I'm currently studying to be a forensic scientist and want to graduate with a degree in forensic science. For my upcoming campaign, I wanted to play a character who is a forensic scientist, but I'm not sure the best way to go about this? What class would you guys use / how would you the mechanics for a forensic scientist character work?
Honestly, race and background probably have a bigger effect on this than class (though rogue for expertise is good. And possibly the inquisitive subclass, but I don't think that works as well as it was meant to.)
The mark of detection half-elf or mark of finding human/half-orc (both from eberron) could be good fits. They get a bonus d4 when they make certain skill check and get access to spells that make searching for things easier.
Rogue, bard, and ranger could be good classes for skill expertise. Artificer or wizard are good for knowledge and investigation, not to mention utility spells that could really help.
For background, the two different version of investigator are helpful.
I think proficiency/expertise in Investigation and medicine would be a must, probably paired with Alchemists Tools and some other miscellaneous adventuring materials like glass vials, Magnifying glass, Acid, and the like.
Agree any class could function, but I would suggest Rogue as best fit, either Inquisitive or Scout subclasses for if you want an investigation or wilderness focus. You'd want to make sure you have a decent Wis and Int score to back up your skills, but keep Dex high for combat effectiveness. Then you would want to choose a background and features to focus on getting proficiency and then expertise in skills like: Investigation, Perception, Survival, Insight and Nature.
Feats might help get the feel of the character too: Alert, Observant, Keen Mind, Skilled, Skill Expert.
The end result will be someone who does very well at all sorts of investigative skill checks - and is still a competent enough Rogue in combat.
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I'm currently studying to be a forensic scientist and want to graduate with a degree in forensic science. For my upcoming campaign, I wanted to play a character who is a forensic scientist, but I'm not sure the best way to go about this? What class would you guys use / how would you the mechanics for a forensic scientist character work?
Honestly, race and background probably have a bigger effect on this than class (though rogue for expertise is good. And possibly the inquisitive subclass, but I don't think that works as well as it was meant to.)
The mark of detection half-elf or mark of finding human/half-orc (both from eberron) could be good fits. They get a bonus d4 when they make certain skill check and get access to spells that make searching for things easier.
Rogue, bard, and ranger could be good classes for skill expertise. Artificer or wizard are good for knowledge and investigation, not to mention utility spells that could really help.
For background, the two different version of investigator are helpful.
The Rogue Inquistor is basically a forensic Scientist, role playing wise.
I think proficiency/expertise in Investigation and medicine would be a must, probably paired with Alchemists Tools and some other miscellaneous adventuring materials like glass vials, Magnifying glass, Acid, and the like.
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Agree any class could function, but I would suggest Rogue as best fit, either Inquisitive or Scout subclasses for if you want an investigation or wilderness focus. You'd want to make sure you have a decent Wis and Int score to back up your skills, but keep Dex high for combat effectiveness. Then you would want to choose a background and features to focus on getting proficiency and then expertise in skills like: Investigation, Perception, Survival, Insight and Nature.
Feats might help get the feel of the character too: Alert, Observant, Keen Mind, Skilled, Skill Expert.
The end result will be someone who does very well at all sorts of investigative skill checks - and is still a competent enough Rogue in combat.