Class/PrC options for an Archeologist

[Rickshaw]

I'm starting a pbp with a friend of mine in which we are starting at very high level (18 in fact.) He wants to play as an archeologist of some sort. I've suggested some sort of high skill class with points in history or archetecture or something, but I dont actually see a lot of stuff that fits the fluff of archeologist without being absolutely totally weak.

and so I turn to y'all. any suggestions?

EDIT*- crap forgot to say this is pf only

[Vhaidara]

3.5, Temple Raider of Olidamarra, a Prestige Class from Complete Divine, is basically a holy grave robber. Similarly, Factotum is pretty much the "I do everything t a degree" class, so, along with it's Int focus, it makes a solid archaeologist.

Pathfinder, meanwhile, now that's tricky. I wish there was an Archaeologist archetype for a class. Say, Bard? Wait, there is (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard/archetypes/paizo---bard-archetypes/archaeologist) :smalltongue:
This is not meant to be mean, I just like to pretend I'm clever.

[Qwertystop]

Any class that gets Knowledge. There's not much in the job of archaeology that would need anything more class-specific.

[Honest Tiefling]

I agree, not sure what the archaeologist would do in combat. Perhaps the bard archetype, as mentioned. Else, ask if he's alright making a dashing Indiana Jones type? Make a rogue-type who spends a bit on Knowledge: History. An odd choice, but perhaps the Witch or Oracle? The idea being that in their delving of ancient ruins, they came upon something mysterious that granted them powers.

[Talionis]

Lore delver from Races of Destiny is a good archeologist, theoretically Archivist from Heroes of Horror is supposed to be an archeologist, and Hell Breaker from Fiendish Codex II is also a pretty neat archeologist type.

[Red Fel]

If you're thinking an Indiana Jones-style archaeologist, as opposed to an actual archaeologist, Investigator (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator) is a fun choice, if you don't mind using a hybrid class. It gives you Rogue-style combat skills (e.g. Studied Strike), plentiful bonuses to skill checks (via Inspiration) and the ability to make Knowledge checks untrained, Trapfinding, poison resistance (and use, if that's your thing), and Int-to-tons. If you don't like using Alchemy, you can take the Sleuth (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator/archetypes/paizo---investigator-archetypes/sleuth) archetype, and be one lucky son-of-a-gun; if you want to use a firearm, you can grab the Steel Hound (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator/archetypes/paizo---investigator-archetypes/steel-hound) archetype, and remind your enemies why it doesn't pay to bring a sword to a gunfight.

[(Un)Inspired]

+1 to Red Fel's suggestion. The Investigator is the bees knees.

The archeologist bard is kinda meh IMHO.

[malonkey1]

Alternately, you could go with a Lore Delver Warden Fighter (PF). It trades away armor training to get all Int-based skills as class skills, +2 skill ranks/level, free Combat Expertise, and some nifty abilities centered around "Know thy enemy". Makes for a good fighting archaeologist (such as Indiana Jones).

[Solaris]

I could see a Rogue/Wizard/Unseen Seer build forming the foundation for an archaeologist character. Perhaps a bit of Loremaster, too. The Knowledge Devotion feat would definitely be something of a must.

[(Un)Inspired]

Alternately, you could go with a Lore Delver Fighter (PF). It trades away armor training to get all Int-based skills as class skills, +2 skill ranks/level, free Combat Expertise, and some nifty abilities centered around "Know thy enemy". Makes for a good fighting archaeologist (such as Indiana Jones).

Aren't those guys called lore wardens or just I just make that up in my head?

[atemu1234]

I'd say archivist for fluff reasons, maybe a wizard-archivist theurge?

[malonkey1]

Aren't those guys called lore wardens or just I just make that up in my head?

...You are correct. I will correct my post.

[Extra Anchovies]

The archeologist bard is kinda meh IMHO.

Eh. I'm quite a fan of them, I think their Archaeologist's Luck ability is closer to what Inspiration should have been.

Also, if you're building an archaeologist bard, pick up Lingering Song early (essentially triples the amount of rounds you can have Luck active), then grab Extra Music once or twice.

[(Un)Inspired]

Eh. I'm quite a fan of them, I think their Archaeologist's Luck ability is closer to what Inspiration should have been.

Also, if you're building an archaeologist bard, pick up Lingering Song early (essentially triples the amount of rounds you can have Luck active), then grab Extra Music once or twice.

My problem with it is that bardic music can produce multiple different effects and affects multiple people while luck only effects the bard and can only do one thing.

The rest of the archeologists jazz never really did it for me.

[Troacctid]

My problem with it is that bardic music can produce multiple different effects and affects multiple people while luck only effects the bard and can only do one thing.

The rest of the archeologists jazz never really did it for me.

Bards have a lot more going for them than bardic performance, and the archetype retains all the skills and spellcasting of the default Bard.

[(Un)Inspired]

Bards have a lot more going for them than bardic performance, and the archetype retains all the skills and spellcasting of the default Bard.

Very true. I would absolutely recommend playing a bard. Just not with the archeologist archetype.

[P.F.]

Very true. I would absolutely recommend playing a bard. Just not with the archeologist archetype.

As an alternative to the Indiana Jones type, you could have an ivory-tower academic archaeologist.

Pathfinder Chronicler, a pith helmet and a monocle, grow a beard, and you're good to go.