So, i'm trying to make a character concept for D&D 5e, or pathfinder. Or something.

The concept is a support character that uses abilities to "scan" the enemy, situation, etc. To put things specifically, they're there to determine weaknesses and strengths, vulnerabilities, etc. in order to help the party coordinate efficiently. For example, if there is an enemy who has a weakness to, say, magical attacks but is strong against physical attacks, this character would be able to point that out on their turn, as well as where to hit them, when, etc.

If you haven't noticed, the perception skill will be used widely here.

In addition, i'd like to play them not only as a "scanner" (Because that'll be useful only so much) but as a support character too. For example, buffs and stuff.

While i'm sure a ton of people will tell me to play a bard and work around that, the character isn't meant to be a musician.  Also, i'm trying to see my options for how i can set up this character.

So, fellow players, i'd like your input.

Certain archetypes of Ranger or Druid would also fit this theme pretty well.  A Divination Wizard could run this idea.  The Cleric wouldn't be a bad choice either.

For 5th, a battlemaster fighter could work, depending on which maneuvers you choose. Or the mastermind rogue, if you've got the Sword Coast book. Possibly a paladin, though I'd have to look at their spell list to be sure. I'd go for Nature, Arcana and Religion skills, since I seem to recall they cover most types of creatures.
This message was last edited by the user at 21:46, Thu 11 Aug 2016.

If you're building a Pathfinder character, be an investigator.  The Pathfinder mechanic for knowing monster weaknesses is tied up in Knowledge skills, which the investigator excels at.  Also, there are a bunch of ways to be a bard in Pathfinder that isn't a musician... like the archaeologist bard.

5e's skill system isn't really worth bothering with, so you'd be best off just roleplaying said character type than trying to pull it off in the rules.

Also take a look at Inquisitor. They get a decent perk to help ID monsters with knowledge skills, the ability to read people's alignments, and a good assortment of spells and abilities to help flesh things out.

Hm, i'll start looking into it. Thanks

I am currently, working on a rogue who is a member of a mercenary guild of professional skirmisher units. A ranger is the best scout in enemy's woodland but what about farmland or even skulking in an around enemy Hamlet's and villages.  Who cases a joint better then a thief.

Bards can just use oratory (think big speeches) instead of music. But yes, anything that's good at knowledge skills.

Do note that in 5E skills are quite simplified, so it'll be pretty easy.