Swindler

If life is a game, swindlers play to win. When skill and luck aren’t enough, cheating is often the best option.

Let Fate Decide (Ex)

At 1st level, the swindler can declare two different actions that rely on different types of rolls or checks, such as attacking a creature (an attack roll) or sneaking past the same creature (a Stealth check). As a Standard Action, the swindler then uses a random method to choose one of the declared activities, such as flipping a coin, rolling a die, or drawing a harrow card. The specific method doesn’t matter as long as there is an equal chance of either activity being chosen.

If they then perform the chosen activity within the next round, they gain a Luck Bonus on the roll type required for that activity—attack rolls with a specific weapon, a specific skill check, a specific ability check, or a specific saving throw—equal to half their rogue level (minimum +1) for 1 minute. If they perform any other action (whether declared or not) in the round after using this ability, they become Shaken for 1 minute instead. The swindler can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + their Charisma modifier.

This ability replaces trapfinding.

Quicker Than the Eye (Ex)

At 2nd level, when the swindler uses Sleight of Hand, creatures take a penalty on their Perception checks equal to half the swindler’s class level to notice the attempt. The swindler also reduces the normal –20 penalty by an amount equal to their class level when attempting a Sleight of Hand check as a Move Action instead of as a Standard Action.

Lastly, they can draw hidden weapons or objects from their person as a Move Action instead of the usual Standard Action.

This ability replaces Evasion.

Poker Face (Ex)

At 3rd level, the swindler gains a +1 bonus on Bluff, Profession (gambler), and Sense Motive checks. This bonus increases by 1 for every 3 levels beyond 3rd. They can also attempt to Feint against non-humanoid targets without penalty, though they still take a –8 penalty on Feint attempts against creatures with animal Intelligence and they cannot Feint against mindless creatures.

This ability replaces trap sense.

No Fool (Ex)

At 4th level, the swindler gains a +1 bonus on Will saving throws. This bonus increases by 1 for every 4 levels beyond 4th (to a maximum of +5 at 20th level).

This ability replaces uncanny dodge.

Cheat Fate (Ex)

At 8th level, once per day, the swindler can reroll any one d20 roll they have just made before the GM has revealed the result. They must take the result of the second roll, even if it is worse. They can use this ability twice per day at 14th level, and three times per day at 20th.

This ability replaces improved uncanny dodge.

Rogue Talents: The following rogue talents complement the swindler archetype: canny observer, fast fingers, hard to fool, honeyed words, major magic, and minor magic.

Advanced Talents: The following advanced rogue talents complement the swindler archetype: master of disguise, skill mastery, and slippery mind.

Parent Class

Rogue