Need Help with Pain Taster Build

[5w337x7007h]

So I have an idea for the Pain Taster prestige class, but I need a bit of help in deciding how to start it. I was thinking Slayer to maximize sneak attack in combat, but I've heard Weapon Master Arch Fighter is a great way to maximize whip usage. My idea is to create a sadomasochist who's drive is to spread the knowledge of pleasure through pain. The thought was that I could, at range, grapple an opponent with a whip and as they are grappled, denying dex, sneak-attack with lethal or non-lethal damage until they pass out or die. She'll optimize all forms of torture, so there is nothing she won't do. I was also thinking of drow poison on a deadly whip, because why not.

[grarrrg]

First question: Are you using the Originally published 5 level version? Or the "updated" 10 level version?

[5w337x7007h]

I'm using the 10 level prestige class that appears in the Occult Mysteries campaign setting.

[The Random NPC]

I recommend Piranha Strike (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/piranha-strike-combat), Lunge (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/lunge-combat---final), and maybe Two-weapon Fighting (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/two-weapon-fighting-combat---final). I'd also recommend Greater Grapple (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/greater-grapple-combat---final) if you plan on grappling.

[5w337x7007h]

This is sounding like a feat heavy venture, which means I'd have to go fighter to at least meet the requirements. Would an Urumi be considered a whip, because of the description given? I like the whole Slayer idea, but it'd really suck if I can't pull off that start because of a lack of feats.

[grarrrg]

I'm using the 10 level prestige class that appears in the Occult Mysteries campaign setting.

That's a shame. The 5 level version was MUCH better (in my opinion anyway).
The Cruelty damage was a straight +1d6 to ALL Whip attacks, or 'just' Sneak Attack for Slashing weapons. Now it's Sneak Attack for Whips only. Massive downgrade.

The whole "Disciple of Pain get stat bonuses" seems nice. Until you realize all of the bonuses are Enhancement, which is the most common, and does not stack, and never improves past +2.

Also, the "bonus feats" are incredibly stupid for when you get them.
The whole class revolves around the Whip now, and at 1st level you get either Weapon Focus (Whip) or Whip Mastery as a bonus. I'll buy that, you can just use another weapon until you get into the class or whatever.

But then at Pain Taster 7 you get either Whip Mastery, or Improved Whip Mastery. Who the heck is going to focus on the Whip and wait around until level 12 at the absolute earliest to pick up Improved Whip Mastery? They couldn't have added "if you already have these feats you get a Combat Feat of your choice?" Or "get Greater Whip Mastery?"

And while were on the topic, level 12 is the earliest to get Imp-Mastery, which assumes you entered the class at level 6. Now go re-read the Requirements "succeed at a DC 15 Fortitude save or die in the process....instead make a DC 20 Will save"
What level 6 character is going to have awesome enough Saves to risk either of those? And it's not like you get to try again, the penalty is DEATH!
Level 5 char with a Good Fort class has +4, assume 18 CON for another +4 (little high, but reasonable), add +2 for Greater Fortitude (which is another requirement). You're up to +10, for around a 1-in-4 chance of death. Yay.

I'd recommend finding and using the old 5 level version. That had more potential, and a good deal less stupid.
Anywho, for either version Unbreakable Fighter (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/fighter/archetypes/paizo---fighter-archetypes/unbreakable) will get you Endurance AND Die Hard at level 1. It's really not that great of an archetype other than that, easy enough to jump ship at 2nd or 4th level once you have a few of the Bonus Feats.