Article-At-A-Glance
- The Storyteller[1] build is renowned for its masteries and abilities, as we will explore in this guide.
- Explores an application Pathfinder 1E Medium Builds for character creation and development.
- Builds focus on maximizing combat and tactical abilities in storytelling roles.
- Guides players through strategic skill application and ability selection for dynamic gameplay.
Click on the level for more information
The Storyteller[1] build at Level 1 focuses on being a charismatic combatant using the Starknife, leveraging Charisma for attacks. With Divine Fighting Technique and Point-Blank Shot, the character enhances their ranged combat proficiency. Perform (Oratory) and key skills set a strong foundation for future support and narrative abilities.
Stat Block Level 1:
Storyteller[1]: male, Human Medium (Storyteller[1]) 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Starknife +5 (1d4+4/×3) or Unarmed Strike +0 (1d3+0); Full Atk Starknife +5 (1d4+4/×3) or Unarmed Strike +0 (1d3+0); SA None; SQ Spirit channel, storyteller[1] archetype features; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Perform (Oratory) +8, Profession (Scribe) +4, Linguistics +4; Divine Fighting Technique (Way of the Shooting Star), Point-Blank Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Spirit channel allows binding with different spirits for varied powers daily; storyteller[1] features enhance storytelling and performance capabilities.
Possessions: Starknife, leather armor, basic adventuring gear.
This level 5 Medium Storyteller[1] shines with deadly ranged attacks using a Starknife powered by Charisma. With heavy armor, precise aiming, and strong performances, this character is surprisingly tough, dealing significant damage while also offering utility with spells.
Stat Block Level 5:
Storyteller[1]: male, human Medium (Storyteller[1]) 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8; hp 50; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 11, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk Starknife +10 (1d4+5/×3) or Lingering Performance; Full Atk Starknife +10/+5 (1d4+5/×3) or Lingering Performance; SA Bardic Performance; SQ Spirit Bond, Storyteller[1] Performances; AL CG; SV Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 19.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
erform (Oratory) +10, Profession (Scribe) +8, Linguistics +8; Divine Fighting Technique (Way of the Shooting Star), Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Lingering Performance.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
As a Storyteller[1], use Charisma for attack rolls with Starknife; boasts Bardic Performances covering multiple effects via Lingering Performance, summons Spirit allies.
Possessions: Enhanced Starknife, heavy armor, and shield for major AC boost, plus mundane scribing tools and enchanted Varisian Tattoos.
The Level 10 Medium Storyteller[1] focuses on leveraging Charisma based abilities. As a human with a specialization in the story-telling archetype, this character excels at ranged combat using a Starknife, taking advantage of feats like Precise Shot and Deadly Aim. Spell selection enhances party support, with spells tailored for utility and combat scenarios. Linguistic and oratory skills bolster roleplay interactions and storytelling abilities, making the Medium an essential party figure.
Stat Block Level 10:
Human Medium 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d8+20; hp 75; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Starknife +9 (1d4+4/19-20) or Starknife +9 ranged; Full Atk Starknife +9/+4 (1d4+4/19-20) or Starknife +9/+4 ranged; SA Channel Energy 1d6, Bardic Performance (8 rounds/day), Spectral Allies; SQ Spiritual Interference, Storytelling Expertise; AL NG; SV Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +8; Str 10, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Perform (Oratory) +18, Profession (Scribe) +10, Linguistics +10; Divine Fighting Technique, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Lingering Performance, Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (Starknife).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Spectral Allies for Summoning spiritual allies to fight foes, Storytelling Expertise to Utilize tales to inspire group actions.
Possessions: Masterwork Starknife, +1 Chainmail, Heavy Steel Shield, Cloak of Resistance +1.
This character is a human Medium with the Storyteller[1] archetype at level 10 and the Loremaster prestige class. By level 15, they specialize in ranged combat with a Starknife, using Charisma as the attack stat. Heavy armor and shield proficiencies improve defense. With a blend of spells, bard like performances, and summoned spirits, this build excels in support and offensive versatility.
Stat Block Level 15:
Storyteller[1]: male, human Medium(Storyteller[1]) 10/Chronicler 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8; hp 112; Init +9; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +11; Grp +11; Atk Starknife +17/+12/+7 (1d4+6/x3) or spell; Full Atk Starknife +17/+12/+7 (1d4+6/x3); SA Bard-like performances, spellcasting; SQ Spirit connections, storytelling, improved defensive proficiencies; AL N; SV Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +12; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Perform (Oratory) +20, Profession (Scribe) +10, Linguistics +8; Divine Fighting Technique (Way of the Shooting Star), Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Lingering Performance, Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (Starknife), Improved Critical (Starknife), Heavy Armor Proficiency, Shield Proficiency, Tower Shield Proficiency.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Communes with spirits for unique abilities, enhances party via performances.
Possessions: Several Starknives, Full Plate Armor, Tower Shield, selection of potions, scrolls for extended versatility.
The Storyteller[1] build combines the Medium’s Storyteller[1] archetype and the Chronicler[2] prestige class, focusing heavily on Charisma to make the most out of the Bardic Performance like abilities and spellcasting. The character wields a Starknife and uses Divine Fighting Technique to leverage Charisma for attack and damage rolls. Heavy armor and shields bolster defenses without spell failure risk, thanks to class abilities.
Stat Block Level 20:
Storyteller[1] Chronicler: male, human Medium 10/Chronicler 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d8+10d6+40; hp 150; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 34, touch 14, flat-footed 30; Base Atk +15; Grp +15; Atk +21 Starknife (1d4+5/19-20) or +20 ranged Starknife; Full Atk +21/+16/+11 Starknife (1d4+5/19-20) or +20/+15/+10 ranged Starknife; SA Bardic Performance-like abilities, spells; SQ Spirit bonuses, chronicler storytelling; AL NG; SV Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +13; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Perform (Oratory) +25, Profession (Scribe) +23, Linguistics +20; Divine Fighting Technique (Way of the Shooting Star), Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Lingering Performance, Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (Starknife), Improved Critical (Starknife), Heavy Armor Proficiency, Shield Proficiency, Tower Shield Proficiency.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can summon ghostly barbarians, boosts allies with performances, full spellcasting with armor.
Possessions: Masterwork Starknives, Full Plate, Tower Shield, miscellaneous magical armor enhancements, utility wands like Wand of Cure Light Wounds.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: At these early levels, focus on establishing the foundation of your character by maximizing Charisma. Select feats like Divine Fighting Technique for ranged capabilities with the Starknife and begin enhancing damage potential with Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot.
- Levels 6-10: Develop your Medium’s versatility by continuing into Chronicler for enhanced support skills and spells like Haste and Invisibility. Gaining Lingering Performance boosts Bardic Performance longevity, while Deadly Aim further increases damage output.
- Levels 11-15: Enhance battlefield control and survivability by equipping your character with Heavy Armor Proficiency and selecting feats like Improved Initiative to act quicker. Magic tactics expand with spells such as Fly and Hold Person.
- Levels 16-20: Reach full potential with Shield and Tower Shield Proficiency, maximizing defensive capabilities. High Charisma and a wide spell array, including Scrying, ensure the Medium is both a commanding presence and an indomitable force in combat scenarios.
Core Abilities & Features
The Storyteller[1] archetype for the Medium class in Pathfinder 1E is a unique blend of charisma and combat efficiency. At its core, this build uses Charisma as the primary ability score, turning it into a powerhouse for both magical and physical prowess. As a Human, the floating +2 attribute bonus is best placed in Charisma, maximizing the effectiveness of the Medium’s storytelling abilities and enhancing the Chronicler[2]’s duties.
This build stands out with a detailed feat progression designed to exploit the Starknife proficiency gained through the Reactionary trait and Varisian Tattoos. Early feats like Divine Fighting Technique and Point-Blank Shot immediately augment offensive capabilities. This progression continues with Precise Shot and Deadly Aim to enhance ranged attack potential, using Charisma for attack rolls due to the Way of the Shooting Star. The build invests further in feats like Weapon Focus and Improved Critical for Starknife to increase its lethality.
Defensively, the Storyteller[1] build is robust. Heavy Armor Proficiency, Shield Proficiency, and Tower Shield Proficiency significantly bolster armor class, allowing the caster to remain formidable in the heart of battle. The medium’s spell list complements this protective stance, with spells like Protection from Evil, Enlarge Person, and Haste contributing to both team support and personal fortitude. Overall, the Storyteller[1] Medium-Chronicler build merges storytelling and strategic combat, creating a resilient and charismatic party leader capable of serious damage and stout defense.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Starknife | The Starknife is crucial as it allows Charisma based attacks with the Divine Fighting Technique; Masterwork enhances attack rolls. |
| L6-10 | +1 Starknife | Enhances attack and damage, maintains compatibility with Way of the Shooting Star. |
| L11-15 | +1 Heavy Steel Shield | Increase defense; remains manageable due to proficiency feats. |
| L16-20 | +2 Full Plate | Solidifies defense; necessary proficiency makes this viable without spell penalty. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the tight corridors of a dungeon, use your medium’s Lingering Performance to enhance your party’s morale, casting light and shielding spells like Protection from Evil to gain defensive advantages. Use the Starknife to attack from range, conserving your spell slots for critical moments.
- Open Fields:
- In open field battles, take advantage of your mobility and range with Precise Shot and Deadly Aim. Leverage Haste to keep your allies quick on their feet and use your Charismatic presence to control the battlefield and communicate effectively.
- Ambushes:
- When caught in an ambush, immediately use Improved Initiative to gain the upper hand. Employ Invisibility to regroup or reposition while calling forth spirits to engage your foes or deceive them with Ventriloquism to confuse the attackers.
- Defensive Stands:
- Holding a defensive position, rely on your heavy armor and Tower Shield Proficiency to provide a strong frontline. Use Bull’s Strength to bolster your melee allies and strategically place specters to counter enemy advances effectively, ensuring your party remains sheltered.
- Urban Encounters:
- In urban settings, blend crowd control with magic such as Hold Person to neutralize threats. Use Read Magic to counter any arcane interference, and employ your oratory skills to rally city guards or citizens to assist, maintaining your composure as the party’s charismatic leader.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Strength and Dexterity | Focus on items like Belt of Physical Might for boosting physical stats. |
| Reliance on Charisma for attacks | Select Divine Fighting Technique tailored for Charisma based attacks to mitigate issues. |
| Armor hampers spellcasting | Use feats like Heavy Armor Proficiency and Spells like “Still Spell” to avoid penalties while casting. |
| Susceptibility to Will saves | Use spells such as “Protection from Evil” to boost Will saves. |
| Relatively low damage output without Starknife | Ensure you have backups like Enlarge Person Spell to improve attack capabilities. |
Roleplaying
The Storyteller[1] Medium, as the name suggests, thrives on weaving tales and living them. Picture a character blending charisma with spellbinding stories; they sway those around them with narrative prowess. Dive into opportunities for roleplay by having your character recollect and craft stories on the fly. Use those Perform(Oratory) skills to captivate, whether in peace talks or rallying cries.
Themes around memory, history, and culture resonate well with this build. A Storyteller[1] can have their identity rooted in oral traditions passed down generations. Embrace a persona that cherishes ancient lore and seeks forgotten tales. You could be a keeper of history, using the Spirits you channel to guide others. Your charisma is not just a stat; it’s the soul of your character’s presence and interaction.
FAQ
What makes the Storyteller[1] build unique in Pathfinder 1E?
The Storyteller[1] excels in weaving narratives into magic. By integrating tales into spells, you enhance the strategic value in battles. Enemies might falter in confusion, giving allies an opening. Unlike raw combat builds, the Storyteller[1] subtly shifts battle dynamics with creativity.
What are the best combat strategies for a Storyteller[1]?
Focus on controlling the battlefield through illusions and enchantments. Use crowd control spells to divide and conquer, mitigating threats efficiently. Employ your versatile spell selection to exploit enemy weaknesses. Supporting teammates with narrative inspired boosts can turn the tide in tricky situations.
Can a Storyteller[1] work well in a diverse party setup?
The Storyteller[1] thrives in varied groups by adapting to complement others’ strengths. Enhance spellcasters and fighters with stirring narratives that boost morale and performance. Your versatile spells can both fill gaps and amplify existing tactics. An apt synergy develops as you harmonize your fables with your allies’ strengths.
What spells should a Storyteller[1] prioritize for versatility?
Select spells that provide control and utility like “Charm Person” and “Silent Image.” Focus on spells offering strategic flexibility, allowing creative intervention in combat. “Hypnotic Pattern” can captivate foes, easing pressure on your party. Put emphasis on narrative-based illusions to mislead and misdirect effectively.
Are there any notable weaknesses of the Storyteller[1] build?
Low physical durability is a notable weakness, needing careful positioning in battles. Limited direct damage output can also be a hindrance against resilient foes. The reliance on spellcasting demands strategic spell management and foresight. Engaging enemies indirectly requires high creativity and adaptability.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Storyteller Build!
Consider trying a Storyteller[1] in your next game, and see if it resonates with your style. Join the conversation on our Discord server and share your thoughts: Stellar Dragons Discord Server.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Medium – Storyteller – Pathfinder 1E ( Storyteller )
Storyteller
When I saw that the Medium had an Archetype called Storyteller, and considering this is a Pathfinder build, I thought to myself “screw this, I am making a Chronicler build. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Medium (Storyteller) 10/Chronicler 10
Race
We are going with a standard human, putting our floating +2 into Charisma
Ability Scores
Put everything in Charisma.
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 18
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 19
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 13/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 20
Traits
Reactionary of course, Varisian Tattoos to get proficiency with the Starknife
Favored Class Bonus
Yep, it is, in fact, your boy: Hit Points.
Skills
Aight, we need Perform(Oratory), Profession(Scribe) and Linguistics. After that, the world’s your oyster, pick whatever you feel like!
Feats by Level
1-Divine Fighting Technique(Way of the Shooting Star)
Human Bonus-Point-Blank Shot
3-Precise Shot
5-Deadly Aim
7-Lingering Performance
9-Improved Initiative
11-Weapon Focus(Starknife)
13-Improved Critical(Starknife)
15-Heavy Armor Proficiency
17-Shield Proficiency
19-Tower Shield Proficiency
We use our Charisma to attack with our Starknife which is nice, and with Precise Shot and Deadly Aim, we deal some actually significant damage with it too. As we get some form of Bardic Performance, Lingering Performance becomes a must. And as our spellcasting is not hindered by armor, we eventually grab shields and heavy armor proficiencies to add to our defenses making us surprisingly resilient.
Spells Learned by Level
1-Detect Magic, Prestidigitation
2-Mage Hand
3-Stabilize
4-Enlarge Person, Reduce Person
5-Bleed, Remove Fear
6-Protection from Evil
7-Read Magic, Haste, Invisibility
8-Bull’s Strength
9-Ventriloquism, Hold Person
10-Fly, Scrying
Equipment
A few Starknives, and the best armor you can get. Eventually pick a Full Plate and Tower Shield for immense AC shenanigans.
Final Thoughts on the Build
We can summon a bunch of ghostly barbarians to mess up our enemies for us, and we get to buff our allies with Not Bardic Performance. We still get our Spirits which are great as usual, and our spell list is full of goodies our party will love. Plus our defenses are solid and we are charismatic enough to act as the party’s face. A surprisingly good build actually.
2. ↑ Occultist – The Chronicler – Pathfinder 1E ( the Chronicler )
The Chronicler
As Lore maniacs, Occultists are bound to be found in libraries. You could say that they puts on sunglasses, devour books for a living 😁
I will let myself out now.
Introducing the Tome Eater Archetype and the Chronicler Prestige Class. Our Leveling should look like the following:
Class
Occultist (Tome Eater) 10/Chronicler 10
Race
Human, this build is going to be feats intensive. Put that floating +2 in Intelligence.
Ability Scores
Round Up Constitution of odd, then everything into Intelligence
15Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 18/Wis 10/Cha 8
20Point-Buy
Str 15/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 19/Wis 10/Cha 8
25Point-Buy
Str 15/Dex 10/Con 13/Int 20/Wis 10/Cha 8
Traits
Pragmatic Activator for Intelligence-Based Use Magic Devices, Reactionary for a boost to our Initiative.
Favored Class Bonus
We will be meleeing a lot so put those into HP would ya?
Skills
Use Magic Devices, Perception and Linguistics are no-brainers, we need to invest 5 points in both Perform(Oratory) and Profession(Scribe). Everything else should go in Spellcraft, and various Knowledges.
Feats by Level
1-Skill Focus(Linguistics)
Human Bonus-Orator
3-Power Attack
5-Improved Initiative
7-Heavy Armor Proficiency
9-Toughness
11-Extra Mental Focus
13-Scribe Scrolls
15-Lingering Performance
17-Combat Expertise
19-Extra Performance
Orator at level one is crazy good for us as it means we start with the Equivalent of Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidation and Linguistics at +7 before our Intelligence Bonus (meaning +11 to +12 by lvl 1 which is immense).
Power Attack makes us a dangerous melee combatant and since Psychic Spellcasting does not require Somatic Component, getting Heavy Armor Proficiency lets us cast spells in Heavy Armor. We gain some Bardic Performance via Pathfinder Chronicler so Lingering Performance and Extra Performance are no-brainers and since we stop accumulating Mental Focus at lvl 10, Extra Mental Focus is great to keep us on track a little longer. As we can feed our Mental Focus by eating Scrolls, getting a steady supply of those via Scribe Scroll is just great.
Implements by Level
1-Transmutation, Divination
2-Abjuration
10-Trapping of the Warrior
Once again, Enhancement to a Physical Stat is bonkers, and the eventual ability to See Invisibility is nothing to sneeze at. Abjuration gives us Resistance to all Saving Throw which is great and Trapping of the Warrior raises our BAB which helps a lot. Conjuration lets our Conjuration spells last longer which is indeed fairly useful.
Focus Powers by Level
1-Sudden Insight, Legacy Weapon, Size Alteration
2-Mind Barrier
3-Aegis
5-Quickness
7-Mind Over Gravity
9-Telekinetic Mastery
10-Combat Trick
Buffing Armor and Weapons, Getting Haste, getting Fly, getting Enlarge Person for large damage, and Telekinesis for battlefield control.
Chronicler
You get Bardic Knowledge, Bardic Performance up to like a Bard of 10th lvl, can perform using not charisma, add a +10 to Linguistics making your Social rolls explode into the damned stratosphere, and eventually summon an army of ghostly barbarians to fight at your side which is epic.
Spells Gained by Level
1-Detect Magic, Mage Hand, Detect Secret Doors, Lead Blade
2-Stabilize, Shield
4-Node of Blasting, Find Traps, Heat Metal
7-Explosive Runes, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, Haste
10-Ghost Sounds, Freedom of Movements, Scrying, Parchment Swarm
Equipment:
A Greatsword and the best armor you can get.
Final Thoughts on the Build
What we lose in spellcasting we gain in Bardic Performance and significantly improved combat abilities. We can stand at the frontline easily with our Heavy Armor and Power Attack, and our spells help our versatility quite a lot, and allow us to trap the battlefield in advance if we can prepare the field to our advantage. We can also replenish our Mental Focus by eating Scrolls which is an extremely funny and yet fairly powerful ability.
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