Conniving Bastard (Mesmerist Archetype)

His mind is his first weapon. He looks deeply into others, tricking them, influencing them, and outright controlling them. Then the knives come out.

This archetype requires sphere mesmerist or champion mesmerist. The mass charmer class feature may be replaced as if it were mental potency, just as rule minds can be replaced as the class feature of the same name.

Painful Strike

If a conniving bastard can catch an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively, he can use his mental abilities to enhance his combat abilities. Whenever the conniving bastard hits an enemy within 30 feet with a weapon attack against a creature that is denied its Dexterity bonus, he may apply the effects of his painful stare to the attack. The target does not need to be under the effect of the conniving bastard’s hypnotic stare, and this does not count against the usage limit of the conniving bastard’s painful stare. The attack can not trigger a second application of the painful stare ability.

This replaces touch treatment and alters painful stare.

Mental Advantage

At 5th level, whenever an enemy fails a Will save versus one of the conniving bastard’s sphere abilities, it becomes unable to perceive him effectively for a short time. It may still attack, but is unable to defend itself effectively. Until the end of his next turn, that enemy is denied its Dexterity bonus against his attacks.

This replaces mental potency.

His mind is his first weapon. He looks deeply into others, tricking them, influencing them, and outright controlling them. Then the knives come out.

Casting: The conniving bastard may combine spheres and talents to create magical effects. The conniving bastard is considered a Mid-Caster and uses Charisma as his casting ability modifier. (Note: All casters gain 2 bonus talents and may select a casting tradition the first time they gain the casting class feature.)

This replaces the spells class feature.

Spell Pool: The conniving bastard gains a small reservoir of energy he can call on to create truly wondrous effects, called a spell pool. This pool contains a number of spell points equal to his level + his Charisma modifier (minimum 1). This pool replenishes once per day after roughly 8 hours of rest.

Magic Talents: A conniving bastard gains 1 magic talent every time he gains a caster level.

Painful Strike: If a conniving bastard can catch an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively, he can use his mental abilities to enhance his combat abilities. Whenever the conniving bastard hits an enemy within 30 ft. with a weapon attack against a creature that is denied their Dexterity bonus, he may apply the effects of his painful stare to the attack. The target does not need to be under the effect of the conniving bastard’s hypnotic stare, and this does not count against the usage limit of the conniving bastard’s painful stare. The attack can not trigger a second application of the painful stare ability.

This replaces touch treatment and modifies painful stare.

Mental Advantage: At 5th level, whenever an enemy fails a Will save versus one of your sphere abilities, they become unable to perceive you effectively for a short time. They may still attack, but are unable to defend themselves effectively. Until the end of your next turn, that enemy is denied their Dexterity bonus against your attacks.

This replaces mental potency.