Article-At-A-Glance
- Transform the Cryptid[1] with Slayer and Druid abilities, combining combat power and shapeshifting magic.
- Strategic progression enhances intimidation, sneak attacks, and terrain mastery tactics.
- Diverse equipment choice boosts defense, speed, and physical prowess across levels.
- Roleplaying intertwines themes of transformation, secrecy, and adaptability in social encounters.
Click on the level for more information
This level 1 character is a promising Slayer (Bloody Jake) with a focus on raw melee power and natural attacks. The character aims to start as a Deep One Hybrid post-transformation for amazing stat bonuses. The character’s racing towards a ferocious battlefield presence is clear with a strategic use of Power Attack for added melee damage. The adopted trait aids in gaining a Bite attack early, bolstering combat efficacy along with natural attack damage from Heavy Hitter.
Level 1 Stat Block
Cryptid: male, Deep One Hybrid (pre-transformation) Slayer 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (aquatic); HD 1d10; hp 10; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk longsword +4 melee (1d8+4/19-20) or Bite +4 melee (1d6+4); Full Atk longsword +4 melee (1d8+4/19-20) and Bite +4 melee (1d6+4); SA Power Attack; SQ Scent, darkvision 60 ft., natural swimmer, amphibious; AL CE; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Acrobatics +0, Stealth +0, Intimidate +6, Perception +3, Knowledge (Local) +4; Power Attack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
As a Bloody Jake archetype, a delayed Studied Strike and Ranger Combat Style: Intimidating Prowess.
Possessions:
Longsword, basic adventurer’s kit, armor.
This build at level 5 mixes the Slayer ‘Bloody Jake’ archetype with Druid to create a menacing and intimidating character. At level 5, the focus is on leveraging Dexterity bonuses, a suite of fear inducing feats, and Slayer talents to manipulate the battlefield. The Bloody Jake abilities help cripple opponents in favored terrains while Druid spells support stealth and mobility. The animal companion adds versatility and tag team potential in combat.
Level 5 Stat Block
Cryptid: male, Deep One Hybrid Slayer (Bloody Jake) 4/Druid (Skinshaper) 1; CR 5; Medium humanoid (shapechanger, deep one); HD 4d10+1d8+10; hp 42; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +4; Grp +7; Atk Claw +7 (1d6+5) or Bite +7 (1d6+5); Full Atk 2 Claws +7 (1d6+5), Bite +7 (1d6+5); SA Cornugon Smash, Soulless Gaze; SQ Favored Class Bonus (hp), Lose Your Way, Skinwalker transformation, animal companion; AL CE; SV Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +7; Str 20, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Acrobatics +8, Stealth +8, Intimidate +12, Perception +11, Survival +11, Knowledge (Local) +8; Power Attack, Intimidating Prowess, Cornugon Smash, Mask of Virtue, Soulless Gaze.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Cornugon Smash allows Intimidate checks against an opponent on Power Attack hits; Soulless Gaze and Shatter Defenses make frightened enemies flat-footed.
Possessions:
Standard adventuring gear, basic armor, and weapons.
This build at level 10 leverages the Shaken condition to render enemies flat-footed using Cornugon Smash, Soulless Gaze, and Shatter Defenses. With powerful melee capabilities, the combination of Bloody Jake’s talents and Skinshaper Druid spells offer a unique playstyle. The character is grounded in physical prowess with intimidating abilities, plus a companion wolf for additional tactical utility.
Level 10 Stat Block
Cryptid: male, Deep One Hybrid Slayer (Bloody Jake) 5/Druid (Skinshaper) 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (aquatic); HD 5d10+5d8; hp 87; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +7; Grp +9; Atk Bite +13 melee (1d6+8) or Claw +11 melee (1d8+8); Full Atk Bite +13 melee (1d6+8), Claw +11 melee (1d8+8), Claw +11 melee (1d8+8); SA Cornugon Smash, Soulless Gaze, Shatter Defenses; SQ Skinshaper transformation, Favored Terrain bonuses; AL CN; SV Fort +12, Ref +5, Will +10; Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Acrobatics +2, Stealth +8, Intimidate +15, Perception +12, Survival +12, Knowledge (Local) +5; Power Attack, Intimidating Prowess, Mask of Virtue, Soulless Gaze.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Cornugon Smash allows intimidating enemies with power attacks, Soulless Gaze enhances intimidation effects, Shatter Defenses exploits shaken foes for sneak attacks.
Possessions:
None specified but prioritize items enhancing intimidation and stealth.
The Cryptid[1] at level 15 focuses on utilizing intimidation and stealth, enhanced by Bloody Jake and Skinshaper abilities. The character capitalizes on causing fear with Cornugon Smash and Soulless Gaze, while leveraging both natural and enhanced forms for versatility. Druid abilities supplement combat tactics with spells for stealth and deception.
Level 15 Stat Block
Cryptid: male, Deep One Hybrid Slayer (Bloody Jake) 9/Druid (Skinshaper) 7; CR 15; Medium humanoid (aquatic); HD 15d10+45; hp 145; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +11; Grp +19; Atk Bite +19 (1d6+8) or Claw +19 (1d6+8); Full Atk Bite +19 (1d6+8) and 2 Claws +19 (1d6+8); SA Power Attack, Cornugon Smash, Dreadful Carnage; SQ Lose your Way, Something’s Not Right, The Woods have Eyes, Tree Stride, Humanoid Form, Animal Companion; AL CN; SV Fort +13, Ref +9, Will +11; Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Acrobatics +15, Stealth +20, Intimidate +28, Perception +18, Survival +18, Knowledge (Local) +10; Power Attack, Intimidating Prowess, Mask of Virtue, Soulless Gaze, Cornugon Smash, Weapon Focus (Claws), Dazzling Display, Sadistic Snare, Shatter Defenses, Furious Focus, Dreadful Carnage, Multiattack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Cornugon Smash to intimidate with Power Attack, Soulless Gaze increases fear effects, Dreadful Carnage to intimidate after reducing an enemy to 0 hp, Something’s Not Right providing enemies shaken in 30ft.
Possessions:
Masterwork hide armor, Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds x3, Cloak of Resistance +3.
The Cryptid[1] build at level 20 is a combination of a Slayer and Druid with an archetype focus resulting in a monster-like character adept at intimidation and stealth. The character excels in causing enemies to be panicked and flat-footed through a series of strategic attacks while retaining significant defensive capabilities and adaptability to various terrains. By transforming into a Deep One Hybrid, the character gains substantial ability bonuses that complement the unique talents obtained from the Bloody Jake archetype, such as Tree Stride and Ventriloquism, making it a versatile and formidable threat.
Level 20 Stat Block
Cryptid: male, Deep One Hybrid Slayer 13/Druid 7; CR 20; Medium humanoid (aquatic); HD 13d10+7d8+80; hp 200; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 24, touch 14, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +17; Grp +20; Atk Claw +23 (1d6+6) or Bite +23 (1d8+6); Full Atk 2 Claws +23 (1d6+6) and Bite +21 (1d8+6); SA Studied Target, Sneak Attack +5d6, Cornugon Smash, Shatter Defenses; SQ Favored Terrain (forest), Animal Companion (Wolf), Ventriloquism, Tree Stride, Skinshape, Tusked; AL CN; SV Fort +16, Ref +11, Will +12; Str 24, Dex 10, Con 22, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Acrobatics +16, Stealth +16, Intimidate +23, Perception +20, Survival +18, Knowledge(Local) +15; Power Attack, Intimidating Prowess, Mask of Virtue, Soulless Gaze, Cornugon Smash, Weapon Focus (Claws), Dazzling Display, Sadistic Snare, Learn Ranger Trap, Shatter Defenses, Furious Focus, Dreadful Carnage, Multiattack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
With Soulless Gaze and Cornugon Smash, the character causes enemies to become panicked. Uses Shatter Defenses to make enemies flat-footed for sneak attacks. Ventriloquism and Tree Stride allow deception and fast movement within favored terrain.
Possessions:
Minimal required, as focus is on natural attacks and druidic spells for camouflage and stealth enhancement.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Start strong with Power Attack and Ranger Combat Style for enhanced combat prowess. Focus on building your Dexterity. Engage with nearby allies to learn Mask of Virtue as you blend into the shadows of society.
- Levels 6-10: Continue honing your skills with Soulless Gaze and Cornugon Smash. Aim to transform into the Deep One Hybrid and take on humanoid shape; gradually step into humanoid settlements through the use of your Skinshaper Druid abilities.
- Levels 11-15: Unlock dazzling displays of intimidation and execute foes with Shatter Defenses. Learn advanced ranger traps. By now, your interactions with your animal companion heighten, leveraging their size and abilities to overpower your enemies. Engage enemies efficiently using Sadistic Snare.
- Levels 16-20: Master the art of intimidation with Dreadful Carnage, solidifying your reputation as a terrifying figure. Evolve further by implementing Multiattack strategies. Utilize your mastery over terrain to exploit enemies’ weaknesses, culminating in blindsense capabilities with ‘The Woods Have Eyes’.
Core Abilities & Features
The Cryptid[1] ingeniously combines the Slayer class’s lethal expertise with the Druid’s transformation prowess in Pathfinder 1E. The essential backbone of this build lies in its specific class progression and the synergistic advantages each archetype provides. Starting with Slayer (Bloody Jake) for potent combat power, it strategically integrates Druid (Skinshaper) for transformative capabilities, and then returns to Slayer to maximize damage output and strategic engagement.
As a Deep One Hybrid post transformation, this build exploits increased ability scores to heighten combat effectiveness. The core ability structure prioritizes Strength, to achieve a bound warrior able to deliver devastating attacks. Dexterity comes into play for finesse, ensuring precise strikes, while Constitution bolsters endurance in prolonged engagements. The unique Druid transformation augments their combat by allowing a humanoid appearance, strategic for infiltrating or negotiating when a monstrous form would hinder conversation.
The tactical core of this build revolves around potent abilities like Cornugon Smash and Soulless Gaze, which inflict fear and incapacitate foes through panic and flat-footedness via Shatter Defenses. This synergy facilitates crippling foes in a skirmish, where the build’s sneak attack potential shines. Complementing this is Slayer Talents adapted from the Bloody Jake archetype. Abilities like ‘Lose Your Way’ disorient enemies in your favored terrain, while ‘Something’s Not Right’ creates an aura of dread without a saving throw. For navigation and surprise tactics, ‘The Woods have Eyes’ provides invaluable Blindsense, further ensuring this build’s dominance over its terrain and enhancing its menace on the battlefield.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Studded Leather Armor | Light armor providing good mobility and decent protection. Great for maintaining high Dexterity bonuses and ensuring stealth capabilities during this level range. |
| L6-10 | Amulet of Natural Armor +1 | Offers an enhancement bonus to our Natural Armor, increasing survivability as we begin engaging stronger foes. |
| L11-15 | Cloak of Resistance +3 | Crucial for boosting saving throws against spells and environmental effects, offering more protection as battles become increasingly perilous. |
| L16-20 | Greater Belt of Physical Might +4 | Significant boost to both Strength and Dexterity, synergizing with our combat skills and enhancing our overall combat effectiveness. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight corridors, use the Cryptid[1]’s Stealth and Blind Sense alongside the Wolf companion to scout. Set up traps using Sadistic Snare. Engage foes unexpectedly with Cornugon Smash for panic, using your environment to isolate them.
- Open Fields:
- Use Tree Stride to ambush unsuspecting enemies from afar. The Wolf companion spreads out, creating a pincer attack. Exploit terrain for cover and keep foes too panicked to reform, leveraging Shatter Defenses and Dreadful Carnage in the open.
- Ambushes:
- Maximize Surprise with Stealth and Intimidate. Lead with Dazzling Display to lower enemy morale. Your initial assault can make opponents flat-footed, ensuring Sneak Attack benefits. Utilize Cornugon Smash and Dreadful Carnage to debilitate swiftly.
- Defensive Stands:
- Hold key positions with intimidation tactics like Soulless Gaze. Employ druid spells to control the battlefield (e.g., Entangle). Use Tactical retreats with Tree Stride, striking when advantageous, keeping enemies disoriented with Lose Your Way.
- Urban Encounters:
- Blend into civilian areas using human form from Skinshaper abilities. Initiate combat with Dazzling Display in crowded spaces to disorient. Lead enemies where traps and ambushes from Sadistic Snare can be most effective, sowing chaos.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Dependence on Druid Spells for Stealth | Equip a Ring of Invisibility to grant invisibility for effective stealth without solely relying on spells. |
| Limited Combat Power without Full Beast Form | Use ‘Potion of Bull’s Strength’ to temporarily boost Strength in critical situations. |
| Heavy Reliance on Favored Terrain | Choose versatile terrains like Urban and Forest, common in many campaign settings. |
| Large Size Companions can be Cumbersome | Tactically position companions using ‘Scroll of Longstrider’ to increase speed and reposition efficiently. |
| Need for High Dexterity | Equip Gloves of Dexterity to boost dexterity which is crucial for attacks and reflexes. |
Roleplaying
Embrace the dual nature of your Cryptid Slayer. As a Deep One Hybrid, straddling the line between humans and the mysterious depths brings unique storytelling avenues. Use this dichotomy to fuel tension in social encounters. Imagine approaching a bustling market; the tension of hiding your monstrous nature adds depth and conflict.
Your alignment with nature as a Skinshaper Druid offers themes of transformation and adaptability. Lean into your ability to pass as human, using it as both an advantage and a source of internal conflict. As you navigate humanoid interactions, maintain a cautious distance, knowing your true form lurks beneath the surface. This hidden aspect encourages a narrative of secrecy and self-discovery.
FAQ
What makes a Cryptid build unique in Pathfinder 1E?
The Cryptid[1] combines the Slayer’s martial skills with Druid’s transformation. Its unique feature is becoming a Deep One Hybrid. This form boosts abilities, enhancing combat potential significantly. The blend allows strategic infiltration using humanoid disguise. This versatility makes it exceptional in both battle and role-play scenarios.
How does the Cryptid[1] handle stealth challenges effectively?
Cryptid excels with Slayer Talents and transformation magic. Use ‘Ring of Invisibility’ for enhanced stealth. Abilities like ‘Lose Your Way’ contribute to stealth in favored terrains. This build also transforms into humans, reducing detection risks substantially.
How can The Cryptid[1] exploit terrain in combat scenarios?
‘The Woods Have Eyes’ grants Blindsense, aiding in forest terrains. Use ‘Lose Your Way’ to disorient enemies in familiar ground. Skills like ‘Tree Stride’ enable surprise ambushes in wooded areas. Select terrains like Urban and Forest where you shine.
Can Cryptid fit into non combat situations?
The humanoid transformation enables social engagements better. Cryptid uses diplomacy, gathering intelligence efficiently. Count on strategic fraud during complex narratives. Its dual nature creates narrative tension, making stories vibrant and rich.
How does the dual nature affect roleplaying with the Cryptid[1]?
Balancing human facade and monstrous identity adds depth. Explore themes of identity powerfully in social scenes. This duality challenges Cryptid’s role as a hero or villain. Each social encounter offers tension, enriching the storytelling experience.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Cryptid!
Imagine unleashing destructive combat and solid roleplaying together. Do you think the Cryptid[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Share your thoughts with us on the Stellar Dragons Discord! Join us at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7 for more thrilling discussions.
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Slayer – The Cryptid – Pathfinder 1E ( the Cryptid )
The Cryptid
Yeah, I had to, what do you want from me?
There’s an entire Slayer Archetype running that idea called Bloody Jake and I was damn well gonna make a build about it. Multiclass in Druid with the Skinshaper Archetype to become a Skinwalker…ish.
Our Leveling should look like the Following:
Class
Slayer (Bloody Jake) 4/Druid (Skinshaper) 7/Slayer (Bloody Jake) +9
Race
We are going for Deep One Hybrid post Transformation because we want to be a monster that will be able to take human shape by lvl 8. Before that we are avoiding humanoid settlements. Post transformation Deep One Hybrids have stupid stats bonus as you will soon see.
Ability Scores
Put all your increases in Dexterity
15Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 10/Con 16/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 14
20Point-Buy
Str 20/Dex 10/Con 16/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 14
25Point-Buy
Str 22/Dex 10/Con 16/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 14
Traits
Adopted to get Tusked for a Bite Attack, Heavy Hitter for better natural attacks damage.
Favored Class Bonus
Straight into HP.
Skills
Acrobatics, Stealth, Intimidate, Perception, Survival and Knowledge(Local).
Feats by Level
1-Power Attack
Ranger Combat Style-Intimidating Prowess
3-Mask of Virtue
5-Soulless Gaze
7-Cornugon Smash
9-Weapon Focus(Claws)
11-Dazzling Display
Sadistic Snare
13-Learn Ranger Trap
13-Shatter Defenses
15-Furious Focus
17-Dreadful Carnage
19-Multiattack
Power Attack feeds our Cornugon Smash which itself feeds Soulless Gaze, making it so that whenever we do a full attack action on someone, we can make them Panicked and flatfooted via Shatter Defenses. Dreadful Carnage doubles down on this.
Slayer Talents by Level
2-Ranger Combat Style
4-Lose your Way
13-Sadistic Snare
15-Something’s Not Right
17-Aligned Sneak Attack
19-The Woods have Eyes
We replaced most of our Talents by Bloody Jake features, Lose your Way give extreme penalties to targets in our Favored Terrain to orient themselves, Something’s Not Right lets us make enemies in a 30ft radius shaken with no saving throw, and The Woods have Eyes give us Blindsense while in our Favored Terrains.
Bloody Jake
Beyond the abilities replacing our Slayer Talents earlier, we gain a delayed Studied Strike in exchange to be able to use Ventriloquism as per our Cruel Tricks plus the ability to Tree Stride while in our Favored Terrain. Just pick Forests and make sure your local haunt is within 10 miles of the sea for your Deep Sea Hybrid flaw, or have a friend with Restoration. Or cast it yourself, you have Druid Levels.
Skinshaper Druid
So we forfeit our Wild Shape to be able to take humanoid forms instead, letting us pass as human for a few hours each day, more than enough to deal with our businesses. Eventually with two uses, we can stay in our human form 14 hours each day which is plenty enough at this point. We also gain an animal companion of some sort to flank with. Just take a Wolf and give it Power Attack and Dirty Trick. It will become Large Sized too which is very nice!
Equipment
You more or less need nothing, so go ham I guess
Final Thoughts on the Build
If only we could have taken some levels in Antipaladin this build would have been a strong contender for the best Intimidancer build in Pathfinder. Even without it we can send enemies cowering very, very rapidly via a mix of Something’s Not Right, a Full Attack Action, Soulless Gaze and Cornugon Smash. Plus enemies shaken are flat footed via Shatter Defenses, allowing us Sneak Attack damage. Add some ridiculously good stats and Druid spells to booth for Camouflage and help our Stealth and we are a terror to behold.
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