaluable for maximizing hit damage. Consider Vital Strike for powerful single hits during crucial combat moments. Additionally, Coordinated Maneuvers can enhance its ability to work with allies. These choices complement your T-Rex’s strengths, ensuring its formidable presence in any battle.
What skills should the Build focus on in combat scenarios?
Maximize its Intimidation to manipulate enemy morale and alter combat flow. Utilize Perception to detect hidden threats and prepare preemptive strikes. Put ranks into survival to navigate terrains effectively. Its Bite Attack should be honed for impactful, devastating strikes. These skills ensure the T-Rex remains a potent force and versatile ally in varied scenarios.
Can the Base Hunter[1] adapt to different Pathfinder settings?
The Base Hunter[1], with its flexible build, adapts well to diverse settings. Whether in dense forests or barren wastelands, it remains versatile. However, terrain can impact the T-Rex’s movement and effectiveness. In areas with space constraints, strategy adaptation becomes crucial. Overall, the Base-Hunter delivers consistently with strategic planning.
How to integrate a Base Hunter[1] with a T-Rex in party dynamics?
The Base Hunter[1] should coordinate with spellcasters to bolster combat capabilities. Frontline fighters can exploit the space created by the T-Rex’s presence. Healers should remain ready to provide support amid chaotic battles. Communication is key to ensure optimal positioning and tactical advantage. With strategic planning, the Base-Hunter and T-Rex can synchronize seamlessly.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Base Hunter!
Consider incorporating a Hunter into your next Pathfinder 1E session. Join our debate and share your thoughts on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Hunter – Base Hunter – Pathfinder 1E ( Base Hunter )
Base Hunter
In recent cinematography, the single best example I can pull as a hunter is Spear from Primal. Now, I could have gone the inevitable way of the Big Cat animal companion for our base build, but Spear and Fang really inspired me to have our first build be around having a T-Rex friend.
Class
Hunter 20
Race
We are going for Human and will be putting our floating +2 in Dexterity
Ability Scores
Make Str 13 if it’s not, then everything in Dexterity.
15Point-Buy
Str 12/Dex 16/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 7
20Point-Buy
Str 12/Dex 17/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 7
25Point-Buy
Str 13/Dex 18/Con 14/Int 11/Wis 16/Cha 7
Traits
Reactionary for more Initiative, Beast Bond, our Charisma is abysmal, we need all the bonuses to Handle Animal we can get.
Favored Class Bonus
HP, we are going into the fray with our T-Rex, we want to be able to stand our ground too.
Skills
Handle Animal, Perception, Ride, Stealth, Swim, Climb, Craft. Simple yet damned effective.
Feats by Level
1-Two Weapons Fighting Human Bonus-Weapon Finesse Bonus
2-Outflank
3-Weapon Focus(Longspear) Bonus Teamwork
3-Escape Route
5-Spear Dancing Style
Bonus Teamwork
6-Intercept Charge
7-Spear Dancing Spiral
9-Spear Dancing Reach Bonus Teamwork
9-Lookout
11-Power Attack
Bonus Teamwork
12-Pack Attack
13-Mounted Combat
15-Ride-By Attack
Bonus Teamwork
15-Precise Strike
17-Spirited Charge
Bonus Teamwork
18-Punch Through
19-Improved Initiative
So, we are a spear expert. We can use Weapon Finesse with our Longspear via the Spear Dancing Style feat chain, consider our spear a double weapon and still get reach on the spear tip. Plus we still get to Power Attack with it and via our Animal Focus, we get a fairly decent Strength for damage, later on we can ride our T-Rex into battle for insane damage via Spirited Charge.
Finally we get a bunch of Teamwork feats that we automatically share with our Animal Companion, Escape Route giving us great mobility, Precise Strike adding more damage, Outflank making flanking with our T-Rex extremely deadly and we can intercept a charge directed at each other via Intercept Charge. A very good combination and great internal Teamwork between yourself and your Companion.
Animal Companion
Type: Tyrannosaurus
1-Power Attack
2-Dodge
3-+2 AC, +1 Str/Dex, +1 Int
5-Mobility
6-+4 AC, +1 Str/Dex
8-Spring Attack
9-+6 AC, +2 Str/+1 Dex
10-Vital Strike
12-+8 AC, +1 Str/Dex
13-Improved Natural Attack(Bite)
14-+1 Str
15-+10 AC, +1 Str/Dex
16-Dirty Fighting
18-Whirlwind Attack, +12 AC, +1 Str/Dex
20-+1 Str
Yeah so, your T-Rex will be chomping people for insane damage each round. Vital Strike+Improved Natural Attack means we can chomp people as a Standard Action for 6d6+32(7d6 with Precise Strike).
Or we can bite everyone in range via Whirlwind Attack for 3d6+32(4d6 with Precise Strike). And that’s before the Animal Focus of our Hunter and any buff spells.
Spells
1-Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Know Direction,Acid Maw, Pass Without Trace
2-Purify Food and Drink, Magic Fang3-Mending,Cure Light Wounds
4-Barkskin, Flame Blade
5-Bull’s Strength
6-Bloodhound
7-Entangle, Bloody Claws, Greater Magic Fang
8-Strong Jaw
9-Thorny Entanglement
10-Wild Instinct, Freedom of Movement, Scrying
11-Jump, Blessing of the Salamander
12-Commune with Nature
13-Cure Moderate Wounds, Animal Growth, Companion Transposition
14-Spike Growth, Stoneskin
15-Wall of Thorns
16-Nondetection, Fire Seeds, Fey Form III
17-Call Lightning, Wall of Stone
18-Ironwood
19-Cure Critical Wounds
20-Raise Animal Companion, Liveoak
Equipment
Hide armor, A Longspear.
Final Thoughts on the Build
Our whole thing is buffing our T-Rex and then letting it loose. And since we can choose the Skirmisher Ranger’s tricks to teach our T-Rex, we can teach it Sic’em, which allows an additional attack as a swift action! Between Animal Focus, choosing the Bull, Greater Magic Fang, Animal Growth, Strong Jaw and Acid Maw, our T-Rex now deals with Vital Strike 17d6+1d4(Acid)+43 per bite attack, up to twice a round, or if using Whirlwind Attack would instead deal 9d6+1d4(Acid)+43. That is a lot of damage and we haven’t even played yet, we can cast good battlefield control spells such as Entanglement or Spike Growth, heal our Companion, buff ourselves too and we are no slouch with our Longspear either. And that’s not talking about our variety of skills which make us a fantastic scout too.
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