Thrown weapon builds that aren't Exemplar?
Preamble
Recently I've been thinking about thrown weapons' place in the system. They're an interesting compromise between melee and ranged damage and provide excellent versatility assuming it's a melee weapon to begin with.
For the purpose of this post, I'm specifically referring to a single weapon you throw repeatedly, not a build that uses a thrower's bandolier. To narrow it down even further, I want to keep the discussion to the starknife.
I've excluded Exemplar because it seems to be most people's default answer for a throwing build, but I'm not very fond of the flavor of the class, nor the their mechanics for throwing builds,and don't think it would fit at my table.
I've considered several options, but I'd like to narrow it down to one. I also would like to hear from anyone with actual experience playing these types of characters.
Option 1 - Champion (Justice)
Pros:
- Ranged Reactions with Nimble Reprisal
- Free Returning rune that, per Errata, doesn't count against total runes
- Good defensive options
- Focus spells for healing, utility, or damage
- Good damage options at levels 6+ (Smite, Blessed Counterstrike, etc)
- Expand Aura for increasing reaction range
Cons:
- No damage boost at earliest levels
- only Justice benefits from thrown/ranged weapons
- CHA focused features are MAD
Option 2 - Swashbuckler
Pros:
- Flying Blade allows for finishers at range
- Many ranged debuff options (Demoralize + Antagonize, or Enjoy the show)
- Can drop CHA entirely with right Style (Battledancer + Acrobatic Performer)
- Great Skill progression
- High Maneuverability
- +1 to bravado actions
Cons:
No ranged reactions without an archetype
Defensively Average
CHA focused styles can be MAD
Option 3 - Thaumaturge
Pros:
- 10ft Ranged Reaction with weapon implement
- Early access to ranged off-guard (Divine Disharmony)
- Good flat damage boosts (Empowerment, or Adept Regalia)
- Plentiful Utility options (Scrolls, Diverse Lore, and Talismans)
- Feats are less build defining, good for archetypes
Cons:
- CHA key ability & MAD
- No free hands
- Tight action economy
- Lower Hitpoints
Honorable Mentions
- Precision Ranger (far shot + hunter's aim)
- Investigator
- Mastermind Rogue (Strong arm + Analyze Weakness)
- Starlit Span Magus
- Weapon Familiarity Monk (Human + unconventional weaponry)
Dishonorable Mentions
- Barbarian (Raging Thrower)
- Bard (Warrior)
- Cleric (Warpriest)
- Wizard (War Mage archetype)
- Inventor (Weapon Innovation)
Final Thoughts
All of these options are assuming no free-archetype. The considerations would change considerably given the option to mix and match. That's why I didn't really delve into archetypes. However, archetyping is still an option I'm willing to consider.
Anyways, I'd love to discuss what you all think are the best options for such a concept.