Wildstrider (Swashbuckler Archetype)
When one thinks of emulating Robin Hood in Pathfinder or other tabletop RPGs, one probably thinks either an ranger or a rogue, either one that can become good with a bow and ambush wealthy nobles from the forest.
With the coming of Errol Flynn and the style of swashbuckling hero that he was well-known for, however, has subtly added a new aspect of the Robin Hood legend, one of the dashing hero engaging in swordsmanship duels wielding a light blade, in addition to their superior archery.
Today’s subject plays to that aspect, representing a swashbuckler that is just as comfortable in the wilds as they are in more civilized lands, and able to take advantage of the terrain.
Aside from altered class skills, this archetype’s primary change is three new deeds for these swashbucklers to perform, the first being one that lets them use the art of being hidden alongside the skillful daring that the class is known for.
The second allows them to make an agile step through uneven terrain easily, giving them a little extra mobility through the brush and uneven footing alike. With a bit of panache, they can take this further, nimbly bounding through such terrain with ease for a few seconds.
Displaying keen perception and extrapolation skill, a wildstrider can use even a glimpse of a foe through mundane concealment to recognize their true position, striking true against them, though they mush maintain panache to do so.
A relatively simple archetype, these swashbucklers give you many of the same advantages that would bring you to the swashbuckler class in the first place, but gives you a few edges that reward you for striking from concealment and maneuver through difficult terrain with ease, giving up only some abilities that provide defense against disarmament and being prone. As such, you’re free to build such a character however you like. A few stealth-focused options couldn’t hurt though.
Whether you also choose to specialize in archery or not, this archetype really does embody the Flynning aspect of the Robin Hood character, though there are plenty of other swashbuckler characters out there for you to emulate as well, letting you emulate any sort of agile wilderness warrior or create your own.
Capitalizing on the romanticized folktails of the common people, a highway bandit has set himself up as Erdrad the Exiled Prince, a noble thief seeking to fight against corrupt nobility and help the common man. However, in truth this is all a smokescreen to mask his true methods, and while it is true that he robs from the rich, it is merely because they are more valuable marks, and he offers no charity to the people.
The Dark Lord’s undead army is on the move, mustering for invasion. In order to combat this, Rennek the duskwalker has gathered a band of warriors that attack from the shadows, masking their presence and waylaying the supply lines of the dead, sabotaging weapons of war, and freeing sacrifices meant for undead hungers.
At the behest of a disguised vilderavn, the kingdom has been driven into ruin by the fey’s poisoned council. While the details are lost on them, a band of swordsmen, the remains of a legion dismissed erroneously just before a major battle, understand that the king’s mind has been overthrown, and have turned to fighting from the stealth of the woods to avoid retaliation.
