The Magnificent Bastard

[Wavelab]

Well I was gone for a while after moving to a different country, so to kick of I'm starting a new base class.

The Magnificent Bastard

The basic idea is someone who can manipulate, confuse, outsmart, charm, back stab, evade and most importantly preform a Xanatos Gambit.

Now the main concern is making this guy useful in combat starting level 1. I'm aiming for somewhere between tier 1 and 3 concerning power.

The confusing and manipulating shouldn't rely purely on magic and should also add a fair bit of role play to the character.

Well the help starts now.

[Mangles]

It would seem the easiest way for a PC to become a Magnificent Bastard would be to role play it. Use a lot of gather information, have a high char and lots of social skills. He really isn't a combatant, more of an over arching manipulator. In fact Bard would be a good class for this.

Also you don't really say what system this is for but by your tier remark I'm guessing d&d 3.5

[JustineSane]

Toss in a little rogue, followed by some type of enchanter, with a smattering of noble and see what comes out of the blender. Good luck, sounds fun!

[Acanous]

I'm thinking he should have a Bard's Fascinate ability, but tied to Bluff or Diplomacy instead of Perform.
Should get Skill Focus (Bluff, Intimidate or Diplomacy) as a bonus feat. Choose one at first level?
Spellcasting- Give them Bard progression, but Wizard preparation and spell selection.
Give them Expanded Spellbook a couple of times to allow a couple Devine spells.(Every 5 levels?) After all, the Xanatos archetype is infamous for having a few unexpected tricks up his sleeve.

Armor Prof: Light and Medium should get what you want. No heavy because the chance for spell failure is too high. The character will likely wear light or no armor, but the medium is there *Just in case*. Shield prof is debatable. I'd say give it to him.

BAB as rogue or bard.
D6 or D8 HD, I'm leaning to D6.

6+int Skill points. He'll be maxing out all three social, with enough left over for Use Magic Device and two Knowledges of choice. Or one and a Craft.

[Wavelab]

Ok let's move this discussion to here.

Thanks for all the help so far.