Pregens, the NPC Codex, and PFS

[W. Kristoph Nolen]

So ... I was going over some of my stuff from PaizoCon, and was looking at my poster of the NPC Codex cover. I was enjoying the thought of how grand the book is going to be, and so I watched some PaizoCon footage of when we were at the Banquet, and the book announcements were being made and what not ... and then I went to look the book up online and whatnot.
There's been a fair amount of talk on the boards about pregens, and applying credits for playing with them, and at what level, and whatnot...

And then ... (duhn-duh-duuuhn!) ... I thought of a question:
Since there's going to be stats for all the NPCs of each base class, at each level, are they going to be legal as PFS pregens? That is, will we have pregens of each class at each level?
I'm *SO* hoping that we'll be able to use them all! Because ... well, because that would rawk, that's why. :D

[cblome59]

It would be nice, but I think it will depend on just how compatable to PFS play they are. (lower stat builds, etc.)

[Kyle Baird]

There's a reason why the NPCs in the last(?) section are 20-point buy.. This was briefly discussed by Jason at the PaizoCon banquet,

[Kyle Baird]

"The famous “iconic characters” of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game also come alive with statistics at various levels of development, providing ready-to-use player characters for any occasion.".

I believe these are the 20-point buy builds.

[W. Kristoph Nolen]

Hmm. That's a good point, Clint. I can't imagine that they'd be any different than those built for PFS ... but ... you know, there's not telling yet.
The thing that got me on it was a post from Mike, in another thread.

Michael Brock wrote:

If there are only 3 players, a GM should choose one of the seven NPCs currently available.

Obviously, the emphasis is mine, but, it just seems an odd thing to say unless there were going to be more available within the forseeable future. I'm kind of hoping that someone's heard something that I may have missed and there's info on whether it's giong to happen (or you know, wild specualation - everyone feel free to share their guesses). It'd certainly get rid of a lot of confusion, I think, about what level credits are awarded at and whatnot.

[cblome59]

Sounds good Kyle. I'm looking forward to this book as a Home Game GM. I can see how it might have low appeal to many gamers, but this is a must have for me.

[cblome59]

Kristoph,

At one point there were a few Pregens for the APG classes (Alchemist, Oracle and another). So it could be read that way as well. I'll cross my fingers with you though.

[CRobledo]

I'd be ok with this idea, but I think the only levels available should be 1, 4, 7.

1. I wouldn't want someone with a level 11 pregen of a class he has never played in his life at a high table... Would take forever...

2. If every level was allowed, it would be too easy for a table to game the APL in order to force a table either up or down a subtier.

3. There would still be conversions needed for some (Alchemists with extra bombs, wizards with spell focus instead of scribe scroll)

[Michael Brock]

Let me get the book in hand and take a look at it, and I can better answer this question. My inclination is that, yes, at least some of the NPCs will be available as PFS pre gens but I need to review the book first.

As to conversions, such as wizard with scribe scrolls and alchemists with extra bombs and the like, if those appear on the pregens, the pregens can probably be used but the illegal feats can not be used, and they won't be replaced with anything. Will this make the pregen weaker than a normal PFS character? Probably. Does it still open up more options for PFS play? Absolutely.

[CRobledo]

Michael Brock wrote:

Let me get the book in hand and take a look at it, and I can better answer this question. My inclination is that, yes, at least some of the NPCs will be available as PFS pre gens but I need to review the book first.

(thumbs up) Sounds good!

[W. Kristoph Nolen]

Michael Brock wrote:

Let me get the book in hand and take a look at it, and I can better answer this question. My inclination is that, yes, at least some of the NPCs will be available as PFS pre gens but I need to review the book first.

As to conversions, such as wizard with scribe scrolls and alchemists with extra bombs and the like, if those appear on the pregens, the pregens can probably be used but the illegal feats can not be used, and they won't be replaced with anything. Will this make the pregen weaker than a normal PFS character? Probably. Does it still open up more options for PFS play? Absolutely.

That's GREAt, Mike. Thanks for the response. Can't wait to hear about not only the interesting NPCs in the book, but whether there'll be iconics at each level. I'll be sure to revist this thread in coming months.

'Til then .. let's all feel free to let Mike know what we think are good ideas about handling this great new book that's coming out in about just 8 weeks!

[Nani O. Pratt]

Michael Brock wrote:

Let me get the book in hand and take a look at it, and I can better answer this question. My inclination is that, yes, at least some of the NPCs will be available as PFS pre gens but I need to review the book first.

As to conversions, such as wizard with scribe scrolls and alchemists with extra bombs and the like, if those appear on the pregens, the pregens can probably be used but the illegal feats can not be used, and they won't be replaced with anything. Will this make the pregen weaker than a normal PFS character? Probably. Does it still open up more options for PFS play? Absolutely.

What? All Paizo employees don't automatically get all books uploaded into their heads months before the release date? Jeez, what good are they if they can't spout encyclopedic knowledge of all things ever published/changed/said on a message board? Laaaaaaaaaaame.