Pathfinder 2nd Edition’s Investigator class uniquely replicates detective archetypes, excelling in social encounters and mystery-solving through lead pursuit and advanced alchemy.
The Investigator, a class exclusive to Pathfinder, distinguishes itself from Dungeons & Dragons archetypes, focusing intently on Intelligence-based problem-solving. Unlike classes prioritizing martial prowess, Investigators thrive on deduction, utilizing skills and advanced alchemy to unravel mysteries.
They excel in social interactions, gathering clues, and pursuing leads – a core mechanic defining their gameplay. This class is designed for players who enjoy a cerebral approach, favoring investigation over direct confrontation, though they can contribute effectively in combat.
Core Class Features
Investigators gain immediate access to “Pursue a Lead,” enabling focused investigation and clue gathering. Advanced Alchemy is central, offering potent item creation beyond the typical alchemist’s scope. Skill versatility is paramount, with proficiencies supporting investigative endeavors;
Their role blends Scout and Striker capabilities, akin to the Rogue, but heavily reliant on Intelligence. This allows for unique build options, emphasizing skill checks and strategic thinking over raw physical power, making them invaluable in complex scenarios.
Ancestry Synergies for Investigators
Investigators benefit greatly from ancestries boosting Intelligence, their key ability. Those enhancing skill versatility are also advantageous, maximizing investigative potential. Certain ancestries naturally complement the class’s focus on deduction and knowledge.
Selecting an ancestry that aligns with the desired Investigator specialization—be it paranormal, forensic, or another methodology—can further optimize the build. Careful ancestry choice is crucial for a truly effective and thematic Investigator.
Best Ancestries for Intelligence Focus
Gnomes, with their inherent Intelligence bonus, are a strong choice for Investigators, bolstering crucial skills. Humans offer versatility and a boost to all abilities, including Intelligence. Tieflings, while often associated with Charisma, can also benefit Investigators with an Intelligence increase.
Consider Kobolds for their unique traits and potential Intelligence focus. These ancestries provide a solid foundation for maximizing an Investigator’s deductive capabilities and skill proficiency.
Ancestries Enhancing Skill Versatility
Halflings offer skill boosts and a nimble nature, aiding an Investigator’s scouting and social interactions. Elves, particularly those focused on lore, provide skill proficiencies valuable for investigation. Dwarves, surprisingly, can excel with their focus on knowledge and perception.
Catfolk grant agility and perception skills, while Orcs, with careful build choices, can surprisingly enhance investigative prowess. These ancestries broaden an Investigator’s skillset.
Investigator Specializations (Methodologies)
Pathfinder 2e Investigators define their approach through Methodologies. The Paranormal Detective focuses on supernatural mysteries, utilizing occult knowledge and deduction. The Judicious Bursar excels in financial investigations and uncovering conspiracies through wealth and influence.
Other options include the Shipwreck Salvager, Archaic Archaeologist, and Cryptic Cryptozoologist, each offering unique skills and investigative angles. Methodologies shape an Investigator’s playstyle and expertise.
Paranormal Detective Methodology
The Paranormal Detective Methodology centers on unraveling supernatural mysteries. Investigators specializing in this area gain access to occult knowledge and skills, allowing them to identify and counteract otherworldly threats. This path emphasizes deduction related to ghosts, spirits, and strange phenomena.
It’s ideal for campaigns featuring hauntings, curses, or planar incursions, providing unique tools for investigating the unexplained and protecting the world from paranormal dangers.
Judicious Bursar Methodology
The Judicious Bursar Methodology focuses on financial investigation and uncovering conspiracies through economic means. This specialization allows Investigators to expertly analyze ledgers, track assets, and expose corruption within organizations. It’s a path for those who believe the root of many evils lies in wealth and power.
Perfect for urban campaigns involving trade guilds, noble houses, or criminal enterprises, offering unique insights into motives and hidden agendas.
Skills and Skill Feats
Investigators thrive on a robust skillset. Essential skills include Diplomacy, Society, Perception, and of course, Investigation itself. These allow for effective information gathering, social maneuvering, and discerning crucial details. Skill feats are vital for enhancing these abilities.
Focusing on feats that boost skill checks, grant additional actions during investigations, or provide access to specialized knowledge will significantly improve an Investigator’s effectiveness.
Essential Skills for an Investigator
Investigators absolutely require proficiency in several key skills. Diplomacy and Society are crucial for navigating social situations and extracting information. Perception allows for noticing hidden clues, while Investigation is paramount for analyzing evidence.
Additionally, skills like Medicine (for forensic analysis) and Occultism (depending on the investigation’s nature) prove invaluable. Mastering these skills forms the foundation of a successful Investigator’s toolkit.
Key Skill Feats to Enhance Investigations
Investigators benefit greatly from skill feats boosting their investigative prowess. “Quick Deduction” accelerates clue analysis, while “Persistent Investigator” allows relentless pursuit of leads. “Assumptions and Conclusions” enhances deduction speed, and feats improving Perception are vital.
Consider feats that broaden skill applications, like those enhancing Society or Diplomacy. These feats transform an Investigator from a capable detective into a truly exceptional one.
Investigator Combat Role
Investigators aren’t typically frontline combatants; their strength lies in intellect, not brute force. They function best as Scouts and Strikers, similar to Rogues, leveraging Intelligence for skill-based attacks. However, their ranged combat capabilities are limited compared to dedicated ranged classes.
Effective Investigators prioritize positioning and utilize allies for protection, focusing on debilitating foes rather than direct damage. Careful planning and tactical awareness are crucial for survival.
Strengths and Weaknesses in Combat
Investigators shine in controlling the battlefield through debuffs and precise strikes, capitalizing on enemy weaknesses discovered through their investigations. High Intelligence fuels skill-based attacks and tactical maneuvers. However, they lack the raw damage output of martial classes.
Their lower hit points and limited armor proficiency make them vulnerable in direct confrontations. Reliance on allies for protection and careful positioning are essential to mitigate these weaknesses.
Effective Combat Feats
Investigators benefit greatly from feats enhancing their skill-based attacks, like Precise Strike and Debilitating Strike, maximizing their tactical advantage. Quick Sunder allows for swift disarming, controlling opponents. For defense, feats like Shield Block and Nimble Dodge improve survivability.
Consider feats boosting Intelligence, such as Acute Senses, to further empower skill checks and reactions. These choices transform the Investigator into a cunning combatant, despite physical limitations.
Advanced Alchemy and the Investigator
Investigators uniquely access Advanced Alchemy, a potent tool for investigation and combat. Unlike Alchemists, Investigators utilize it for utility, crafting extracts to enhance skills or create debilitating concoctions. This allows for versatile problem-solving, from analyzing clues to hindering foes.
Potent alchemical items include mutagens for temporary boosts and elixirs offering sustained advantages. Mastering alchemy transforms the Investigator into a resourceful and adaptable adventurer.
Utilizing Alchemy for Investigation
Investigators leverage alchemy to analyze clues, creating reagents to reveal hidden details or identify substances. Extracts can enhance Perception or Recall Knowledge checks, crucial for unraveling mysteries. Alchemical solutions aid in forensic analysis, preserving evidence or detecting tampering.
Furthermore, concoctions can subtly influence witnesses or extract information, offering non-lethal investigative options. This alchemical approach complements the Investigator’s deductive skills, providing a scientific edge.
Potent Alchemical Items
Investigators benefit greatly from specific alchemical creations. Neutralizing agents counter poisons, vital when examining suspicious substances. Smokesticks provide cover during investigations or escapes. Antitoxins are essential for handling dangerous samples.
Universal solvents dissolve barriers, revealing hidden compartments. Truth serums, though ethically questionable, can expedite interrogations. Mastering these items enhances an Investigator’s toolkit, offering solutions beyond deduction.
Investigator Build Examples
Investigators offer diverse build paths. The Deductionist prioritizes skill checks and unraveling clues, becoming a master of observation and analysis. Conversely, the Forensic Scientist leans into alchemy, utilizing potent concoctions for investigation and support.
These builds showcase the class’s flexibility. Players can tailor their Investigator to focus on social manipulation, scientific analysis, or a blend of both, creating unique and effective characters.
The Deductionist Build
The Deductionist excels at unraveling mysteries through keen observation and masterful skill checks. Prioritize Intelligence and Dexterity, selecting feats that boost skill proficiency and critical success chances. Focus on skills like Diplomacy, Society, and Perception.
This build thrives on gathering information and piecing together clues. It’s a perfect choice for players who enjoy roleplaying a brilliant detective, relying on intellect over brute force.
The Forensic Scientist Build
The Forensic Scientist leverages Advanced Alchemy to analyze evidence and uncover hidden truths. Maximize Intelligence and Constitution, choosing feats that enhance alchemical potency and duration. Invest heavily in skills like Medicine, Occultism, and Crafting (Alchemy).
This build focuses on meticulous examination and scientific deduction, utilizing potions and extracts to gain advantages during investigations. It’s ideal for players who enjoy a methodical, analytical approach.
Investigator Equipment and Gear
Essential tools for an Investigator include a magnifying glass, various alchemical implements, writing supplies, and lockpicks. A journal for meticulous note-taking is crucial. Recommended armor prioritizes light options like studded leather, allowing for skill flexibility.
Weapons should complement a ranged combat style, favoring finesse-based choices like rapiers or shortbows. Alchemical items, naturally, are paramount for this class’s unique abilities.
Essential Tools for an Investigator
An Investigator’s toolkit demands precision. A magnifying glass is paramount for detailed examination of clues. Alchemical implements, including a portable alchemist’s lab, unlock potent solutions. Writing supplies – ink, parchment, and a durable journal – are vital for documenting findings.
Lockpicks facilitate access, while disguise kits aid in infiltration. A set of calipers and measuring tools ensures accurate evidence recording, crucial for deduction and analysis.
Recommended Armor and Weapons
Investigators prioritize mobility and discretion over heavy protection. Light armor, such as studded leather, offers sufficient defense without hindering skill checks. A rapier provides a finesse-based weapon option, complementing their intelligence focus.
Daggers are useful for quick, concealed attacks. A sling or light crossbow offers ranged capability, though Investigators aren’t combat powerhouses. Focus on tools enhancing investigation, rather than brute force weaponry.
Roleplaying the Investigator
Investigators are driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, often possessing eccentric personalities. Backstories might involve a past injustice, a fascination with the unknown, or a desire to prove their intellect.
Motivations range from uncovering conspiracies to simply solving puzzles. Embrace meticulousness, skepticism, and a tendency to overthink. Consider flaws like arrogance or obsession, adding depth to your character’s interactions and investigations.
Personality Traits and Backstories
Investigators often exhibit eccentricities, driven by intense curiosity and analytical minds. Consider traits like meticulousness, skepticism, or a penchant for overthinking. Backstories could involve a past trauma fueling their pursuit of justice, a scholarly upbringing, or a fascination with the occult.
Perhaps they were wrongly accused, inspiring a need to uncover truth, or a former academic seeking practical application of their knowledge. Embrace flaws like arrogance or obsession for richer roleplay.
Investigator Motivations and Goals
Investigators are driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to unravel complex mysteries. Their goals might range from seeking justice for the wronged to uncovering hidden truths, regardless of the consequences. Some are motivated by intellectual challenge, while others pursue fame or fortune through successful investigations.
Personal vendettas, a commitment to protecting the innocent, or simply a need to understand the world around them can also fuel their actions.
Investigator and Party Dynamics
Investigators excel as scouts and strikers, similar to Rogues, but leverage high Intelligence and skills. They contribute significantly to a team by gathering information, analyzing clues, and providing crucial insights during investigations. Their advanced alchemy offers unique support options.
Synergies flourish with classes providing combat prowess, allowing the Investigator to focus on their strengths. They complement spellcasters needing lore and knowledge.
How Investigators Contribute to a Team
Investigators are invaluable for information gathering, skillfully analyzing clues and uncovering hidden truths. Their expertise in social encounters aids diplomacy and interrogation. Advanced alchemy provides support, crafting solutions for diverse challenges.
They excel at identifying weaknesses and planning strategies, offering a unique perspective. A successful team benefits from the Investigator’s analytical mind and dedication to unraveling mysteries.
Synergies with Other Classes
Investigators pair exceptionally well with classes offering combat prowess, like Fighters or Barbarians, covering their weaknesses. Wizards and Clerics amplify investigative efforts with divination and knowledge skills. Rogues complement the Investigator’s scouting abilities, enhancing information gathering.
Alchemists synergize through shared alchemical expertise, while Bards provide social support. A well-rounded party leverages the Investigator’s analytical skills alongside diverse strengths.
Recent Updates and Remaster Changes
The Player Core 2 Remaster significantly impacted the Investigator, bringing adjustments to skills and feats. Updates refine class balance and address previous shortcomings. Changes affect Investigator builds, requiring reevaluation of optimal choices.
These revisions aim to enhance the class’s effectiveness and versatility. Players should review updated materials for current strategies and build options. Staying informed ensures optimal Investigator performance in modern Pathfinder 2e.
Changes in Player Core 2 Remaster
Player Core 2 Remaster brought substantial changes to the Investigator, refining skill access and feat functionality. Updates address inconsistencies and improve overall class cohesion. Several skill feats received adjustments, impacting investigative capabilities.
The remaster also clarified certain class features, resolving ambiguities and streamlining gameplay. These revisions aim to enhance the Investigator’s role within a party, promoting strategic build diversity and improved effectiveness in investigations.
Impact of Updates on Investigator Builds
Remaster updates significantly impact Investigator builds, demanding reassessment of previously optimal strategies. Skill feat adjustments necessitate careful consideration when customizing characters, influencing specialization choices like Paranormal Detective or Judicious Bursar.
Existing builds may require modifications to maintain effectiveness, while new builds benefit from clarified rules and enhanced options. The changes encourage experimentation, fostering diverse and powerful Investigator archetypes suited for varied campaign settings and challenges.