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I figured this info would be in the AP Tiefling article, but it wasn't. Is the official Pathfinder info on Tieflings as a playable race somewhere or are we still using 3.x rules?
On that subject, will the upcoming bestiary have info on critters as playable races?
I was wondering the same thing since I plan on DMNPCing one in our game when we start to run it.
My understanding is that the more humanoid-ish races that historically had low LAs will be playable - the bestiary will likely have rules for goblin and orc PCs, for example. It's likely to provide PC info for tieflings, because Paizo seems to be in love with them. We won't have rules for playing less standard/low LA creatures, like Minotaurs, Ogres, or Krenshars, however. At least not until they publish the Pathfinder equivalent of Savage Species.
I saw something from James Jacobs recently that stated that PFRPG does not utilize the LA system, at least not in the foreseeable future. His suggestion is to ignore LA and compensate the other players in some way. For instance, if a race is only marginally more powerful than standard races, feel free to give out an extra feat or some other bonus.
That said, the LA system would work just fine in the PFRPG. So more powerful races (LA +3 and above) can be supported.
As stated, tieflings aren't horribly more powerful than the Pathfinder races so you could just ignore the LA and be mostly okay. But the random chart in Pathfinder #25 has the potential to provide was rather potent abilities. If you think that character will far outstrip the others, go ahead and give everyone else an extra bonus to help bridge the gap.
KaeYoss also had an interesting suggestion in that same, mysterious thread. His solution is give the +1 LA races a level in commoner, expert, or aristocrat. That way, they are still 2nd level characters but they don't suffer that odd XP deficit. I thought this solution was particularly elegant.
I will try to find those posts and link them in this thread.
It should be noted, a racial traits were given for the winged Strix in Bestiary of Pathfinder #25 but no LA was provided despite the ability to fly. According to the article the Bestiary tome will provide more rules on the subject. But I imagine it will likely resemble the suggestions provided by James. I could be wrong though. It has been known to happen. :)
In the back of the latest AP (Bastards of Erebus), gives "alternate" rules for tieflings. Without a base set of rules for them this is kind of awkward. I expect an announcement of full tiefling material soon (likely in the Beasty book)
the alternate system consist of a feat that allows you to select form a few racial mod sets:
taking the feat actually allows you to pick a stat instead of rolling.
- Asura-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom,
–2 Intelligence. The scions of the exotic and
mysterious asuras are swift and wise, but often
favor traditional ways over cunning.
- Daemon-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Dexterity, +2
Intelligence, –2 Wisdom. Daemon-blooded bringers
of devastation are shrewd and swift, but their plans
frequently exhibit exploitable flaws.
- Demodand-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Constitution, +2
Wisdom, –2 Intelligence. The burly spawn of the
demodand race possess bizarre cunning, but favor
brawn to planning.
- Demon-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Strength, +2 Charisma,
–2 Intelligence. Savage and monstrous, the
terrifying spawn of demons know the chaotic fury
of their Abyssal ancestors.
- Devil-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Constitution, +2
Wisdom, –2 Charisma. Stalwart and conniving,
diabolical tieflings know the discipline and
might of Hell’s legions.
- Div-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, –2
Intelligence. Scouring life like a desert wind, these
tieflings possess the precision and exoticism of
their div ancestors.
- Kyton-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Constitution, +2
Charisma, –2 Wisdom. The black-hearted spawn
of shadow and pain know the sadistic vices of their
suffering-obsessed forebearers.
- Oni-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Strength, +2 Wisdom,
–2 Charisma. The spawn of oni know the ways
of their ancestral fiends and master the arts of
trickery and cruelty.
- Qlippoth-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Strength, +2 Wisdom,
–2 Intelligence. Rare in the extreme, the warped
scions of the eldritch qlippoths retain the tenacity
and insidiousness of their horrific forbearers.
- Rakshasa-Spawn Tiefling: +2 Dexterity, +2
Charisma, –2 Wisdom. Deft and charming, these
bestial tieflings inherit much of the subtlety and
guile of their proud rakshasa progenitors.
there is also a d% roll (with 100 options) of abilities to replace the normal darkness" ability. (obviously to large to put here
Until we get an official version, I've been considering the following.
Tiefling
+2 Dex, +2 Int, -2 Dex
Medium-size
Speed: 30ft.
Choose one of the following, cold, fire or electricity, you gain resistance 5.
Darkvision 60ft.
Native Outsiders.
Aasimar
+2 Wis, +2 Cha, -2 Con
Medium-size
Speed: 30ft.
Choose one of the following, Acid, cold or electricity, you gain resistance 5.
Darkvision 60ft.
Native Outsiders.
The 2 mental stat boosts that Aasimar get makes them trickier to balance, imo, so I gave them -2 Con.
As I say, hopefully we'll soon get the official versions
Level Adjustments are the most unsexy thing about 3.X ever and I think it's a wise decision with Pathfinder to not continue them. No caster wants to take a casting level hit ever, whether due to LA or some prestige class. The other classes? Well, maybe, but if you can't have a tiefling sorcerer go toe to toe with a regular human wizard of the same level, there's really no point. Ditto any other race with a LA.
Better to just hand the other PCs a few extra feats to make up for the perks of being a powerful race.