paizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestigepaizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige2023-06-06T18:58:07Z2023-06-06T18:58:07ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Everyman Product Reviews: Paths of Prestige (4 stars)Alexander Augunashttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2014-05-13T11:25:20Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p><span class=messageboard-bigger><b>Final Score & Thoughts:</b></span>
<br />
<i>Crunch:</i> 4/5 Stars
<br />
<i>Flavor:</i> 5/5 Stars
<br />
<i>Texture:</i> 4/5 Stars
<br />
<b>Final Score:</b> 13/15 Stars, or 4/5 Stars</p>
<p>Paths of Prestige is an awesome Paizo Product; it’s one of the very best by a long shot. That said, it isn’t without it’s flaws. Paizo hadn’t perfected the spellcaster prestige class by this point and honestly, maybe they never will; almost all spellcasting classes are dreadfully ill-designed for multiclassing because of the lack of a character-wide statistic like base attack bonus. Prestige Class flavor is awesome in this book, but don’t expect to be learning anything new about the organizations that they represent. That’s one of the curious things about these classes, as a matter of fact. The prestige classes that tend to be the most mechanically powerful are the ones that have campaign-neutral themes that are attached to specific organizations: for example, Bellflower Tiller is essentially “Harriet Tubman the Prestige Class,” Knight of Ozen is essentially “Undead-Slaying Knight,” and “Mammoth Rider” is less of an organization and more of a hobby-turned prestige class. This is coming from someone who is obviously biased on the topic, but I think Paths of Prestige proves that while prestige classes might be conceptually easier to design if they’re assigned to an organization, mechanically they’re more interesting and viable options if their themes are extend beyond that specific organization.</p>
<p><a href="http://gamingeveryman.wordpress.com/2014/05/13/unbirthday-2014-paths-of-prestige/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Read the full review at the Everyman Gaming blog.</a></p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p><span class=messageboard-bigger><b>Final Score & Thoughts:</b></span>
<br />
<i>Crunch:</i> 4/5 Stars
<br />
<i>Flavor:</i> 5/5 Stars
<br />
<i>Texture:</i> 4/5 Stars
<br />
<b>Final Score:</b> 13/15 Stars, or 4/5 Stars</p>
<p>Paths of Prestige is an awesome Paizo Product; it’s one of the very best by a long shot. That said, it isn’t without it’s flaws. Paizo hadn’t perfected the spellcaster prestige class by this point and honestly, maybe they never will; almost all spellcasting classes are dreadfully ill-designed for multiclassing because of the lack of a character-wide statistic like base attack bonus. Prestige Class flavor is awesome in this book, but don’t expect to be learning anything new about the organizations that they represent. That’s one of the curious things about these classes, as a matter of fact. The prestige classes that tend to be the most mechanically powerful are the ones that have campaign-neutral themes that are attached to specific organizations: for example, Bellflower Tiller is essentially “Harriet Tubman the Prestige Class,” Knight of Ozen is essentially “Undead-Slaying Knight,” and “Mammoth Rider” is less of an organization and more of a hobby-turned prestige class. This is coming from someone who is obviously biased on the topic, but I think Paths of Prestige proves that while prestige classes might be conceptually easier to design if they’re assigned to an organization, mechanically they’re more interesting and viable options if their themes are extend beyond that specific organization.</p>
<p><a href="http://gamingeveryman.wordpress.com/2014/05/13/unbirthday-2014-paths-of-prestige/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Read the full review at the Everyman Gaming blog.</a></p>Alexander Augunas2014-05-13T11:25:20ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige (5 stars)Kris Vanhoylandhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2013-12-23T22:45:36Z<p>I've reviewed this book over on <a href="http://rpggeek.com/thread/1064918/thirty-prestige-classes-talked-about" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RPGGeek.com</a>.</p><p>I've reviewed this book over on <a href="http://rpggeek.com/thread/1064918/thirty-prestige-classes-talked-about" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RPGGeek.com</a>.</p>Kris Vanhoyland2013-12-23T22:45:36ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Solid guidebook (4 stars)DrDethhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2013-03-19T20:07:12Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Pathfinder is better known for it’s complete and ‘go for 20 level’ base classes than it’s Prestige Classes. After all, the Archetypes make many PrC’s obsolete. </p>
<p>But here we have another thirty prestige classes for your use and reading pleasure. One I thought was great but might be a better base class is Noble Scion, which is Aristocrat done at a playable (but not power gamed) level.</p>
<p>Fun classes include the Mammoth Rider!</p>
<p>I have two quibbles- at least three of the PrC’s depend upon non-Core material, such as a feat found only in a sourcebook. The writers should have repeated the feat here. True, Core rulebook stuff doesn’t need to be, but this does. A more minor quibble is that some of these classes here are very region dependant.</p>
<p>A extra bonus is the table of where to find another three dozen Prestige classes, including some very basic info on each. Nice!</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Pathfinder is better known for it’s complete and ‘go for 20 level’ base classes than it’s Prestige Classes. After all, the Archetypes make many PrC’s obsolete. </p>
<p>But here we have another thirty prestige classes for your use and reading pleasure. One I thought was great but might be a better base class is Noble Scion, which is Aristocrat done at a playable (but not power gamed) level.</p>
<p>Fun classes include the Mammoth Rider!</p>
<p>I have two quibbles- at least three of the PrC’s depend upon non-Core material, such as a feat found only in a sourcebook. The writers should have repeated the feat here. True, Core rulebook stuff doesn’t need to be, but this does. A more minor quibble is that some of these classes here are very region dependant.</p>
<p>A extra bonus is the table of where to find another three dozen Prestige classes, including some very basic info on each. Nice!</p>DrDeth2013-03-19T20:07:12ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Many paths to choose from... (5 stars)gurpsgmhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2013-03-02T11:45:47Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>This slim 64 page addition for the Pathfinder Campaign Setting adds 30 new prestige classes to your favorite Fantasy role-playing game.</p>
<p>Section One, "Arcana", has 8 new mage prestige classes, including the Arclord of Nex, the Blackfire Adept, the Magaambyan Arcanist, the Razmiran Priest, the Riftwarden, the Tattooed Mystic, the Veiled Illusionist, and the Winter Witch.</p>
<p>Section Two, "Brawn", has 9 new fighter prestige classes, including the Aldori Swordlord, the Brother of the Seal, the Golden Legionnaire, the Knight of Ozem, the Lantern Bearer, the Mammoth Rider, the Pit Fighter, the Shieldmarshal, and the Skyseeker.</p>
<p>Section Three, "Guile", has 6 new rogue prestige classes, including the Aspis Agent, the Bellflower Tiller, the Daggermark Poisoner, the Gray Gardener, the Noble Scion, and the Sleepless Detective.</p>
<p>Section Four, "Piety", has 7 new clerical prestige classes, including the Champion of Irori, the Dawnflower Dissident, the Green Faith Acolyte, the Hellknight Signifier, the Prophet of Kalistrade, the Storm Kindler, and the Umbral Court Agent.</p>
<p>There's also a chart showing where to find 36 other prestige classes. The classes in the book are presented in alphabetical order. A canny GM would look to see if any of these classes would be more appropriate for NPC's. There are two pages for each class, and the necessary chart, as well as a sample picture of what a generic member of that class would look like. All new prestige classes in this volume, and references to the prestige classes in other Pathfinder products, make this just about a must-have for GM's. Highly recommended.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>This slim 64 page addition for the Pathfinder Campaign Setting adds 30 new prestige classes to your favorite Fantasy role-playing game.</p>
<p>Section One, "Arcana", has 8 new mage prestige classes, including the Arclord of Nex, the Blackfire Adept, the Magaambyan Arcanist, the Razmiran Priest, the Riftwarden, the Tattooed Mystic, the Veiled Illusionist, and the Winter Witch.</p>
<p>Section Two, "Brawn", has 9 new fighter prestige classes, including the Aldori Swordlord, the Brother of the Seal, the Golden Legionnaire, the Knight of Ozem, the Lantern Bearer, the Mammoth Rider, the Pit Fighter, the Shieldmarshal, and the Skyseeker.</p>
<p>Section Three, "Guile", has 6 new rogue prestige classes, including the Aspis Agent, the Bellflower Tiller, the Daggermark Poisoner, the Gray Gardener, the Noble Scion, and the Sleepless Detective.</p>
<p>Section Four, "Piety", has 7 new clerical prestige classes, including the Champion of Irori, the Dawnflower Dissident, the Green Faith Acolyte, the Hellknight Signifier, the Prophet of Kalistrade, the Storm Kindler, and the Umbral Court Agent.</p>
<p>There's also a chart showing where to find 36 other prestige classes. The classes in the book are presented in alphabetical order. A canny GM would look to see if any of these classes would be more appropriate for NPC's. There are two pages for each class, and the necessary chart, as well as a sample picture of what a generic member of that class would look like. All new prestige classes in this volume, and references to the prestige classes in other Pathfinder products, make this just about a must-have for GM's. Highly recommended.</p>gurpsgm2013-03-02T11:45:47ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Good and useful book (4 stars)Naviorhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-09-23T04:10:34Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p><a href="http://ofdiceandpenblog.blogspot.ca/2012/09/paths-of-prestige.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Read my full review on my blog.</a></p>
<p>If this book had come out during the time of 3.5, I probably would have groaned and ignored it. Over the years, I have had very few players ever take a prestige class (I’m pretty sure I could count the total number on one hand), and so this just would have been more bloat that would probably never get used. However, with recent emphasis being away from prestige classes, my reaction to this was one of interest. The scattered prestige classes that have appeared in other Golarion sources have all been very flavourful, so there was every reason to believe Paizo could keep it up with a book full of them. To be honest, most of the classes in this book will still likely never see use in any of my games; however, I would consider it very likely that <i>some</i> will get used, if only for NPCs. With only a couple of exceptions (that seem strangely generic), all the classes are extremely flavourful and help to add more options and life to the world of Golarion.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p><a href="http://ofdiceandpenblog.blogspot.ca/2012/09/paths-of-prestige.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Read my full review on my blog.</a></p>
<p>If this book had come out during the time of 3.5, I probably would have groaned and ignored it. Over the years, I have had very few players ever take a prestige class (I’m pretty sure I could count the total number on one hand), and so this just would have been more bloat that would probably never get used. However, with recent emphasis being away from prestige classes, my reaction to this was one of interest. The scattered prestige classes that have appeared in other Golarion sources have all been very flavourful, so there was every reason to believe Paizo could keep it up with a book full of them. To be honest, most of the classes in this book will still likely never see use in any of my games; however, I would consider it very likely that <i>some</i> will get used, if only for NPCs. With only a couple of exceptions (that seem strangely generic), all the classes are extremely flavourful and help to add more options and life to the world of Golarion.</p>Navior2012-09-23T04:10:34ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Prestige classes with meaning! (5 stars)AbsolutGrndZer0https://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-09-11T10:11:04Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Some of the Pathfinder staff once said (and I agreed) that one of the problems with 3.5 was there were TONS of prestige classes (if I recall correctly, the word "bloat" was used), and that this was something they wanted to avoid with Pathfinder. When they made a prestige class, it would have meaning to the campaign setting. So, we got one or two maybe three here and there, but not a large amount of prestige classes... until now. But, this book does NOT in my opinion make a mistake. Every class in this book is based on a faction or other such part of the Pathfinder Campaign Setting (Golarion) that makes it so players won't just be looking at the prestige class for the powers it can give them, but for the fun and flavor of the character.</p>
<p>Some definite gems from my initial reads of the PDF before my hardcopy arrives and I can curl up on my couch for more serious reading (and this first one... I'd love to play on in a PFS game!) are the Snake Oil Sales... I mean Razmiran Priests. Yes, these powerful arca... I mean divine spellcasters can heal you by the power of The Living God, Razmir! Sure, those are only temporary hit points. But it's ok, because by the time they wear off you'll likely either be dead from additional damage or have healed enough naturally that you won't notice, so let's all bow to Razmir, The Living God!</p>
<p>Then we have the Grey Gardeners. Galt's executioners who, at level 10 learn the secret ritual to extract a soul from a final blade (and even before that, can draw a soul into their sword and then later stick it into a final blade.)</p>
<p>There is also the Shieldmarshals, which are Alkenstar's guards and investigators both protecting the people of Alkenstar and helping to enforce Alkenstar's monopoly on the gun trade, along with many more prestige classes that all fit in and enhance Golarion as a setting.</p>
<p>So, while not every class will be useful to every player and every campaign, all of the classes have meaning to the campaign setting far beyond just a collection of cool abilities. Even just seeing the names of the classes, I can tell what faction or aspect of Golarion they represent.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Some of the Pathfinder staff once said (and I agreed) that one of the problems with 3.5 was there were TONS of prestige classes (if I recall correctly, the word "bloat" was used), and that this was something they wanted to avoid with Pathfinder. When they made a prestige class, it would have meaning to the campaign setting. So, we got one or two maybe three here and there, but not a large amount of prestige classes... until now. But, this book does NOT in my opinion make a mistake. Every class in this book is based on a faction or other such part of the Pathfinder Campaign Setting (Golarion) that makes it so players won't just be looking at the prestige class for the powers it can give them, but for the fun and flavor of the character.</p>
<p>Some definite gems from my initial reads of the PDF before my hardcopy arrives and I can curl up on my couch for more serious reading (and this first one... I'd love to play on in a PFS game!) are the Snake Oil Sales... I mean Razmiran Priests. Yes, these powerful arca... I mean divine spellcasters can heal you by the power of The Living God, Razmir! Sure, those are only temporary hit points. But it's ok, because by the time they wear off you'll likely either be dead from additional damage or have healed enough naturally that you won't notice, so let's all bow to Razmir, The Living God!</p>
<p>Then we have the Grey Gardeners. Galt's executioners who, at level 10 learn the secret ritual to extract a soul from a final blade (and even before that, can draw a soul into their sword and then later stick it into a final blade.)</p>
<p>There is also the Shieldmarshals, which are Alkenstar's guards and investigators both protecting the people of Alkenstar and helping to enforce Alkenstar's monopoly on the gun trade, along with many more prestige classes that all fit in and enhance Golarion as a setting.</p>
<p>So, while not every class will be useful to every player and every campaign, all of the classes have meaning to the campaign setting far beyond just a collection of cool abilities. Even just seeing the names of the classes, I can tell what faction or aspect of Golarion they represent.</p>AbsolutGrndZer02012-09-11T10:11:04ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Full of useful prestige classes (4 stars)xebechehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-09-03T06:18:50Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>I approve of the direction Paizo went with this book. They could have tried to generalize prestige classes, but instead tied them intricately to the world of Golarion. This is an excellent GM resource, but there are several viable options for PCs in any campaign. It's the options that tie specifically into your campaign (even PFS) that will make the difference! For example, if I were a PC in Skull & Shackles I'd be hard pressed not to pursue the Storm Kindler prestige class which drips with flavor.</p>
<p>In short, if you love the world of Golarion then you'll love the depth this book brings to NPCs and PCs.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>I approve of the direction Paizo went with this book. They could have tried to generalize prestige classes, but instead tied them intricately to the world of Golarion. This is an excellent GM resource, but there are several viable options for PCs in any campaign. It's the options that tie specifically into your campaign (even PFS) that will make the difference! For example, if I were a PC in Skull & Shackles I'd be hard pressed not to pursue the Storm Kindler prestige class which drips with flavor.</p>
<p>In short, if you love the world of Golarion then you'll love the depth this book brings to NPCs and PCs.</p>xebeche2012-09-03T06:18:50ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Don't like prestige classes, but I like this (4 stars)Steve Geddeshttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-08-24T05:23:59Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Ive never really been a fan of prestige classes and it wasn't until I got this that I realized why. They always seem to be "mechanically motivated" - almost solutions for combining two disparate classes rather than attempts to provide mechanical support to some campaign specific concept.</p>
<p>In contrast, the prestige classes in this book seem much more heavily driven by flavor considerations. I can't speak to their mechanical effectiveness, but as inspirations for character concepts tied to the world of golarion, I think they work exceptionally well.</p>
<p>I definitely <i>wouldnt</i> recommend it to people who aren't playing in paizo's game world. But for those familiar with the setting, this book provides many avenues for developing characters with close ties to some of the various intriguing regions of golarion.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Ive never really been a fan of prestige classes and it wasn't until I got this that I realized why. They always seem to be "mechanically motivated" - almost solutions for combining two disparate classes rather than attempts to provide mechanical support to some campaign specific concept.</p>
<p>In contrast, the prestige classes in this book seem much more heavily driven by flavor considerations. I can't speak to their mechanical effectiveness, but as inspirations for character concepts tied to the world of golarion, I think they work exceptionally well.</p>
<p>I definitely <i>wouldnt</i> recommend it to people who aren't playing in paizo's game world. But for those familiar with the setting, this book provides many avenues for developing characters with close ties to some of the various intriguing regions of golarion.</p>Steve Geddes2012-08-24T05:23:59ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Good for GMs, for PCs....not so much. (2 stars)Starnhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-08-23T18:17:27Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>I have been looking forward to this for some time, but found this product lacking, personally. It was ok and helped flesh out the world, but it hit absolutely no needs for my character.</p>
<p>Give you my example: Archer/Ranger of Desna specializing in hunting Undead and Outsiders. This product had squat. No archer prestige classes, very small holy/cleric selection. No undead hunters. No outsider hunters unless you toss arcane spells. Book was too specialized, imo to the point where you could not adapt the classes very well to a variety of characters.</p>
<p>I hoped that this book would be more general, allowing a PC to pick a prestige classes that could fit in a variety of settings, instead of having to be from an area or a race or a religion to work. Instead, if you show any charater building outside the templates they push you towards, you find yourself lacking.</p>
<p>Glad some people like it but I am not one of them. Hopefully GMs can make some more vibrant NPCs.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>I have been looking forward to this for some time, but found this product lacking, personally. It was ok and helped flesh out the world, but it hit absolutely no needs for my character.</p>
<p>Give you my example: Archer/Ranger of Desna specializing in hunting Undead and Outsiders. This product had squat. No archer prestige classes, very small holy/cleric selection. No undead hunters. No outsider hunters unless you toss arcane spells. Book was too specialized, imo to the point where you could not adapt the classes very well to a variety of characters.</p>
<p>I hoped that this book would be more general, allowing a PC to pick a prestige classes that could fit in a variety of settings, instead of having to be from an area or a race or a religion to work. Instead, if you show any charater building outside the templates they push you towards, you find yourself lacking.</p>
<p>Glad some people like it but I am not one of them. Hopefully GMs can make some more vibrant NPCs.</p>Starn2012-08-23T18:17:27ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Very good but slightly flawed product (4 stars)pauljathomehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-08-22T16:46:58Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>I should probably start with a caveat about myself. I love prestige classes. I especially love ones that have a lot of flavour AND where the mechanics actually do a very good job of reflecting that flavour. I want a character with a Prestige Class to be less powerful in general than a member of the base classes but to be more powerful within their specialty. </p>
<p>Let me start with the good things about the product.</p>
<p>Every prestige class is very, very rich in flavour. While all fit well into Golaron most could fairly easily be moved into other, similar, worlds.</p>
<p>The book is very well organized. Its easy to read, easy to look up things in play. The artwork is often very evocative.</p>
<p>After reading the book I have lots and lots of characters that I want to play. Not quite one for each prestige class but more than 1/2 of them inspired me.</p>
<p>Artwork is very much a matter of taste but I thought all the artwork at least acceptable and really liked some of pictures. Cheesecake factor is reasonably low (I'll leave the reader to decide if that is a good or bad thing :-)).</p>
<p>Some of the characters are of the sort that, ideally, a group or campaign should be built around. For example, I can easily envisage an entire campaign being essentially centered on a RiftWarden (a class devoted to maintaining the boundaries between the planes). While freely mixing prestige classes within the group may be a bit problematic I see this as very much a good thing and a testament to how rich the flavour is.</p>
<p>I most certainly recommend buying the product.</p>
<p>However, there are flaws.</p>
<p>Some of the rules are mechanically unclear. This isn't a huge deal for most games as the GM can just make a ruling but it makes it a little awkward for PFS.</p>
<p>A reviewer pointed out the Winter Witch as an example. Another example would be the tattooed mystic. It gets Familiar Tattoo at level 1. Its not clear how that would combine with an existing familiar (tattooed or not). As a GM I'd certainly rule that it would stack (transforming the other familiar into a tattooed familiar) but that kind of thing should be explicitly specified.</p>
<p>My other concern is that, mechanically, the classes seem uneven in the cost that they are paying for the mechanics that they receive.</p>
<p>For example, the Lantern Bearer pays almost no admission charge (A few skill ranks that a character would likely have) and gets some quite potent abilities in exchange for little cost.</p>
<p>The Green Faith Acolyte, on the other hand, gives up a fair bit (if entered as a druid) and gets nothing at all in return until 3rd level and many of its benefits are purely flavour or GM specific. Interestingly, the mechanics all but force a Shaman or other Druid archetype that gets wild shaping to delay entering the class until they actually get wild shaping. That could have been addressed but only by writing some quite convoluted language.</p>
<p>The above said, those who concentrate on flavour and not so much on raw character power will love this book. And its not as if its really a major concern if a druid or cleric gets slightly less powerful. Although I'd have to do a lot more analysis to be sure my impression is that the more powerful classes may take slight nerfs in order to take a prestige class while the less powerful may get minor power ups. I'm not sure if that is deliberate or not but its certainly something that I can live with.</p>
<p>As an aside, I did find some of the choices as to what is legal in PFS a little questionable from a flavour perspective although a good back story could certainly justify it for lower levels of the Prestige Class. Fortunately, in most cases by the time the character is getting to a high enough level that they really should NOT be hanging around PFS they retire from most scenario play anyway.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>I should probably start with a caveat about myself. I love prestige classes. I especially love ones that have a lot of flavour AND where the mechanics actually do a very good job of reflecting that flavour. I want a character with a Prestige Class to be less powerful in general than a member of the base classes but to be more powerful within their specialty. </p>
<p>Let me start with the good things about the product.</p>
<p>Every prestige class is very, very rich in flavour. While all fit well into Golaron most could fairly easily be moved into other, similar, worlds.</p>
<p>The book is very well organized. Its easy to read, easy to look up things in play. The artwork is often very evocative.</p>
<p>After reading the book I have lots and lots of characters that I want to play. Not quite one for each prestige class but more than 1/2 of them inspired me.</p>
<p>Artwork is very much a matter of taste but I thought all the artwork at least acceptable and really liked some of pictures. Cheesecake factor is reasonably low (I'll leave the reader to decide if that is a good or bad thing :-)).</p>
<p>Some of the characters are of the sort that, ideally, a group or campaign should be built around. For example, I can easily envisage an entire campaign being essentially centered on a RiftWarden (a class devoted to maintaining the boundaries between the planes). While freely mixing prestige classes within the group may be a bit problematic I see this as very much a good thing and a testament to how rich the flavour is.</p>
<p>I most certainly recommend buying the product.</p>
<p>However, there are flaws.</p>
<p>Some of the rules are mechanically unclear. This isn't a huge deal for most games as the GM can just make a ruling but it makes it a little awkward for PFS.</p>
<p>A reviewer pointed out the Winter Witch as an example. Another example would be the tattooed mystic. It gets Familiar Tattoo at level 1. Its not clear how that would combine with an existing familiar (tattooed or not). As a GM I'd certainly rule that it would stack (transforming the other familiar into a tattooed familiar) but that kind of thing should be explicitly specified.</p>
<p>My other concern is that, mechanically, the classes seem uneven in the cost that they are paying for the mechanics that they receive.</p>
<p>For example, the Lantern Bearer pays almost no admission charge (A few skill ranks that a character would likely have) and gets some quite potent abilities in exchange for little cost.</p>
<p>The Green Faith Acolyte, on the other hand, gives up a fair bit (if entered as a druid) and gets nothing at all in return until 3rd level and many of its benefits are purely flavour or GM specific. Interestingly, the mechanics all but force a Shaman or other Druid archetype that gets wild shaping to delay entering the class until they actually get wild shaping. That could have been addressed but only by writing some quite convoluted language.</p>
<p>The above said, those who concentrate on flavour and not so much on raw character power will love this book. And its not as if its really a major concern if a druid or cleric gets slightly less powerful. Although I'd have to do a lot more analysis to be sure my impression is that the more powerful classes may take slight nerfs in order to take a prestige class while the less powerful may get minor power ups. I'm not sure if that is deliberate or not but its certainly something that I can live with.</p>
<p>As an aside, I did find some of the choices as to what is legal in PFS a little questionable from a flavour perspective although a good back story could certainly justify it for lower levels of the Prestige Class. Fortunately, in most cases by the time the character is getting to a high enough level that they really should NOT be hanging around PFS they retire from most scenario play anyway.</p>pauljathome2012-08-22T16:46:58ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: First of all, this book is cool. (3 stars)Enarishttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-08-11T21:11:46Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Now, I've only got the PDF as of yet, but I like the book for a few key points: First, my favorite character is a Hellknight Signifer of the Pyre. Second, my current character in Jade Regent is a Witch (winter witch), and I wanted some more winteriness. Third, an upcoming player in my Rise campaign is playing an aristocrat (for which I'm going to introduce the Noble Scion prestige class)</p>
<p>Here's the problem: two of the three classes I've looked at in this have serious flaws. Maybe not for the more experienced, perhaps, but anyone looking to add flavor to a character without rules wading is in for a surprise. </p>
<p>First, the Hellknight. Okay, okay, it's well designed to be able to support oracle, cleric, inquisitor, sorcerer, wizard, even probably druid levels before the prestige taking. But... Arcane armor expertise? You get that as a bonus feat.
<br />
...Expertise? What? Does that mean mastery? Is it a feat, or a class feature stated elsewhere? </p>
<p>Second, the winter witch. With James specifically calling out the WW, I thought for sure it'd be incredibly worthwhile.
<br />
Turns out, not so much. Besides only being able to take levels in it if you're ALREADY a winter witch, something I didn't mind too much, it's also worded incredibly badly. The first level doesn't add a level of spells per day, but levels of the PrCl stack with witch levels to "determine spells per day, spells learned..." What? So which is it? What's my caster level?
<br />
The errors and missteps in the Winter Witch prestige class go on and on, and it'll take a few hours with my GM, a lot of scrap paper, and some red ink for me to actually take levels in it. </p>
<p>All told, it was worth receiving anyhow, and has a lot of flavor for any class and concept you'll ever deign to play.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>Now, I've only got the PDF as of yet, but I like the book for a few key points: First, my favorite character is a Hellknight Signifer of the Pyre. Second, my current character in Jade Regent is a Witch (winter witch), and I wanted some more winteriness. Third, an upcoming player in my Rise campaign is playing an aristocrat (for which I'm going to introduce the Noble Scion prestige class)</p>
<p>Here's the problem: two of the three classes I've looked at in this have serious flaws. Maybe not for the more experienced, perhaps, but anyone looking to add flavor to a character without rules wading is in for a surprise. </p>
<p>First, the Hellknight. Okay, okay, it's well designed to be able to support oracle, cleric, inquisitor, sorcerer, wizard, even probably druid levels before the prestige taking. But... Arcane armor expertise? You get that as a bonus feat.
<br />
...Expertise? What? Does that mean mastery? Is it a feat, or a class feature stated elsewhere? </p>
<p>Second, the winter witch. With James specifically calling out the WW, I thought for sure it'd be incredibly worthwhile.
<br />
Turns out, not so much. Besides only being able to take levels in it if you're ALREADY a winter witch, something I didn't mind too much, it's also worded incredibly badly. The first level doesn't add a level of spells per day, but levels of the PrCl stack with witch levels to "determine spells per day, spells learned..." What? So which is it? What's my caster level?
<br />
The errors and missteps in the Winter Witch prestige class go on and on, and it'll take a few hours with my GM, a lot of scrap paper, and some red ink for me to actually take levels in it. </p>
<p>All told, it was worth receiving anyhow, and has a lot of flavor for any class and concept you'll ever deign to play.</p>Enaris2012-08-11T21:11:46ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: I'm incredibly impressed (5 stars)cartmanbeckhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-08-10T14:57:56Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>This coming from someone who has always loved Prestige classes and what they represent, Paizo really hit the nail on the head this time. I wish this was part of the Pathfinder Core Rules series instead of a Campaign Setting, because these PrCs are worthy of every single player who enjoys this game to check out. </p>
<p>There are thirty Prestige classes in this book, and each one of them is full of flavor and has at least one unique and interesting ability that will make players drool. Whether it be the Mammoth Rider whose animal companion or bonded mount becomes a Huge creature, or the Aspis Agent who uses cunning and guile to interfere with the Pathfinder Society's plans, these classes are all excellent. </p>
<p>There are very few abilities that could be "cheesed" by power gamers, which is refreshing and represents excellent writing on the part of the authors of this book. I especially enjoyed how two of the classes, the Blackfire Adept and the Riftwardens, are specifically listed as being antitheses of each other, opposing each other at every turn and essentially holding a quiet war between their two schools of thought.</p>
<p>Every base class in the game is represented with at least one Prestige class that they can qualify for, and usually several for each class. I am extremely happy that this book is out, and I'm eagerly looking forward to which PrCs are pronounced as legal for Pathfinder Society play.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>This coming from someone who has always loved Prestige classes and what they represent, Paizo really hit the nail on the head this time. I wish this was part of the Pathfinder Core Rules series instead of a Campaign Setting, because these PrCs are worthy of every single player who enjoys this game to check out. </p>
<p>There are thirty Prestige classes in this book, and each one of them is full of flavor and has at least one unique and interesting ability that will make players drool. Whether it be the Mammoth Rider whose animal companion or bonded mount becomes a Huge creature, or the Aspis Agent who uses cunning and guile to interfere with the Pathfinder Society's plans, these classes are all excellent. </p>
<p>There are very few abilities that could be "cheesed" by power gamers, which is refreshing and represents excellent writing on the part of the authors of this book. I especially enjoyed how two of the classes, the Blackfire Adept and the Riftwardens, are specifically listed as being antitheses of each other, opposing each other at every turn and essentially holding a quiet war between their two schools of thought.</p>
<p>Every base class in the game is represented with at least one Prestige class that they can qualify for, and usually several for each class. I am extremely happy that this book is out, and I'm eagerly looking forward to which PrCs are pronounced as legal for Pathfinder Society play.</p>cartmanbeck2012-08-10T14:57:56ZPathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige: Easily some of Paizo's best work (5 stars)Generic Villainhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige2012-08-10T05:14:37Z<p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>People tend to have a love/hate relationship with prestige classes, and Paizo has been hit-or-miss with them in the past. I can honestly say though, that of the 30 prestige classes presented here, there's not one I would consider a "miss."</p>
<p>Each class begins with a short flavorful writeup, but for the most part this book is all crunch. None of the classes struck me as under- or overpowered, and the abilities gained really help highlight each class's theme. If you take levels in Daggermark Poisoner, you can be sure that your character is going to be a master of everything toxic. Want to take your illusionist to the next level? Than look no further than the Veiled Illusionist class, whose spells will keep the enemy guessing until it's far too late.</p>
<p>If you don't play in Pathfinder's default setting of Golarion, I'll say that some of the classes are thematically tied to that world. At the same time, it would take very little effort to customize these for your own campaign. For example the Hellknight Signifier is, at its core, an armored spellcaster with some creepy Hell-themed powers. I can't think of a setting where that wouldn't be neat. Also, many of the classes are quite generic (though by no means boring!). The Noble Scion is perfect for any royal court, the Sleepless Detective would work beautifully in a gothic horror or steam punk setting, and if there are drow in your world, you can bet there's a Lantern Bearer hunting them somewhere.</p>
<p>In conclusion, I could really feel the authors' attention to detail in each class. Nothing feels like a throwaway, with even potentially mundane themes like Pit Fighter gaining all kinds of creative, unique powers. Whether you're a GM or a player, you can bet there's something in here for you.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige</b></p><p>People tend to have a love/hate relationship with prestige classes, and Paizo has been hit-or-miss with them in the past. I can honestly say though, that of the 30 prestige classes presented here, there's not one I would consider a "miss."</p>
<p>Each class begins with a short flavorful writeup, but for the most part this book is all crunch. None of the classes struck me as under- or overpowered, and the abilities gained really help highlight each class's theme. If you take levels in Daggermark Poisoner, you can be sure that your character is going to be a master of everything toxic. Want to take your illusionist to the next level? Than look no further than the Veiled Illusionist class, whose spells will keep the enemy guessing until it's far too late.</p>
<p>If you don't play in Pathfinder's default setting of Golarion, I'll say that some of the classes are thematically tied to that world. At the same time, it would take very little effort to customize these for your own campaign. For example the Hellknight Signifier is, at its core, an armored spellcaster with some creepy Hell-themed powers. I can't think of a setting where that wouldn't be neat. Also, many of the classes are quite generic (though by no means boring!). The Noble Scion is perfect for any royal court, the Sleepless Detective would work beautifully in a gothic horror or steam punk setting, and if there are drow in your world, you can bet there's a Lantern Bearer hunting them somewhere.</p>
<p>In conclusion, I could really feel the authors' attention to detail in each class. Nothing feels like a throwaway, with even potentially mundane themes like Pit Fighter gaining all kinds of creative, unique powers. Whether you're a GM or a player, you can bet there's something in here for you.</p>Generic Villain2012-08-10T05:14:37Z