Article-At-A-Glance
- The Wandering Stranger[1] delves into mastering lost arts through mystical, narrative driven gameplay.
- The guide outlines roleplaying themes centered on amnesia, discovery, and inner conflict.
- Emphasizes skills rediscovery via roleplaying elements, enriching character development.
- Provides strategies for integrating forgotten skills into gameplay to inspire allies.
Click on the level for more information
The Wandering Stranger[1] at level 1 is a Psychic focused on enchantments. With the Samsaran race and the Rebirth discipline, this character maximizes utility with high intelligence. Initially leveraging Dexterity rather than Strength for combat through unarmed strikes inspired by monk abilities. Utilizing Magical Knack and Reactionary traits enhances spellcasting and initiative, ensuring rapid response in encounters.
Level 1 Stat Block
Wandering Stranger: Male, Samsaran Psychic 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (Samsaran); HD 1d6; hp 6; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk unarmed strike +2 (1d6) or none; Full Atk unarmed strike +2 (1d6); SA Memorized spells; SQ Amnesiac spellcasting, Rebirth discipline; AL NG; SV Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Spellcraft +8; Spell Focus (Enchantment).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Unique spellcasting through amnesiac mechanics, enhanced initiative, and spellcasting due to traits.
Possessions:
None.
At level 5, the character is a Psychic with improved unarmed combat abilities and magic augmentations. They excel in using Dexterity to hit with finesse, thanks to Weapon Finesse, and maintains a balance of magical and physical attacks. They harness spells from the Psychic list and are preparing to embrace the martial prowess provided by their future levels. With a focus on Initiative, Spell Focus, and magical ink tattoos, they lay a foundation for mixed combat styles and defensive tactics.
Level 5 Stat Block
Wandering Stranger: Male, Samsaran Psychic 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (Samsaran); HD 5d8; hp 22; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk unarmed strike +5 (1d6+2) or light crossbow +5 (1d8/19-20); Full Atk unarmed strike +5 (1d6+2) or light crossbow +5 (1d8/19-20); SA Phrenic Strike; SQ Rebirth Discipline, Amnesiac, Mystic Past Life; AL neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Craft(Tattoo) +7, Spellcraft +12, Perception +8, Sense Motive +8, Diplomacy +8, Knowledge(Arcana) +12; Spell Focus(Enchantment), Improved Unarmed Strike.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Phrenic Strike allows touch spell delivery with fists dealing monk-like damage, and Rebirth Discipline grants higher spell flexibility.
Possessions:
Magical tattoos, light crossbow, basic adventuring gear.
The Wandering Stranger[1] at level 10 is a peculiar combatant whose strengths lie in versatility with both spells and melee. With a focus on intelligence, this character has a good command of psychic powers while benefiting from the resilience and martial talents derived from Monk and Tattooed Mystic. With defensive techniques such as Evasion and spells like Air Walk, the character navigates battles tactfully. The Amnesiac nature results in a gradually expanding spell list, enhanced by Mystic Past Life and Rebirth Discipline.
Level 10 Stat Block
Wandering Stranger: Male, Samsaran Psychic 6/Tattooed Mystic 4; CR 9; Medium Humanoid (Samsaran); HD 10d8+0; hp 40; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +7; Grp +8; Atk Rapier +9 (1d6+1, 18-20/x2) or Unarmed +9 (1d6+1, x2); Full Atk Rapier +9/+4 (1d6+1, 18-20/x2) or Unarmed +9/+4 (1d6+1, x2); SA Phrenic Amplifications (Relentless Casting, Phrenic Strike); SQ Amnesia (spell learning delays), Samsaran traits, Mystic Tattoos, Evasion; AL Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +9; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Craft (Tattoo) +15, Spellcraft +15, Perception +5, Sense Motive +5, Knowledge (Arcana) +15; Spell Focus (Enchantment), Improved Unarmed Strike, Magic Tattoo, Evasion, Weapon Finesse.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Phrenic Strike for augmented melee spell delivery, Mystic Tattoos enhance spellcasting.
Possessions:
Rapier, Mystic Tattoos, simple monk attire.
This Wandering Stranger build at level 15 combines the Amnesiac Archetype with the Tattooed Mystic and the Esoteric Knight Prestige Classes, along with a Variant Multiclass into Monk. The focus is on maximizing the character’s ability with spells and melee using a combination of Phrenic Amplifications and feats for offensive efficiency and defensive acumen, utilizing a rapier elegantly with Weapon Finesse and Fencing Grace.
Level 15 Stat Block
Wander Stranger: male, Samsaran Psychic 6/Tattooed Mystic 4/Esoteric Knight 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (Samsaran); HD 15d6; hp 52; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +11; Grp +11; Atk +16 rapier (1d6+3/15-20) or +14 unarmed strike (1d6+2); Full Atk +16/+11/+6 rapier (1d6+3/15-20) or +14/+9/+4 unarmed strike (1d6+2); SA Spell-like abilities; SQ Mystic Past Life, Phrenic Amplification, Amnesiac Spellcasting, Ki Pool, Evasion; AL CG; SV Fort +5, Ref +11, Will +14; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Craft (Tattoo) +18, Spellcraft +20, Perception +10, Sense Motive +10, Diplomacy +10, Knowledge (Arcana) +20; Spell Focus (Enchantment), Improved Unarmed Strike, Magic Tattoo, Evasion, Weapon Finesse, Ki Pool, Weapon Focus (Rapier), Fencing Grace, Dirty Fighting, Dodge Bonus, Improved Trip, Combat Casting, Improved Initiative, Spell Penetration, Improved Evasion, Improved Critical (Rapier), Empath.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Relentless Casting allows additional spell potency; Phrenic Strike enables touch spells through strikes; Mystic Tattoos grant additional spell effects like Twisting Script and Rune of Fangs.
Possessions:
Masterwork rapier, Mystic Tattoos, basic clothing.
At level 20, this Wandering Stranger build combines psychic spellcasting with martial prowess. Using a blend of spells from the Amnesiac archetype and martial skills of the Esoteric Knight, supported by Monk and Tattooed Mystic components, the character wields a rapier with both agility and grace, benefiting from Weapon Finesse and Fencing Grace. High dexterity allows for effective unarmed combat and excellent evasion capabilities. He utilizes Mystic Tattoos for additional magical benefits and incorporates his entire spell list as a strategic tool, capping at 7th level spells.
Level 20 Stat Block
Wandering Stranger: male, Samsaran Psychic 6/Tattooed Mystic 4/Esoteric Knight 10/Monk; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Samsaran); HD 6d6 + 4d6 + 10d10; hp 100; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 17, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +15/+10/+5; Grp +20; Atk Rapier +25 (1d8+5/18-20) or Unarmed Strike +23 (1d10+4); Full Atk Rapier +25/+20/+15 (1d8+5/18-20) or Unarmed Strike +23/+18/+13 (1d10+4); SA Phrenic amplifications, unarmed strike, ki pool, mystic tattoos; SQ Rebirth discipline, Esoteric Knight abilities, Amnesiac Archetype; AL NG; SV Fort +12, Ref +14, Will +19; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Craft (Tattoo) +20, Spellcraft +25, Perception +20, Sense Motive +18, Diplomacy +18, Knowledge (Arcana) +23; Spell Focus (Enchantment), Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Finesse, Fencing Grace, Magic Tattoo, Combat Casting, Spell Penetration, Empath, Evasion, Improved Evasion.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Relentless Casting, Phrenic Strike, Air Walk, Mind Connection, Improved Critical (Rapier).
Possessions:
+3 Rapier, Mystic Tattoos (Twisting Script and Rune of Fangs), Adventurer’s gear, Monk’s Robe, Gloves of Dexterity +4.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: At the start, focus on developing core psychic abilities while establishing your unarmed combat proficiency. Key feats like Spell Focus (Enchantment) and Improved Unarmed Strike enable spellcasting and combat flexibility.
- Levels 6-10: Transition to a tattooed mystic, gaining new magical skills and bolstering your casting power. Develop vital skills, like Craft (Tattoo), and choose traits like Magical Knack to enhance your caster level.
- Levels 11-15: Achieve Esoteric Knight prestige, boosting martial prowess with rapier skills using Weapon Finesse and Fencing Grace. Defensive capabilities are enhanced by improved Evasion and Dodge bonuses.
- Levels 16-20: Master complex spell combinations with Empath and Spell Penetration feats, while achieving significant magic through Phrenic Amplifications. Finalize your character’s transformation by wielding a deadly rapier with ease.
Core Abilities & Features
The Psychic known as the Wandering Stranger[1] is a complex tapestry of abilities and features woven to craft a tale of mystery and power. At its core, the build employs the Amnesiac Archetype, lending the character an intriguing twist of magical forgetfulness. This is not merely a handicap; it serves as the foundation for growth, allowing the character to discover spells anew throughout their journey.
The choice of Samsaran race with the Mystic Past Life Alternate Racial Feature enriches the character with a backstory that enhances its spell repertoire. This feature allows the character to delve into spells usually outside the Psychic spell list, offering adaptability and a wealth of mystical options. As a Psychic specializing in Rebirth Discipline, the character evolves further, gaining unique insights into life and sorcery.
Strategically, the Tattooed Mystic and Esoteric Knight prestige classes transform this character into a potent force. The Craft(Tattoo) skill is vital here, as it powers the Tattooed Mystic’s capabilities. Alongside, the synergy between Fencing Grace and Weapon Finesse enables the character to dance through battles with finesse, particularly with a rapier in hand. Defensively, the archetype gains from Evasion and a Dodge Bonus to AC, turning the character into a nimble, unpredictable combatant.
Phrenic Amplifications like Relentless Casting and Phrenic Strike allow for creative and powerful engagements in combat. These ensure the Psychic can leverage touch spells effectively through their unarmed strikes, causing opponents to rethink their approach. This build is a grand odyssey of combat and magic, as spells peak at 7th-level, balancing martial prowess with a wizard’s flexibility.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Fists Wraps | Optimizes your unarmed strikes early game, increasing your combat potential. |
| L6-10 | +1 Rapier | Provides an enhancement bonus, making your attacks with finesse more effective. |
| L11-15 | Amulet of Mighty Fists +2 | Enhances unarmed strike as it progresses into a significant combat focus. |
| L16-20 | Ring of Protection +3 | Increases your AC via deflection bonus, essential for higher-level survivability. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight, dark spaces, rely on Perception and Sense Motive to anticipate threats. Use Evasion and Defensive abilities to keep out of harm’s way. Deliver touch spells with your fists for quick takedowns, and utilize spells that enhance your senses and mobility, like Air Walk, to move through dungeons efficiently.
- Open Fields:
- Maximize your mobility advantage. Use spells to control the battlefield like summoning terrain obstacles through Earth-related Magic from Mystic Past Life. Use Weapon Finesse and Fencing Grace with the rapier to disarm or disable foes from a distance.
- Ambushes:
- Use Improved Initiative and Reactionary Trait to act swiftly. Your hands can deliver spells at touch range, striking first with effective unarmed attacks. Guard against being caught off-guard using spells that detect hidden enemies. Be ready to switch between unarmed combat and the rapier based on the threat level.
- Defensive Stands:
- With Ki Pool and Improved Evasion at your disposal, be an unbreakable defensive force. Use spells such as Mind Connection and Empath to coordinate with allies and anticipate enemy moves. Hold the front line, ensuring even as you defend, you are prepared to counter with spells and strike back.
- Urban Encounters:
- In close quarters, leverage your charm with Knowledge (Arcana) and Diplomatic skills to avoid unnecessary conflict. If combat ensues, use the advantage of maneuverability in tight spaces. Maintain vigilance on urban threats with Perception and ensure your tattoos are visible when you unleash Mystic Tattoos like Twisting Script for intimidation or distraction.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Hit Points (HP) | Select HP as the favored class bonus. Consider the “Belt of Mighty Constitution” (+2 to Constitution for additional HP). |
| Delayed Spellcasting Progression | Phrenic Amplifications like “Relentless Casting” and traits like “Magical Knack” help mitigate this. |
| Amnesiac Spell Learning (Learn spells several levels behind) | Leverage “Mystic Past Life” to access a wider spell selection. Prepare multiple low-level spells for versatility. |
| Limited Damage Output | “Magic Tattoo” feat increases offensive capability. Use “Rune of Fangs” mystic tattoo to bolster damage. |
| Weak Against Charm and Mind Control | “Iron Will” feat grants a bonus to Will saves. Equip “Cloak of Resistance” for additional overall save bonuses. |
Roleplaying
The Wandering Stranger[1] embodies the essence of mystery and forgotten pasts. As a Samsaran gripped by amnesia, you wander through lands with fragmented memories. This dynamic can shape intriguing interactions with NPCs. The allure of forgotten skills and the drive to uncover the truths of your past should guide your conversations.
In towns, portray curiosity mingled with a sense of déjà vu. Use your ‘Mystic Past Life’ trait as a basis to connect experiences in the present with those long forgotten. When roleplaying, focus on themes of rebirth and the pursuit of self-discovery, anchoring your character’s motivations in uncovering the lost arcane knowledge from your Rebirth discipline.
Opportunities & Themes
The thematic richness of unlocking forgotten potential is an appealing aspect. This can be paralleled in your spells, slowly rediscovering and mastering long-lost arcane arts as your levels progress. Each rediscovered spell is not just an addition to your arsenal, but a fragment of your remembered identity.
Engaging with this trope means embracing contradictions inherent in the Wandering Stranger[1]. You are a scholar and a warrior, seeking inner peace while battling external threats. Guide narratives around themes of exploration, inner conflict, and redemption. As you narrate your actions, allow moments of regained clarity to punctuate encounters, inspiring allies and sowing confusion among foes.
FAQ
How can I effectively roleplay a Wandering Stranger?
Embrace the mystery and amnesia in your character. Engage NPCs with curiosity and cautious optimism. Use the ‘Mystic Past Life’ trait to connect with past experiences. Focus on themes like rebirth, exploration, and mysterious forgotten skills. Emphasize your journey of rediscovery, and let your actions reflect inner conflict. Your rediscovering memories should guide interactions and enhance narrative intrigue.
Which spells best suit the Wandering Stranger[1]?
Select spells that align with forgotten and rediscovered arcane themes. ‘Mind Thrust’ and ‘Clairaudience/Clairvoyance’ are great for offensive and exploration. ‘Psychic Surgery’ aids in memory retrieval, echoing reconstructing your lost past. A balanced mix of utility, offense, and defense will support evolving tactics as memories return.
What party roles complement a Wandering Stranger?
Pair well with frontline fighters and supportive spellcasters. Allies like Paladins offer frontline protection, while Wizards bolster magical strength. Healers are crucial, as you may need support in tougher battles. Close teamwork can enhance your rediscovery subplot, adding depth to party interactions.
How does Forgotten Knowledge affect gameplay for a Wandering Stranger?
It allows access to additional class skills and exotic knowledge. Skills can surprise foes and supplement your allies’ abilities. Diversify skillsets to handle more scenarios effectively. This constant unfolding of forgotten skills enriches your character arc, enhancing the gameplay experience.
What should I consider when creating a backstory for a Wandering Stranger?
Dive into the mystery of their amnesia and past life revelations. Design a foundational mystery for gradual unfolding. Consider ties to ancient lineages or lost civilizations. Intrigue your DM with motives that drive interactions and quest decisions. These can dramatically shape campaigns.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Wandering Stranger!
Try playing as a Wandering Stranger in your next game! Do you think the Wandering Stranger[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the conversation at the Stellar Dragons Discord: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Psychic – The Wandering Stranger – Pathfinder 1E ( The Wandering Stranger )
The Wandering Stranger
One very interesting character trope is that of the mysterious traveler with an obscure past, who can’t seem to even remember who he is. Turns out that the Psychic has an Archetype that plays heavily into that trope. We will take the Amnesiac Archetype, and both the Tattooed Mystic and the Esoteric Knight Prestige Classes. We will also be taking the Variant Multiclass into Monk. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Psychic 6/Tattooed Mystic 4/Esoteric Knight 10//Monk
Discipline
Rebirth
Race
Samsaran with the Mystic Past Life Alternate Racial Feature.
Ability Scores
Put everything in Int
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 14/Con 10/Int 18/Wis 10/Cha 10 20Point-Buy
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 14/Con 10/Int 18/Wis 10/Cha 14
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 10/Int 18/Wis 10/Cha 14
Traits
Magical Knack as this will help us regain some of our loss Caster Level, and Reactionary for better Initiative.
Favored Class Bonus
HP. We literally have the smallest HD and a 10 in Con. HP.
Skills
We need Craft(Tattoo) and Spellcraft, but the rest is open. I would recommend Perception, Sense Motive, Diplomacy, and Knowledge(Arcana).
Feats and Variant Multiclass by Level
1-Spell Focus(Enchantment)
3-Improved Unarmed Strike(like a monk-2)
5-Magic Tattoo
7-Evasion
9-Weapon Finesse
11-Ki Pool
Esoterica 11-Weapon Focus(Rapier)
13-Fencing Grace
Esoterica 13-Dirty Fighting
15-+3 Dodge Bonus to AC Esoterica
15-Improved Trip Esoterica
16-Combat Casting
17-Improved Initiative
Esoterica 17-Improved Disarm Esoterica
18-Spell Penetration
19-Improved Evasion
Esoterica 19-Improved Critical(Rapier) Esoterica
20-Empath
Early on we can use our fists with Dexterity for added limited combat viability, but eventually as we become proficient with martial weapons, we pick up our rapier and become fairly deadly with it between Weapon Finesse and Fencing Grace. We otherwise get some good defensive abilities in Evasion and our Dodge Bonus to AC.
Phrenic Amplifications
1-Relentless Casting
3-Phrenic Strike
Yay now we can hit people in the face with our fists to deliver touch spells. And our fists deal damage like a monk of our total level-2 so…outch.
Spells Learned by Level
Because we are an Amnesiac, it gets complicated as you only learn spells with several levels behind on top of the multiclass. You otherwise know essentially all the Psychic’s Spell List, plus those gained by Mystic Past Life and from your Rebirth Discipline.
Mystic Tattoos
8-Twisting Script
10-Rune of Fangs
Psychic Esoterica
12-Air Walk
14-Mind Connection
Equipment
Nothing early on. Eventually we will pick a Rapier.
Final Thought
This build is a wholeass journey. You begin knowing nothing, not even your spells, but as you progress, you learn your finalized spell known, the signification of your tattoos, the fact that you know how to fight both unarmed and armed with a blade and even armor if you so choose, as well as you keep improving your spellcasting to a not-insignificant height (you cap with 7th level spells which is still extremely good all things considered).
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