Waylayer
A clever rogue knows the easiest battle to win is the one that's over before your foe knows it has begun.
- Class
- Rogue
- Kind
- Archetype
- Granted Spells
- —
- Replaces
- 3 features
A clever rogue knows the easiest battle to win is the one that's over before your foe knows it has begun. Some rogues thus specialize in setting up ambushes to catch their opponents off guard.
Replaces
Archetype Features
Staggering Reflexes Level 1
↪ builds on Trapfinding (Rogue)
At 1st level, a waylayer gains a bonus on initiative checks equal to 1/2 her level (minimum +1) if she acts in a surprise round, and is never flat-footed at the start of combat (even if she fails to act during the surprise round).
This ability replaces trapfinding.
Ambuscading Sneak Attack Level 4
↪ builds on Uncanny Dodge (Rogue)
At 4th level, a waylayer becomes especially skilled at attacking unaware foes.
When she makes a sneak attack during a surprise round, she uses d8s to roll sneak attack damage instead of d6s.
This ability replaces uncanny dodge.
Danger Awareness Level 8
↪ builds on Improved Uncanny Dodge (Rogue)
At 8th level, a waylayer is never considered an unaware combatant and is always able to act in the surprise round.
This ability replaces improved uncanny dodge.
Exceptional Reflexes Level 12
At 12th level, a waylayer can move up to her speed before taking her action in a surprise round.
This ability replaces the rogue talent gained at 12th level.
Masterful Reflexes Level 20
At 20th level, a waylayer's initiative roll is automatically a natural 20.
This ability replaces the rogue talent gained at 20th level.
Rogue Talents
The following rogue talents complement the waylayer archetype: camouflage, cunning trigger, quick trapsmith, slow reactions, surprise attack, and underhanded.
Advanced Talents
The following advanced talents complement the waylayer archetype: entanglement of blades, hide in plain sight, knock-out blow, and weapon snatcher.