Woljif WotR: A Guide to the Scoundrel's Heart

From the moment you first encounter him, Woljif presents himself as a slippery, opportunistic individual. You find him literally imprisoned in the basement of Defender's Heart, caught in a predicament born of his own dubious activities. His race, a tiefling, a descendant of demons, already places him on the fringes of Mendev's society, a land besieged by a demonic incursion. This inherent prejudice, coupled with his self-professed membership in a notorious thief gang, paints a picture of a character driven purely by instinct and survival. He's quick with a joke, quicker with a retort, and seemingly devoid of any grander purpose beyond acquiring wealth and escaping trouble. His chaotic neutral alignment is practically emblazoned on his horns. Woljif doesn't care for laws or rigid moral codes; he cares about what benefits him. He's not inherently malicious, but he's certainly not benevolent either. This personality manifests in his interactions: he's playful and smug, often smiling and joking even in dire situations. He revels in messing with others, as evidenced by his amusement in feeding false information to earnest companions like Nenio and Arueshalae. He's a product of the streets, having grown up hungry and reliant on his wits, which initially fuels his desire for wealth and power to "lord over those who looked down on him." However, as with many well-written companions in WotR, Woljif's initial veneer is just that – a facade. His smiles and jokes often mask a deep sadness and fear stemming from his troubled past. He's slow to trust, keeping the Commander at arm's length until they prove their loyalty during his personal quests. A pivotal moment comes during the gargoyle attack on the Crusade, where his fear causes him to flee. His return, and the Commander's defense of him against Voetil, marks a turning point, solidifying his trust and beginning to see the party as the family he never truly had. This narrative arc transforms him from a mere opportunistic rogue into a loyal, albeit still morally flexible, friend. His character development, from a selfish youth to someone capable of genuine care and loyalty, is one of the quiet triumphs of WotR's storytelling. Players often find themselves surprisingly fond of him, despite (or perhaps because of) his quirks.

Recruiting Woljif is one of the earliest and most time-sensitive companion acquisitions in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. He's found imprisoned in the basement of the Defender's Heart in Kenabres during Act 1. To secure his companionship, you simply need to speak to Irabeth and request his release. The critical detail here is timing. Woljif must be recruited before the climactic attack on Defender's Heart by the gargoyles. If you delay and the attack occurs before you free him, he will disappear from the basement and become permanently unrecruitable for that playthrough. Many first-time players, myself included on my initial run, have tragically missed this crucial window, realizing too late the void left by his absence both in terms of party utility and character interaction. It's a classic cRPG design choice that emphasizes player choices and exploration, but it can be surprisingly punishing for those unfamiliar with the game's pacing. My personal "oops" moment came when I spent too much time exploring the Market Square, only to return to a beleaguered Defender's Heart and an empty cell. Lesson learned: when you hear there's a tiefling rogue in the basement, go get him! Upon recruitment, Woljif immediately presents his first companion quest, "Stolen Moon." This quest thrusts you into the criminal underworld of Kenabres, tasking you with helping Woljif uncover a traitor within his former thief gang. The investigation leads you to interrogate a guardian golem (itself a quirky character) and a shopkeeper, gathering clues about the betrayer's description. Ultimately, you'll unmask Melroun, a tiefling with long horns, red hair, and a green cloak. Your choices during this quest, particularly regarding Sister Kerismei and the outcome of the betrayal, can subtly influence Woljif's trust and his path forward, though his initial recruitment isn't jeopardized by playing along with his schemes. This early quest serves as an excellent introduction to Woljif's morally ambiguous world and sets the stage for his deeper character development.

Woljif's personal narrative is one of the most engaging among the WotR companions, a slow burn that delves into his demonic heritage and his struggle for identity. After the events of Act 1, Woljif temporarily disappears from your party in Act 2, overwhelmed by fear during the gargoyle attack. His absence can be alarming, but rest assured, he returns. His re-recruitment and the continuation of his story proper begin in Act 3 with the quest "Crescent of the Abyss." This quest becomes available after you liberate Drezen and brings Woljif back into the fold, usually after a chance encounter on the world map. This quest confronts the core of Woljif's being: his connection to a powerful demon, Ygefeles, who is revealed to be his literal grandfather. This revelation is a fascinating twist, adding layers to his backstory and explaining his unique abilities and inherent chaotic nature. The quest involves accompanying Woljif to a desolate scrubland to deal with this terrifying demonic entity that has been hunting him. The choices you make during "Crescent of the Abyss" are pivotal for Woljif's future. You face a critical decision regarding Ygefeles: 1. Reject the demon's power: Woljif chooses to sever ties with his demonic heritage, opting for independence. This path generally leads to a "warmer" and more trusting Woljif in the long run. 2. Accept the demon's power and relinquish control to Ygefeles: Woljif embraces his power but becomes a pawn. This path often makes him more jaded and less desirable as a character. 3. Accept the demon's power and kill Ygefeles: This is often the "best" outcome for a powerful Woljif, allowing him to gain control over his heritage without succumbing to it. This option may depend on prior companion quest choices. These decisions significantly impact Woljif's character portrait and his ending slide, influencing whether he truly finds a place with the Commander's party or remains a tormented soul. For example, allowing him to take the power for himself and reject his grandfather leads to a more confident and integrated Woljif. From a role-playing perspective, guiding him towards self-determination feels like a genuine act of compassion for a character who's never truly had a choice. His story continues into Act 4 with "Dark Moon Rising," where Woljif seeks to investigate an abandoned property in Alushinyrra, compelled by his shadow. This quest further explores the remnants of his past and the lingering influence of demonic energies. The culmination of his quests offers a resolution to his personal struggles, shaping his identity and solidifying his relationship with the Commander. Throughout his journey, Woljif's interactions with other companions provide much-needed comedic relief and insightful banter. He often teases Nenio with false information and engages in witty exchanges with Arueshalae. His youthful exuberance, albeit tinged with street-smart cynicism, makes him a refreshing presence amidst the grim realities of the Worldwound. Furthermore, Woljif responds enthusiastically to the dialogue options provided by the Trickster Mythic Path, underscoring his chaotic leanings and making him a natural fit for a Commander pursuing that path. This often leads to some of the most genuinely amusing moments in the game, as he enthusiastically embraces the chaos alongside a Trickster Commander.

Woljif's starting class, Eldritch Scoundrel (Rogue 3), immediately signals his unique blend of martial prowess and arcane spellcasting. He boasts impressive starting stats: 20 Dexterity, 18 Intelligence, and a respectable 13 Constitution, making him inherently suited for dual-wielding finesse weapons and Intelligence-based spellcasting. His archetype grants him rogue talents, sneak attack progression, and arcane spells up to level 6, like a Wizard. This dual nature, however, comes with a caveat: Eldritch Scoundrels cannot wear armor without suffering arcane spell failure chance, making Woljif a "glass cannon" with low base AC and HP, especially in the early game. The key to building Woljif effectively lies in maximizing his damage output through Sneak Attack while mitigating his fragility. Here, we explore a few highly effective builds for Woljif, each emphasizing different aspects of his versatile kit. Regardless of the specific path you choose, certain principles remain constant for Woljif: * Dual Wielding: He starts with Two-Weapon Fighting and Finesse Training (Daggers), strongly encouraging dual-wielding. * Sneak Attack: This is his primary source of damage. Maximizing opportunities for Sneak Attack (flanking, flat-footed enemies, hidden attacks) is crucial. * Self-Buffing/Utility Caster: His arcane spell list provides excellent self-buffs for survivability and utility spells for party support. * Skill Monkey: With high Intelligence and several starting skill ranks, he excels in Mobility, Trickery, Stealth, Perception, and Use Magic Device. Prioritize these. Knowledge (Arcana) is also a strong choice given his high Intelligence. This build aims to enhance Woljif's innate strengths, making him a devastating dual-wwielding, self-buffing rogue. While the term "pure" is used, a minor dip might be considered for specific benefits. Stat Allocation: Woljif's starting stats are already excellent, so focus on increasing Dexterity for attack, damage (with Weapon Finesse and Finesse Training), and AC, then Intelligence for spellcasting. Constitution is a distant third for survivability. Class Progression & Feats (Levels 1-20): Woljif starts as Eldritch Scoundrel 3. You cannot respec these initial levels. * Levels 1-3 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Already acquired. Feats: Weapon Finesse, Two-Weapon Fighting, Scribe Scrolls, Double Slice. Rogue Talents: Weakening Wound. * Level 4 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Weapon Focus (Dagger). This synergizes with his Finesse Training. * Level 5 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Piranha Strike (if you want more damage at the cost of accuracy) or Combat Reflexes (excellent with high Dexterity for more Attacks of Opportunity, especially when paired with Outflank). Rogue Talent: Finesse Training (another weapon, e.g., Shortsword, or use a Combat Trick for an extra feat). * Level 6 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Evasion. * Level 7 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Outflank (a teamwork feat that synergizes incredibly well with Combat Reflexes and other melee companions, granting extra attacks of opportunity). * Level 8 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Slippery Mind (useful for mind-affecting spells). * Level 9 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting. * Level 10 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Improved Evasion. * Level 11 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Improved Critical (Dagger). * Level 12 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Opportunist. * Level 13 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Greater Two-Weapon Fighting. * Level 14 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Double Debilitation (a powerful debuff on enemies hit by Sneak Attack, reducing their AC and attack rolls). This is a game-changer. * Level 15 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Shatter Defenses (requires Dazzling Display, which Woljif can pick up as a rogue talent. This makes flat-footed enemies even easier to hit after successful Intimidate checks). * Level 16 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Combat Trick (for an extra feat like Improved Initiative). * Level 17 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Accomplished Sneak Attacker (if you need more sneak attack dice). * Level 18 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Another Combat Trick or Defensive Roll. * Level 19 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Feat: Seize the Moment (another teamwork feat for more AoOs). * Level 20 (Eldritch Scoundrel): Rogue Talent: Master Strike. Key Spells: Woljif's arcane spell list is crucial for his survivability and effectiveness. * Level 1: Mage Armor (essential for Archmage Armor mythic feat), Shield (huge AC boost), True Strike (for critical hits or tough enemies). * Level 2: Mirror Image (absolute lifesaver for survivability), Sense Vitals (massive sneak attack damage boost), Blur. * Level 3: Haste (party-wide buff, always cast), Greater Magic Weapon (long-lasting weapon enhancement). * Level 4: Greater Invisibility (guaranteed Sneak Attacks). * Level 5/6: Pit spells (Spike Pit, Acid Pit) provide excellent crowd control and area denial. Mythic Progression: * Mythic 1: Archmage Armor (with Mage Armor spell, this gives enormous AC, often 80+ later in the game). * Mythic 2: Abundant Casting (crucial for more spell slots, especially for buffs). * Mythic 3: Ever Ready (more attacks of opportunity, amazing with Outflank). * Mythic 4: Mythic Two-Weapon Fighting (removes penalties for dual-wielding, a huge boon). * Mythic 5: Improved Abundant Casting (even more spell slots). * Mythic 6: Mythic Sneak Attacker (boosts sneak attack dice). * Mythic 7: Improved Critical (Mythic) (Dagger) (further increases critical threat range, synergizes with Ever Ready). * Mythic 8: Flawless Attacks (removes base attack bonus penalties, always full BAB). * Mythic 9: Last Stand (prevents instant death, invaluable for "glass cannons"). * Mythic 10: Leading Strike (extra damage on hits, scales well with multiple attacks). Example Gameplay Loop: Woljif casts Mage Armor and Shield (or similar defensive buffs) on himself, Haste on the party. In combat, he positions himself to flank enemies, unleashing a torrent of Sneak Attacks with his dual daggers. He can use Greater Invisibility to guarantee Sneak Attacks against isolated, priority targets. His high Trickery and Perception also make him an invaluable scout and trap disarmer. This multiclass build is often cited as one of the most optimal for Woljif, transforming him into a monstrous damage dealer with added utility. It leverages the Alchemist's Mutagens and Extracts alongside the Rogue's Sneak Attack. Why Vivisectionist? * Sneak Attack Progression: Vivisectionist adds its own Sneak Attack dice, which stack with the Rogue's. * Mutagens: These temporary buffs provide massive boosts to physical stats (like Dexterity for Woljif) at the cost of mental stats, perfectly fitting a melee damage dealer. * Extracts: Alchemist spells, prepared as extracts, bypass arcane spell failure. This means Woljif can wear armor and still cast, though Mage Armor + Archmage Armor typically provides higher AC. More importantly, Alchemist extracts have the Infusion discovery, allowing Woljif to cast personal-only buffs like Shield, Transformation, or Sense Vitals on other party members. This is incredibly powerful. * Bombs: Provides a useful ranged attack option, though less of a focus for this build. Class Progression & Feats (Vivisectionist Focus): * Start: Eldritch Scoundrel 3 (unchangeable). * Levels 4-20 (Vivisectionist): Dedicate most, if not all, subsequent levels to Vivisectionist. * Level 4 (Vivisectionist 1): Feat: Weapon Focus (Dagger). Alchemist Discovery: Infusion. * Level 5 (Vivisectionist 2): Feat: Combat Reflexes. * Level 6 (Vivisectionist 3): Alchemist Discovery: Feral Mutagen (adds natural attacks like a bite, which apply Sneak Attack!). * Level 7 (Vivisectionist 4): Feat: Outflank. * Continue focusing on dual-wielding feats (Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Greater Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Critical), teamwork feats (Seize the Moment), and defensive feats as desired. Rogue Talents like Double Debilitation are still useful, though they come from the Eldritch Scoundrel levels. You'd need to take more Rogue levels if you want them, or stick to Vivisectionist for faster Alchemist progression. Key Extracts: * Self-Buffs: Shield, Sense Vitals, Longstrider, Reduce Person (for higher AC/attack, but lower damage), Enlarge Person (for reach/damage, but lower AC/attack), Transformation (late game, massive combat stats). * Party Buffs (via Infusion): This is the game-changer. Woljif can cast Shield or Sense Vitals on your main tank or other damage dealers, boosting the entire party's effectiveness. Mythic Progression: Similar to the pure Eldritch Scoundrel, prioritize Archmage Armor (if sticking unarmored), Abundant Casting (for extracts), Ever Ready, Mythic Two-Weapon Fighting, Mythic Sneak Attacker, Improved Critical (Mythic), and Last Stand. This Vivisectionist build significantly boosts Woljif's damage potential and provides unparalleled buffing versatility, making him a top-tier companion in many party compositions. My own experience with this build has been overwhelmingly positive; transforming Woljif from a decent damage dealer into an absolute combat monster who also keeps your frontline buffed is incredibly satisfying. The Arcane Trickster prestige class is a popular choice for spellcasting rogues, allowing them to apply Sneak Attack damage to ranged touch spells. While Woljif's Eldritch Scoundrel archetype already provides some magical progression, becoming a full Arcane Trickster requires a specific setup. Requirements: To qualify for Arcane Trickster, a character needs: * Ability to cast 2nd-level arcane spells. * 3 ranks in Knowledge (Arcana). * 3 ranks in Trickery. * 3 ranks in Stealth. Woljif meets the skill requirements early. The main hurdle is the 2nd-level arcane spells. An Eldritch Scoundrel eventually gets 2nd-level spells, but a faster way is to take a dip into a full arcane caster class like Sorcerer or Wizard before continuing with rogue levels. Class Progression (Example): * Eldritch Scoundrel 3 * Sorcerer 1 (or Wizard 1): This grants access to 2nd-level spells quickly. For Sorcerer, pick a Draconic Bloodline for elemental damage bonuses. * Arcane Trickster 10: Take all 10 levels here. * Remaining Levels: Return to Eldritch Scoundrel or another class (e.g., more Sorcerer levels for higher spell progression). Pros of Arcane Trickster Woljif: * Sneak Attack on Spells: This is the main draw. Spells like Acid Arrow, Scorching Ray, or later, Chain Lightning or Prismatic Spray, can deliver devastating Sneak Attack damage from range. * More Magical Utility: You'll have higher caster levels and more spell slots dedicated to offensive magic. Cons of Arcane Trickster Woljif: * Delayed Rogue Talents: You'll miss out on some high-level rogue talents like Double Debilitation unless you heavily multiclass back into Eldritch Scoundrel. * Feat Starvation: Dual-wielding feats and spellcasting feats compete for your limited feat slots. * Less Martial Focus: While you can still dual-wield, the focus shifts more to ranged spell attacks, potentially making him less effective in direct melee compared to the Vivisectionist or pure Eldritch Scoundrel builds. * Dex/Int Split: While Woljif has high stats for both, balancing them with feats and spell DCs can be challenging. While viable and fun for those who enjoy spell-based Sneak Attacks, many players argue that Woljif's inherent strengths as a melee rogue and the power of the Vivisectionist multiclass make the Arcane Trickster a slightly less optimal, though still powerful, choice for him. It's a build for those who want a truly hybrid damage dealer, capable of both melee and ranged magical offense. * Eldritch Knight: This prestige class combines martial prowess with spellcasting, gaining bonus combat feats and the ability to quicken spells on critical hits. It requires Martial Weapon Proficiency (e.g., from a Dragonheir Scion dip). It can create a powerful crit-focused caster/melee hybrid, especially with Rapiers for their critical range. * Duelist: By focusing on single-weapon combat (like a Rapier or Dagger), Woljif can become surprisingly tanky with high AC from the Duelist's Canny Defense feature, while still dishing out significant damage. Essential Gear for Woljif: * Weapons: High-enhancement daggers (or whatever weapon you focused on). Look for daggers with additional elemental damage or special properties. * Armor: If unarmored, anything that boosts AC or stats (e.g., Robes of the Raining Sun). If you took Vivisectionist and don't rely on Mage Armor, light armor with AC bonuses. * Helmet: Rascals Goggles (+10 Perception and Trickery, best in slot for skills). Windmaster Helmet for initiative. * Cloak: Cloak of Resistance (for saving throws). * Rings: Ring of Protection (AC), Ring of Luck (saving throws). * Bracers: Bracers of the Heavy Hand (+3 damage to off-hand attacks, excellent for dual-wielding). Proper gearing further enhances Woljif's strengths, ensuring he can consistently land hits, survive encounters, and fulfill his role as both a damage dealer and skill-user.

Integrating Woljif into your party requires understanding his strengths and weaknesses and building around them. Role: Woljif is primarily a melee damage dealer (via dual-wielding Sneak Attacks) and a skill monkey. His secondary role is that of a self-buffing arcane support caster, capable of boosting his own survivability and, with the Vivisectionist multiclass, the party's. Party Synergy: * Tanks/Frontliners: Woljif thrives when he can flank enemies. Companions like Seelah, Regill, or your own well-built main character (MC) who can hold enemy attention are crucial. They create the "flat-footed" or "flanked" conditions necessary for his Sneak Attacks. A strong tank ensures enemies aren't focusing Woljif, allowing him to position freely for backstabs. * Debuffers/Crowd Controllers: Casters like Ember, Nenio, or Daeran can apply debuffs (e.g., Slumber, Grease, Glitterdust, Evil Eye hex) that make enemies flat-footed or otherwise vulnerable, guaranteeing Sneak Attacks for Woljif. Nenio's illusion spells, in particular, can create chaos that Woljif can exploit. * Buffs: While Woljif can self-buff significantly, additional party buffs like Barkskin, Stoneskin, or Protection from Evil/Good (from Sosiel, Camellia, or your MC) can further bolster his defenses. Haste from any caster is universally beneficial for his many attacks. * Other Damage Dealers: Woljif complements other martial damage dealers well, as Outflank and Seize the Moment are teamwork feats that benefit everyone engaged in melee. Combat Positioning and Tactics: * Flanking is Key: Always aim to position Woljif opposite another melee character to gain the flanking bonus and enable Sneak Attacks. * Hit and Run: Especially in the early game when he's squishier, consider using Woljif to deliver burst damage and then reposition him, perhaps with his high Mobility skill, to avoid being overwhelmed. * Mirror Image Spam: This spell is his single greatest defensive tool. Cast it at the start of any major encounter. It effectively makes him immune to many attacks until the images are depleted. * Greater Invisibility: For crucial targets or when you need guaranteed Sneak Attacks, Greater Invisibility makes him immune to attacks and ensures he always gets Sneak Attack bonus damage. * Patience with Buffs: Many of Woljif's best defensive spells (Mage Armor, Shield) have durations that can be extended greatly by Mythic Abilities like Enduring Spells and Greater Enduring Spells, making them last 24 hours. Cast these at the beginning of the adventuring day. One memorable encounter for me involved Woljif dispatching a particularly troublesome demon. My main character, a Sword Saint, engaged it in melee, drawing its aggro. Woljif, with Mirror Image active and Sense Vitals buffing his damage, slipped into flanking position. The sheer number of dagger attacks, each carrying significant Sneak Attack dice, combined with the occasional critical hit, shredded the demon's HP in a few rounds. It was a perfect demonstration of his potential when properly supported and built.

Despite his initial self-serving nature and occasional moments of cowardice, Woljif has garnered a significant following among Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous players. His growth from a cynical street rat to a loyal, albeit still roguish, companion is genuinely heartwarming. He offers a grounded, often humorous, perspective amidst the epic, world-ending stakes of the crusade. His wit and banters make party rest camps and long travel sequences much more enjoyable. He’s the kind of character who keeps you on your toes, never quite sure what mischief he’ll get into next, but always there when it counts. This dynamic personality, coupled with his high utility in combat and for skill checks, solidifies his place as one of WotR's most beloved companions. Perhaps a testament to his popularity is the community's desire for a romance option with him. While Woljif is not officially a romancable character in the base game, the passionate community created and maintains a popular "Woljif Romance Mod", allowing players to pursue a relationship with the tiefling. This speaks volumes about how deeply players connect with his character arc and find his youthful charm and eventual loyalty endearing. He's often perceived as a "young" character, which might be why Owlcat didn't include an official romance, but the mod highlights a desire for a different kind of relationship arc. Woljif's story, with its themes of identity, trust, and overcoming one's origins, resonates deeply. He represents the potential for good (or at least, less evil) even in those born into unfortunate circumstances or bearing the taint of the Abyss. His struggle with his demonic grandfather, Ygefeles, mirrors the broader conflict of the game: the fight against overwhelming demonic influence, both external and internal.

Woljif Jefto, the Eldritch Scoundrel of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, is far more than just a chaotic rogue with a talent for thievery. He is a nuanced character whose journey from self-preservation to genuine camaraderie is a highlight of the game's rich narrative. From his quirky personality and witty banter to his formidable combat prowess as a dual-wielding Sneak Attacker and versatile arcane spellcaster, Woljif offers a unique and invaluable contribution to any Commander's party. Whether you choose to embrace his starting archetype, mold him into an unstoppable Vivisectionist, or explore other hybrid paths, Woljif's mechanical depth mirrors his thematic complexity. His presence streamlines skill checks, decimates foes, and injects much-needed levity into the grim crusade against the demons. Ignoring him risks missing out on not only a powerful companion but also one of WotR's most compelling character arcs. So, next time you venture into the Worldwound, make sure to seek out the spirited tiefling in the Defender's Heart basement – you might just find a surprising ally, and perhaps even a friend, in Woljif.