Pathfinder 1E Inquisitor Wolf in Sheep Clothing: Lycanthropic Fury
Posted by
–
Article-At-A-Glance
- The Wolf in Sheep Clothing builds utilize deceptive strategies and unique skills for high impact and investigation.
- Explores application of Pathfinder 1E Inquisitor Builds for character creation and development.
- Provides techniques for maximizing abilities using spells and strategic feats for any campaign.
- Emphasizes roleplaying potential, supporting immersive experiences through nuanced character abilities.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, this Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Inquisitor build focuses on stealth and initial combat proficiency. Named for the deceptive playstyle, this ‘Wolf-in-Sheep-Clothing’ sets traps for enemies by looking unassuming and striking swiftly. The character starts with a shortsword and dagger, ready to surprise foes with unparalleled Efficiency and rapid initiative.
Stat Block Level 1:
Inquisitor: Male, Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Inquisitor 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (shapechanger); HD 1d8+1; hp 9; Init +3; Spd 30 ft; AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +0; Grp +1; Atk Short sword +1 melee (1d6/19-20) or Dagger +1 melee (1d4/19-20) or Dagger +3 ranged (1d4/19-20); Full Atk Short sword +1 melee (1d6/19-20) or Dagger +1 melee (1d4/19-20) or Dagger +3 ranged (1d4/19-20); SA Judgments, Monster Lore; SQ Shapechanger subtype, Wolf Empathy, Weretouched form; AL TN; SV Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +4; Str 10, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +2, Intimidate +4, Perception +2, Stealth +6; Weapon Finesse, Reactionary.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Judgments (1/day), Monster Lore to add Wisdom bonus on Knowledge checks to identify abilities and weaknesses of creatures, Wolf Empathy to communicate with canines, Weretouched form ability.
Possessions: Shortsword, dagger, hide armor.
At level 5, this Inquisitor build is about stealth and surprise. You appear harmless due to your clever use of disguises and quick weapons concealment through Sleight of Hand. With feats like Weapon Finesse and Piranha Strike, you can deliver deadly strikes using Dexterity rather than Strength for attack rolls. You focus on maximizing damage through quick strikes while maintaining effective defenses. Your spellcasting ability, while not the focus, provides useful buffs like Shield of Faith and Bless.
Stat Block Level 5:
Inquisitor 5: male, Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Inquisitor 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger); HD 5d8+5; hp 35; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk shortsword +8 melee (1d6/19-20) or claw +8 melee (1d4) or bite +8 melee (1d6); Full Atk shortsword +8 melee (1d6/19-20); SA Judgment, Bane (1/day); SQ Change Shape, Low-light Vision; AL Neutral Evil; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +7, Diplomacy +7, Disguise +7, Knowledge (Religion) +8, Perception +10, Sense Motive +9, Stealth +10; Weapon Finesse, Piranha Strike, Quick Draw, Fiendish Obedience.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Judgment grants bonuses to attack and defense, Bane allows specific enemy targeting for increased damage.
Possessions: Shortsword, daggers, hide armor.
At level 10, the combination of Weapon Finesse and Piranha Strike ensures efficient attacks, while abilities such as Judgment and Bane amplify damage. The character’s stealth and sleight of hand make them a master of surprise, capable of quickly ending foes before they even realize they’re under attack. Combat skills are enhanced with spells like Divine Favor, Bless, and Shield of Faith for resilience and power surges.
Stat Block Level 10:
Inquisitor: Male, Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Inquisitor (Cloaked Wolf) 6/Shifter (Weretouched) 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (shapechanger); HD 6d8+4d10+20; hp 80; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +10; Grp +12; Atk bite +12 (1d6+2) or claw +12 (1d4+2) or shortsword +12 (1d6+2/19-20); Full Atk 2 claws +12 (1d4+2) and bite +10 (1d6+2); SA judgment, bane, sneak attack +1d6, sneak attack bonus; SQ change shape, low-light vision, Weretouched abilities, stealthy movement, detect alignment; AL CN; SV Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +10; Str 12, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 17, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +5, Diplomacy +5, Disguise +5, Perception +8, Intimidate +10, Sense Motive +8, Stealth +10, Knowledge (Religion) +6, Sleight of Hand +7; Weapon Finesse, Piranha Strike, Quick Draw, Fiendish Obedience (Jezelda), Improved Unarmed Strike, Wolf Style, Combat Reflexes.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Judgment (2/day), Bane (1 round/level), change shape into wolf or hybrid form, detect magic, guidance, bleed; Weretouched abilities enhance transformation powers.
Possessions: Shortsword, daggers, hide armor (optional), and basic adventuring kit.
The Level 15 Inquisitor (Cloaked Wolf) / Shifter (Weretouched) / Gray Warden stands as a formidable hybrid in the battlefield. With claws and fangs, the character specializes in sneak attacks and melee combat. Utilizing Weapon Finesse and Piranha Strike, it deftly uses Dexterity over raw power. Armed with Wolf Style and Improved Trip, it efficiently takes foes down and delivers devastating attacks via Wolf Savage. Fiendish Obedience to Jezelda enhances werewolf abilities, augmenting combat prowess.
Stat Block Level 15:
Glass Walker: male, Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Inquisitor (Cloaked Wolf) 6/Shifter (Weretouched) 4/Gray Warden 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (shapechanger); HD 10d8+5d10+30; hp 117; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 18, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +14; Grp +15; Atk claw +20 (1d6+5) or shortsword +19 (1d6+4); Full Atk 2 claws +20 (1d6+5) and bite +17 (1d6+2) or shortsword +19/+14/+9 (1d6+4) and dagger +19 (1d4+2); SA Sneak Attack +3d6, Judgment, Bane; SQ Change shape, track, detect alignment, monster lore, stern gaze, stealth bonus, inattentive timing, resist nature’s lure; AL CN; SV Fort +13, Ref +12, Will +10; Str 14, Dex 21, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +17, Diplomacy +17, Disguise +17, Knowledge (Religion) +10, Intimidate +20, Perception +22, Sense Motive +20, Stealth +22; Weapon Finesse, Piranha Strike, Quick Draw, Fiendish Obedience, Improved Unarmed Strike, Wolf Style, Combat Reflexes, Wolf Trip, Enforcer, Improved Initiative, Sidestep, Dirty Fighting, Dastardly Finish.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Change shape (human/wolf), sneak attack +3d6, judgment, bane, trip attack, wolf savage, Gray Warden abilities enhance resonance with werewolf lore.
Possessions: Shortsword, daggers, Hide Armor.
The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing build at level 20 transforms into a formidable melee combatant with unparalleled stealth and burst damage capabilities. Using a mix of Inquisitor, Shifter, and Gray Warden classes, it leverages werewolf-themed abilities to blend into any crowd and strike with lethal precision. Hidden weapons through Sleight of Hand, complemented by Quick Draw, enable surprise attacks, while Judgments and Bane enhance combat efficacy. Fiendish Obedience to Jezelda solidifies the werewolf transformation, presenting a character that seamlessly shifts between incognito and battle-ready forms.
Stat Block Level 20:
Inquisitor: male, Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Inquisitor 6/Shifter (Weretouched) 4/Gray Warden 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (shapechanger); HD 20d10+20; hp 140; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 29, touch 17, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +15; Grp +17; Atk +20 melee (1d6+4, claw) or +21 melee (1d4+4, dagger); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 melee (1d6+4, claws) and +20 melee (1d6+4, bite) or +21/+16/+11 melee (1d4+4, daggers); SA Sneak Attack +4d6, Judgment, Bane, Wolf Trip, Wolf Savage; SQ Change shape, curse of lycanthropy, domain spells; AL CE; SV Fort +13, Ref +15, Will +15; Str 12, Dex 24, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +22, Diplomacy +22, Disguise +22, Intimidate +25, Knowledge (nature) +15, Knowledge (religion) +15, Perception +25, Sense Motive +25, Stealth +25, Survival +20; Weapon Finesse, Piranha Strike, Quick Draw, Fiendish Obedience, Improved Unarmed Strike, Wolf Style, Combat Reflexes, Enforcer, Improved Initiative, Sidestep, Dirty Fighting, Dastardly Finish, Improved Trip, Deadly Finish.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Fiendish Obedience, Gray Warden abilities enhance Judgments and Bane, preventing resurrection of defeated foes, complete werewolf transformation at level 20.
Possessions: Shortsword, daggers, Hide Armor, spells granting enhanced combat and defensive capabilities.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin as Inquisitor, Cloaked Wolf Archetype. Focus on Weapon Finesse and Reactionary trait for higher Initiative. Utilize Quick Draw and Piranha Strike to enhance melee damage.
- Levels 6-10: Shift to Weretouched Shifter. Gain Improved Unarmed Strike and Wolf Style, enabling effective natural weapon fights. Acquire Fiendish Obedience for thematic werewolf abilities.
- Levels 11-15: Transition into Gray Warden Prestige Class. Build upon Judgment and Bane abilities. Introduce Wolf Trip and Wolf Savage to topple and rend foes. Enhance combat flexibility with feats like Enforcer.
- Levels 16-20: Peak transformation with permanent werewolf capabilities. Advance combat prowess with feats like Dastardly Finish and Deadly Finish. Augment survival and threat potential with advanced Gray Warden abilities and new spells like Righteous Might.
Core Abilities & Features
The Wolf in Sheep Clothing Inquisitor build capitalizes on the surprise and adaptability of lycanthropy. The core of this build lies in strategic multiclassing and the use of the Cloaked Wolf and Weretouched archetypes, paired with the Gray Warden prestige class. This combination provides a deadly balance of stealth, melee prowess, and unique transformative abilities.
Starting as a Skinwalker of the Witchwolf variety, this build embraces its inner werewolf traits, focusing on Wisdom and Dexterity for increased stealth and combat efficiency. The chosen traits, Reactionary and Birthmark, further enhance the character’s initiative and resourcefulness by removing dependency on holy symbols.
The cornerstone feats such as Weapon Finesse, Piranha Strike, and Wolf Style synergize well with the character’s natural melee abilities, emphasizing lighter weapon handling and precision strikes. This is complemented by abilities from the Gray Warden, which enhance the Inquisitor’s Judgments and Bane, rounding the character out as a relentless hunter who turns attacks into lethal, resurrection preventing blows.
At higher levels, the build capitalizes on the full capacities of its spellcasting, particularly focusing on buffs and control spells from the Animal Domain. The combination of spells like Divine Favor, Invisibility, and Freedom of Movement amplifies the character’s flexibility and survivability. This makes the Wolf in Sheep Clothing build not only a formidable opponent in close combat but also an unexpected yet potent spellcaster, capable of quick evasion and devastating ambushes.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Shortsword, Daggers, Hide Armor | Standard starting equipment for Inquisitors. Provides basic offensive and defensive capabilities. The shortsword and daggers allow for versatility in combat. Hide Armor offers necessary protection. |
| L6-10 | Masterwork Weapons, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Boots of Elvenkind | Masterwork Weapons improve attack rolls, important as the Cloaked Wolf Archetype develops. The Amulet enhances AC to offset armor loss. Boots grant a Stealth bonus, crucial for surprise attacks. |
| L11-15 | Cloak of Resistance +2, Ring of Protection +2, Belt of Dexterity +2 | The Cloak boosts all saving throws, a must have at this level of play. The Ring reinforces defense. The Belt enhances Dexterity. |
| L16-20 | +3 Weaponry, Amulet of Mighty Fists +3, Headband of Wisdom +4 | Upgraded weapons solidify offensive potency. The Amulet boosts natural attacks, maximizing damage potential. The Headband increases Wisdom. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the cramped confines of dungeon tunnels, this build excels at stealth and sudden assaults. Utilize Stealth and Sleight of Hand to approach undetected, then utilize Quick Draw to unleash deadly surprise attacks. The combination of Wolf Trip and Piranha Strike ensures that foes are not only hurt but unable to retaliate effectively.
- Open Fields:
- In open areas, leverage your ability to shift forms. Begin combat at a distance, using the wolf form to close gaps quickly and catch opponents off guard. Combat Reflexes and Improved Initiative provide you speed and control in such areas, initiating combat on your terms. Once engaged, use the powerful Bane ability to swiftly eliminate key targets.
- Ambushes:
- Perfectly suited to ambush tactics, this build uses early detection spells like Detect Magic to locate hidden enemies, allowing for a preemptive strike. Use your natural form and Stealth to remain undetected until you can launch a ferocious first strike with your claws and bite. An ambush can be sealed with a Dastardly Finish, ensuring your victim cannot be resurrected, removing future threats altogether.
- Defensive Stands:
- During defensive battles, maximize your use of positioning and defensive spells. Use the Cloaked Wolf’s knowledge of environment and Nature checks to select advantageous terrain. Buff with Shield of Faith and Divine Power to withstand blows, buying time for allies. The Gray Warden’s abilities enhance survivability while punishing reckless attackers with trip maneuvers.
- Urban Encounters:
- In cities, this build shines by blending into crowds before an attack or disappearing afterward. Use Disguise and Bluff to approach targets unsuspectingly, then use Weapon Finesse for precise strikes. Initiate with burst spells like Burst of Speed for quick repositioning. An urban setting’s tight spaces give ample room to escape or hide post attack.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counters |
|---|---|
| Low Strength | Use Weapon Finesse to utilize Dexterity for attack rolls. Equip items that boost Dexterity such as Belt of Incredible Dexterity (+2 enhancement bonus to Dexterity). |
| Vulnerable to Silver | Acquire Mithral Armor for reduced penalties and resist effects. Cast Resist Energy for additional protection from elemental damage. |
| Limited Armor as Shifter | Maximize Dexterity to improve AC. Use spells like Shield of Faith or equip a Ring of Protection for AC bonuses. |
| Reliance on Shape Shifting | Have backup combat gear like Shortsword. Prepare utility spells such as Invisibility to disengage or reposition. |
| Limited Healing Options | Invest in Wand of Cure Light Wounds and prepare spells like Cure Light Wounds or Prayer for support. |
Roleplaying
The Wolf in Sheep Clothing offers a rich tapestry for roleplaying opportunities. On the surface, you’re just another face amidst the crowd. This anonymity allows you to be anywhere, blend into any situation, sustaining your cover until the inevitable moment of action.
This is a character of duality. One moment you’re discussing theology over a drink, the next, you’re a whirlwind of fur and fangs. Embrace the shift in demeanor. Play with the tension between your public facade and the predator lurking beneath. Those who engage with your character might find themselves second-guessing their instincts.
Themes of transformation are woven throughout this build. Your character’s journey is not just physical but spiritual. As you progress toward becoming a true werewolf, consider the personal and moral challenges they may face. Are they troubled by their actions, or do they revel in their newfound power?
Inquisitor abilities like Judgments and Bane provide a foundation for thematic roleplay. Do you feel righteous fury, meting out justice one target at a time? Or is your motivation more complex, driven by past traumas or unspoken secrets?
The animal domain enhances your connection with the natural world. With a wolf companion by your side, play into themes of loyalty, kinship, and the power dynamics within a pack. This bond can provide invaluable roleplaying moments, perhaps mirroring your internal struggle between beast and man.
Opportunities for deception abound. Through skills like Bluff and Disguise, you weave a web of lies. Your goal is always proximity, the closer you are to unsuspecting prey, the easier it is to strike with lethal precision. The dance between deception and revelation can be a thrilling aspect of this character’s journey.
FAQ
What makes Wolf in Sheep Clothing a standout build for Inquisitors?
The unique synergy of deceptive abilities makes it compelling. It allows inquisitors to blend utility and combat prowess. This build excels with spells that hide true intentions. It thrives on modifying social situations or surprising enemies. With high stealth and Bluff skills, it can mislead opponents quite effectively.
Is the Inquisitor’s Cloaked Wolf archetype suitable for new players?
It offers a straightforward approach with emphasis on cunning tactics. Utilizing animal companions can aid in learning teamwork dynamics. However, managing spells and skills requires some practice. Patience and attention to your role are essential for mastering this archetype.
How can one effectively use the See in Darkness ability?
See in Darkness gives you a significant edge. Utilize it to ambush enemies who rely on darkness. In labyrinthine dungeons, it becomes invaluable for navigation. Pair it with Silence spells to move undetected. This ability turns typically concealed threats into opportunities for surprise attacks.
What feats best complement the Wolf in Sheep Clothing build?
Improved Initiative can significantly enhance your surprise attack potential. Deftly advancing with Shadow Strike ensures no missed opportunities. Additionally, consider Skill Focus in Bluff for greater deception. Combat Reflexes widen your counter maneuver options. Together, these feats create a formidable tactical toolkit.
How does the Wolf in Sheep Clothing balance offense and defense?
This build capitalizes on misdirection for balanced play. Offensively, use spells to ensnare or disarm opponents. Defensively, rely on subterfuge to avoid direct confrontations. Bluffing can redirect attacks away from allies. Stealth ensures you’re always one step ahead of threats.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Wolf in Sheep Clothing Build!
Consider trying Wolf in Sheep Clothing in your next game session. Do you think the Wolf in Sheep Clothing could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the conversation and find like-minded players at the Stellar Dragons Discord server: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Leave a Reply