Complete Scoundrel

CHAPTER 1Scoundrels ofAll Typesall the ambush feats introduced in Chapter 3 are excellentchoices for a stealthy scoundrel.Best Spells: Although you rarely use spells toaccomplish your missions, you are as unpredictableas any other scoundrel. A high-level wizard, for example,makes a formidable and nigh undetectable stealthyscoundrel.The following spells, particularly the lower-level ones,are vitally important to a spellcasting stealthy scoundrel.However, the ability to cast higher-level spells requires asubstantial commitment to a spellcasting class. Keep inmind that your class choice might prohibit some options.All spells appear in the Player’s Handbook unless otherwisenoted.0—ghost sound: Do not overlook the importance ofdistracting guards with phantom noises.1st—expeditious retreat: You can move only half yourspeed without taking a penalty on Hide and Move Silentlychecks. Why not boost your speed and make that half gofarther?2nd—invisibility: By far the most important spell in astealthy scoundrel’s arsenal, invisibility lets you concentrateon moving soundlessly while remaining comfortablyconcealed behind a veil of magic.3rd—nondetection: Even the stealthiest scoundrel canbe spotted with the aid of magic. This spell helps evenout things a little.4th—greater invisibility: If a little invisibility is good, alot is better. Launch those sneak attacks without fear ofblowing your cover.5th—symbol of sleep: If you fear guards discovering thatyou passed by a certain area, ward it with this excellentnonlethal deterrent.6th—mislead: All the benefits of invisibility plus a built-indistraction.7th—ethereal jaunt: Walls? What walls? The spell alsogrants the benefit of invisibility.8th—greater celerity (PH II): Whether in a desperatefight after being caught or attempting a time-consumingact when time is running low, greater celerity grants youan immediate edge. The drawback (being dazed for around) might mean your doom, however, so use this spellcarefully.9th—etherealness: This spell gives the benefit of etherealjaunt, plus it lasts longer and you can bring backup.Best Multiclass Combination: Spellcasting classescan deliver a vital boost to the capabilities of a stealthyscoundrel, and the wizard excels at the role of stealthyspellcaster. The class’s main strength is flexibility: Awizard can cast a wider variety of spells than a sorcerer,letting you adapt to rapidly changing or worseningconditions. Wizards gain higher-level spells faster thansorcerers as well, so if you merely dabble in wizardry,you need just three class levels to gain the all-importantinvisibility.Best Prestige Classes: Stealth-focused prestige classesabound, from the assassin and shadowdancer in the DungeonMaster’s Guide to the whisperknife from Races of theWild. Any prestige class that focuses on stealth makes anexcellent choice; the difficulty lies not in finding an appropriateprestige class but in finding the one that does exactlywhat you wish to do. In addition to those above, CompleteAdventurer provides the daggerspell mage, dungeon delver,ghost-faced killer, highland stalker, nightsong enforcer,nightsong infiltrator, shadowbane stalker, shadowmind,spymaster, and thief-acrobat. For a slightly differenttake, turn to Complete Warrior’s darkwood stalker orinvisible blade.The avenging executioner, cloaked dancer, and master ofmasks from Chapter 2 all represent a different take on thestealthy scoundrel. Rather than lurking in the shadows,these characters specialize in unexpected strikes madefrom behind a carefully crafted veneer.Variant Options: Clerics with access to the Trickerydomain are surprisingly effective stealthy scoundrels.pqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqrs22Five Feats For Every ScoundrelIn addition to the specific feats in this chapter’s scoundrelarchetype descriptions, a few feats bear mention as goodchoices for all scoundrels. Regardless of your character’s predilection,these feats should be on your short list of options.Dash (Complete Warrior): Every scoundrel has, at one timeor another, found himself 5 feet away from his ideal spot.This feat lets you turn those dreams of perfect position intoreality.Improved Initiative: Winning initiative is crucial, whether toneutralize an enemy before the fight begins or to flee safelyfrom an unwanted battle. This feat can make the differencebetween a quick victory and an ugly defeat.Force of Personality (Complete Adventurer): Ironically,scoundrels share a weakness against enemies that messwith their heads. If you’re sick of your silver-tongued charmerbeing controlled by the DM, this feat (which lets you add yourCharisma modifier instead of your Wisdom modifier to savesagainst mind-affecting spells and abilities) might be what youneed. In the long run, it’s a better option than Iron Will.Open Minded (Complete Adventurer, Expanded PsionicsHandbook): If you’re trying to play a scoundrel with fewerthan 5 or 6 skill points per level, this feat is incredibly useful.Even someone with plenty of skill points can see the value of5 more.Weapon Finesse: Scoundrels aren’t the strongest charactersaround, but good Dexterity scores are pretty common. Thisfeat is an efficient way to boost your melee accuracy.pqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqrs