Vigilante (Pathfinder Second Edition Archetype)
(art by Zachanarious on DeviantArt)
Ah yes, the vigilante, a late addition to the classes of First Edition, and like the cavalier, reduced to an archetype in Second.
Admittedly, that can feel a bit like a demotion, but for the vigilante specifically, it honestly makes sense.
The vigilante class from the get-go in 1E always felt like it was trying to apply other classes to the core concept of “have two identities and have abilities meant only to work in one or the other. Heck, the class basically started with the options of “that but fighter” and “that, but rogue”, with archetypes (some derived from the beta version of the class, some not) that were basically “that, but wizard, or cleric, or witch with a blood magic vibe, or magical girl with the worst spell list in the game for some reason”.
With than in mind, it kinda makes sense in the “any class can take any archetype as long as they meet the prerequisites” paradigm of Second Edition that vigilante would be available as an archetype rather than a full class, as a way for you to apply the dual identity of being a masked figure to any skillset.
Whether they are freedom fighters, masked protectors of those that official channels will not protect, or just master thieves and criminals hiding their identities, the one unifying factor between motives and methods is that a vigilante wants to keep their identity a secret for protection, either theirs, or those that they care for.
So let’s get into it!
The base dedication for the archetype grants the dual identities associated with it, as well as sets the guidelines like maybe don’t use abilities associated with your vigilante identity while in the social identity, but also how difficult it is to discern that they are one and the same, even via magic.
Signature magic items might normally give a vigilante away if they wear them in both identities, so many learn to mask their power while in their civilian identity, making them appear to be ordinary jewelry or other adornments.
Those that have creature companions, familiars, or the like often work to disguise them as well so they cannot be recognized across identities either.
Oftentimes one must draw a weapon and strike in the same motion, and so vigilantes train to do just that.
Many superheroes in comics have hidden sanctums to return to, safe to switch between identities and plot their maneuvers in secret, and so vigilantes do the same, establishing lairs so well-hidden that not even magic can find them, at least most of the time.
Not every vigilante can be an unskilled fop in their social lives, and so, some develop cross training to help solidify their cover in their social identity, gaining another archetype even if they normally couldn’t due to dedication.
The rumor of a vigilante helps spread the fear of them long before they actually arrive on the scene, and so they can leverage this when they attack from the shadows, their appearance striking fear into their target as their pain gives way to the horrified realization of who has come for them.
Through cleverly hidden clothing, a bit of minor magic, and the like, some vigilantes train to be able to switch identities on the fly.
By using the divide between the two identities to their advantage, many can fool even truthtelling magic. After all, it was not Sir Daniel who raided Thieves Guild, but the Iron Mask.
The skill some vigilantes have at concealing their identity goes beyond the social and vigilante identities, allowing them to create a slew of minor cover identities that are equally impossible to discern.
Fear is relative, and a vigilante’s presence and stern glare can keep an ally, temporary or not grounded, as the vigilante is scarier than whatever is trying to scare them.
With greater mastery, their own frightening appearance affects all who see them, not just the one they directly startled.
Similarly, they might learn to frighten a single foe so badly that they are paralyzed with fear, slowing their reactions.
As a small aside, the AoN article on this archetype does have a feat in the legacy version shared with the alter ego archetype where the vigilante could reveal their true identity to leave a foe open to attack from the shocking reveal… and I can kinda see why that feat isn’t listed in the remastered version, as it is too risky of the vigilante rendering their abilities obsolete if they end up revealing themselves to far more than just that one target.
A very solid archetype and way to bring the old class over in it’s own way. You can go in heavy or just take what you need, but there are as many possible builds here as there are classes, and much more, so have fun with it!
I’ve gone over various thoughts about roleplaying vigilantes as I’ve covered the original and its archetypes, but I think it’s important to consider how your character interacts with and thinks of their vigilante identity. Is it merely a practical mask to hide themselves from a dangerous and persecutive world? A symbol of hope? Of punishment for the wicked? Or perhaps it is a convenient mask for them to indulge in base desires? All are possible and worth exploring.
Calling upon the power of chaos, a cult seeks to call forth a powerful beast called a lophiithu, whose devouring mouth leads to realms chaotic. Ready to fight and stop the ritual is The Arbiter, a warrior who wears mechanical armor inspired by the various inevitable guardians of law and order.
While most of his kind try to distance themselves from their lookalike god Sun Wukong, the vanara Yuhn seems some merit in the monkey king’s antics. And so, while during the day he is a peaceful monastic ascetic, at night he blends his martial arts with elemental primal magic as The Great Sage.
In the vampire-ruled land of Delginoth, few dare to stand against the blood-thirsting overlords of the nation, but among the rebels is the Midnight Dawn, a warrior magus wearing a golden sun mask. None suspect that this warrior maiden is none other than the dhampir daughter of Overlord Grigori, the Dark Dragon himself.