paizo.com Recent Posts in The Value of Pregenerated Characterspaizo.com Recent Posts in The Value of Pregenerated Characters2012-11-15T01:52:47Z2012-11-15T01:52:47ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersBig Kylehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#422012-11-17T04:05:02Z2012-11-17T04:05:02Z<p>Well let me start off by saying the gunslinger pregen is hard to use without an ultimate combat on hand by a new player, as the pre gen references abilities not listed on the sheet in the book.</p>
<p>The overall feel of the pregens as they stand...I like, for new players.</p>
<p>For recruiting experienced tabletop gamers...they are not so great.</p>
<p>For recruiting DnD players of other editions...they are ok.</p>
<p>For recruiting people who have never seen a role playing table top game...they're great.</p>
<p>When we view the pre gens through the "generalized" eyes of those experience levels we can better provide feedback as to how to improve them.</p>Well let me start off by saying the gunslinger pregen is hard to use without an ultimate combat on hand by a new player, as the pre gen references abilities not listed on the sheet in the book.
The overall feel of the pregens as they stand...I like, for new players.
For recruiting experienced tabletop gamers...they are not so great.
For recruiting DnD players of other editions...they are ok.
For recruiting people who have never seen a role playing table top game...they're great.
When we...Big Kyle2012-11-17T04:05:02ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated Charactersthistledownhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#412012-11-16T22:05:18Z2012-11-16T22:05:18Z<p>My highest character is still level 5, so for next week's game (tier 7-11), I'll be using a lvl 7 pregen. Our group only runs one table atm, and wants to draw in higher level players in the area.</p>
<p>My level 5 is a musket master, so I'm trying to figure out Lirianne, the gunslinger, at level 7. She's either short 3 hp or 3 skills, from favored class. Her initiative is off by 2 (valid if she's run out of grit), and her overencumbrance (15 lbs into medium) isn't reflected in her other stats.</p>
<p>Her gear shows two pistols, but higher in her stat block it lists three damage codes. That might not be an error, I'm not certain how to read it.</p>
<p>She also doesn't have two-weapon fighting, so I guess the extra gun is just there for reloading purposes?</p>
<p>And she's only got 25 shots. Which is pushing it a bit close. I don't think I've used that much in a single session before, but, I also haven't done that high of level.</p>
<p>Do we just assign the missing skills where we like at run time? Or do they turn into more hp?</p>
<p>Less relevant: what's her diety? Her class doesn't require it, but every character seems to have one anyways.</p>My highest character is still level 5, so for next week's game (tier 7-11), I'll be using a lvl 7 pregen. Our group only runs one table atm, and wants to draw in higher level players in the area.
My level 5 is a musket master, so I'm trying to figure out Lirianne, the gunslinger, at level 7. She's either short 3 hp or 3 skills, from favored class. Her initiative is off by 2 (valid if she's run out of grit), and her overencumbrance (15 lbs into medium) isn't reflected in her other stats.
Her...thistledown2012-11-16T22:05:18ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersBelafonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#402012-11-16T22:03:40Z2012-11-16T22:03:40Z<p>I'll agree with everything Kyle said in his first post with these exceptions (from my experiences, Kyle has WAY more experience than I, check out all those stars).
<br />
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kyle Baird wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Level 7 Pregens:
<br />
-Are used by players who want to try PFRPG but hate low-level play.
<br />
-Get more use at larger conventions.
<br />
-Are Kyra >70% of the time.
<br />
-Get used as an GM PC too often, usually resulting in bad things.
<br />
-No matter how well built, most players using them aren't effective enough at this level and often results in difficulty for "real" characters at the table. </blockquote><p>I have had pretty much the opposite experience with level 7 pregens.
</p>
-Most of the people who use them were planning on playing a lower tier scenario but that table didn't make (or they occasionally step aside for another player) and they don't have a level-appropriate character.
<br />
-Are used as "something different" which often leads to players doing unusual (annoying) things.
<br />
-Get used by new players at medium game days/small conventions. At large conventions new players are aggressively shunted towards one of the always-running First Steps tables precisely because of Kyle's last point.</p>
<p>-The "GM PC" problem stems more from lack of players and the added knowledge of the GM than a real pregen issue. When confronted by a puzzle, the GM PC is usually not going to offer a solution since the GM would have to decide between offering up the (known) solution or deliberately leading the rest of the party down a poor path. If pregen Ezren has a choice between fireball, scorching ray, and magic missile vs. something the party hasn't figured out is immune to fire, dilemma.</p>I'll agree with everything Kyle said in his first post with these exceptions (from my experiences, Kyle has WAY more experience than I, check out all those stars).
Kyle Baird wrote:Level 7 Pregens:
-Are used by players who want to try PFRPG but hate low-level play.
-Get more use at larger conventions.
-Are Kyra >70% of the time.
-Get used as an GM PC too often, usually resulting in bad things.
-No matter how well built, most players using them aren't effective enough at this level and often...Belafon2012-11-16T22:03:40ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersKyle Bairdhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#392012-11-16T17:59:11Z2012-11-16T17:59:11Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chris Mortika wrote:</div><blockquote> Both Kyra and Ezren need to have cheat sheets for their spells. If you hand a new player just the character sheet, he doens't have enough information available to play the character.</blockquote><p>I know that level 1 Ezren has short blurbs for all of his prepared spells.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Grumpy Old 1st Level Wizard wrote:</div><blockquote><p>Spells Ezren can cast the following spells (either from memory or from his spellbook). For full spell descriptions for these and the unprepared spells in his spellbook, see Chapter 10 of the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook.
</p>
Acid splash: Ranged touch attack (+2 to hit, range 25 feet) deals 1d3 points of acid damage.
<br />
Burning hands: 15-foot cone of fire deals 1d4 fire damage to all within (Reflex save for half damage).
<br />
Detect magic: Detects all spells and magic items within a 60-foot cone.
<br />
Light: Touched object shines like a torch for 10 minutes.
<br />
Mage armor: Gives subject +4 armor bonus for 1 hour.
<br />
Magic missile: Dart of force automatically hits target within 110 feet, dealing 1d4+1 damage.</blockquote><p>Chris Mortika wrote:Both Kyra and Ezren need to have cheat sheets for their spells. If you hand a new player just the character sheet, he doens't have enough information available to play the character.
I know that level 1 Ezren has short blurbs for all of his prepared spells. Grumpy Old 1st Level Wizard wrote:Spells Ezren can cast the following spells (either from memory or from his spellbook). For full spell descriptions for these and the unprepared spells in his spellbook, see Chapter 10...Kyle Baird2012-11-16T17:59:11ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersTetsujinOnihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#382012-11-16T17:06:50Z2012-11-16T17:06:50Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chris Mortika wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
The d20pfsrd "quick start" characters are not pre-gens, sveden is right. They can't be used to fill out a table with only three PCs.</p>
<p>But they are great for giving a new player over a hundred reasonable choices for a new character, quickly customizable if the player has her heart set on something specific. And with the Level 1 Retraining rules, the quick-start characters can serve as a good basis for rebuilding and tweaking the character before 2nd level.</p>
<p>I appreciate the work that went into those builds, and I am a big fan of the results. </blockquote><p>Yep, that's why I referred to them above as "stock" level 1's. Quick Start also seems good terminology.
<p>I can almost always find a fourth player that'd be interested in running "some dude or other" rather than having to play 3 players and a "bot" pregen... I have a real hate on for GM PCs as they make for poor roleplay and enough metagamery it even bothers my metagame-favoring mind. (3 years of pathfinder training is the common case. they are supposed to cover a LOT of things in that process, so the DC10 knowledges like type-traits (undead traits, vermin traits, etc) being things players remember <b>seem ok in this campaign</b> to me)</p>Chris Mortika wrote:The d20pfsrd "quick start" characters are not pre-gens, sveden is right. They can't be used to fill out a table with only three PCs.But they are great for giving a new player over a hundred reasonable choices for a new character, quickly customizable if the player has her heart set on something specific. And with the Level 1 Retraining rules, the quick-start characters can serve as a good basis for rebuilding and tweaking the character before 2nd level.
I appreciate the...TetsujinOni2012-11-16T17:06:50ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersChris Mortika (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#372012-11-16T16:54:35Z2012-11-16T16:54:35Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Don Walker wrote:</div><blockquote> Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them? </blockquote><div class="messageboard-quotee">Avatar-1 wrote:</div><blockquote>Is that PFS legal? My understanding about the pregens is that they have to be used exactly as-is. </blockquote><p>Avatar-1, Kyra is allowed to prepare spells as she pleases at the beginning of the day. I consider the spells listed to be those she has prepared on the day of the Venture Captain briefing.
<p>Both Kyra and Ezren need to have cheat sheets for their spells. If you hand a new player just the character sheet, he doens't have enough information available to play the character.</p>
<p>I would like to see four-page sheets, akin to those in the Beginner Box, for all the 1st-level pre-gen characters.</p>
<p>—</p>
<p>The d20pfsrd "quick start" characters are not pre-gens, sveden is right. They can't be used to fill out a table with only three PCs.</p>
<p>But they are great for giving a new player over a hundred reasonable choices for a new character, quickly customizable if the player has her heart set on something specific. And with the Level 1 Retraining rules, the quick-start characters can serve as a good basis for rebuilding and tweaking the character before 2nd level.</p>
<p>I appreciate the work that went into those builds, and I am a big fan of the results.</p>Don Walker wrote:Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them?
Avatar-1 wrote:Is that PFS legal? My understanding about the pregens is that they have to be used exactly as-is.
Avatar-1, Kyra is allowed to prepare spells as she pleases at the beginning of the day. I consider the spells listed to be those she has prepared on the day of the Venture Captain briefing. Both Kyra and Ezren need to have cheat sheets for their...Chris Mortika (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16)2012-11-16T16:54:35ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersPirate Robhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#362014-11-12T22:57:38Z2012-11-16T16:42:06Z<p>So playing in 7-11s I generally don't like sitting down next to a player playing a pre-gen. As a general rule they are unfamiliar with their character's abilities and don't play the character with as much personality as a player playing a PC.</p>
<p>However I hated the elitism I found present when I tried to play LG, so I'm willing to make this compromise and play with the 7th level pregens to avoid the issue of "earning the right to play."</p>
<p>As a side note I did have a pleasant experience with a 7th level pregen at Nuke-Con this year. A player who hadn't realized their cleric had hit 10 until right before the slot started played the 7th lvl Kyra in a 5-9. They played it skillfully and breathed more flavor into Kyra than I had ever seen done before. In this case at least, having her play the pregen was much better for everybody involved than turning her away.</p>So playing in 7-11s I generally don't like sitting down next to a player playing a pre-gen. As a general rule they are unfamiliar with their character's abilities and don't play the character with as much personality as a player playing a PC.
However I hated the elitism I found present when I tried to play LG, so I'm willing to make this compromise and play with the 7th level pregens to avoid the issue of "earning the right to play."
As a side note I did have a pleasant experience with a...Pirate Rob2012-11-16T16:42:06ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersTetsujinOnihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#352012-11-16T16:13:02Z2012-11-16T16:13:02Z<p>Oh, the other, hidden, "elitist" value of pregenerated characters:</p>
<p>If the party of Core4 iconics is more capable of finishing missions than your table of 5 custom PCs.... you might be taking too many options that don't make you good Pathfinder agents to enjoy succeeding at missions as you go along.</p>
<p>I mean seriously, if you can't make a table that's better than iconic effectiveness in PFS scnearios ... you're going to fail at so much that I doubt you'll have fun.</p>
<p>Maybe you will. I won't enjoy running those grindfests of fail, though.</p>
<p>And I am completely against "giving" scenario success away, too.</p>Oh, the other, hidden, "elitist" value of pregenerated characters:
If the party of Core4 iconics is more capable of finishing missions than your table of 5 custom PCs.... you might be taking too many options that don't make you good Pathfinder agents to enjoy succeeding at missions as you go along.
I mean seriously, if you can't make a table that's better than iconic effectiveness in PFS scnearios ... you're going to fail at so much that I doubt you'll have fun.
Maybe you will. I won't...TetsujinOni2012-11-16T16:13:02ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersThodhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#342012-11-16T10:22:52Z2012-11-16T10:22:52Z<p>Okay - maybe this is a contrarian opinion here.</p>
<p>I've seen a lot of use of the PreGen Characters. In my view they are a great tool for starting players and despite the constant downsides I hear - I actually think they work - maybe with the exemption of Ezren who would be better suited as blaster as done in the Beginner Box.</p>
<p>What is this experience being based on?</p>
<p>Locally we have:
<br />
2 level 7+ Kyra characters - originally based on level 1 Kyra, even in one case using her mini
<br />
2 level 5+ Valeros chacarters - originally based on level 1 Valeros, a third one now level 4
<br />
1 level 1 Fighter, level 4 Magus - originally based on level 1 Valeros
<br />
2 level 4+ Merisiel characters - originally based on level 1 Merisiel</p>
<p>These are 7 characters by 7 different players. I would reckon that >85% of players here did start their first character either with one of the four official pre-gens (2/3 of players) or started with a pre-gen.</p>
<p>The whole opinion about pregens being underpowered is a matter of perspective. We do risk here to become elitist. </p>
<p>Yes - a pregen seems like a underpowered option for a player who knows what he is doing. But a pregen is a good base line and he tends to be stronger as a character generated by someone new to Pathfinder and new to overall RPG.</p>
<p>I'm probably in a very special situation that > 2/3 of local players I recruited here never have played RPG before. These players don't buy a Core Rulebook and lots of other books and know how their character will look at level 10. You slowly build them up, teach them. They find out how the game works, I slowly introduce them to what they actually might want.</p>
<p>And I still do a holding the hand for the first few levels that they upgrade their characters as they are lost doing it themselves.</p>
<p>Yes - ideally I would sit down with these players for 2 hours ahead of a game, talk them through and generate a character with them. </p>
<p>And I'm so glad that the rebuild rules now exist. It gives me a lot more freedom when the players have done the first few games.</p>
<p>This is quite a difference to convention play. There most players have a background in RPG, they know what they are doing, they are cappable of doing their characters themselves.</p>Okay - maybe this is a contrarian opinion here.
I've seen a lot of use of the PreGen Characters. In my view they are a great tool for starting players and despite the constant downsides I hear - I actually think they work - maybe with the exemption of Ezren who would be better suited as blaster as done in the Beginner Box.
What is this experience being based on?
Locally we have:
2 level 7+ Kyra characters - originally based on level 1 Kyra, even in one case using her mini
2 level 5+...Thod2012-11-16T10:22:52ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersErik Mona (Chief Creative Officer, Publisher)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#332012-11-16T06:08:29Z2012-11-16T06:08:29Z<p>Very interesting comments, guys, especially reflections on how the pregens work in actual play experience. We're always looking into how to make the campaign easier and more accessible, and threads like this one are very helpful.</p>Very interesting comments, guys, especially reflections on how the pregens work in actual play experience. We're always looking into how to make the campaign easier and more accessible, and threads like this one are very helpful.Erik Mona (Chief Creative Officer, Publisher)2012-11-16T06:08:29ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersNetopalis (RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#322012-11-16T04:58:33Z2012-11-16T04:58:33Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Avatar-1 wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Don Walker wrote:</div><blockquote> Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them? </blockquote>Is that PFS legal? My understanding about the pregens is that they have to be used exactly as-is. </blockquote><p>A cleric prepares spells daily. If the party isn't in a time crunch...24 hours pass, and Kyra selects new spells for the day?Avatar-1 wrote:Don Walker wrote: Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them?
Is that PFS legal? My understanding about the pregens is that they have to be used exactly as-is. A cleric prepares spells daily. If the party isn't in a time crunch...24 hours pass, and Kyra selects new spells for the day?Netopalis (RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)2012-11-16T04:58:33ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersAvatar-1https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#312012-11-16T04:54:50Z2012-11-16T04:54:50Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Don Walker wrote:</div><blockquote> Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them? </blockquote><p>Is that PFS legal? My understanding about the pregens is that they have to be used exactly as-is.Don Walker wrote:Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them?
Is that PFS legal? My understanding about the pregens is that they have to be used exactly as-is.Avatar-12012-11-16T04:54:50ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersFurious Kenderhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#302012-11-15T19:12:16Z2012-11-15T19:12:16Z<p>I also wish they were more playable for a variety of styles. A mean a twfing fighter?!? The only one I've ever seen in play is the pregen. Couldn't you just make one with things like power attack, toughness, dodge, a greatsword, a longsword, and a shield? That way the player could simply pick his style and go with it. </p>
<p>Another example, the level 1 rogue should have had a bow and at least one social skill. </p>
<p>Spells memorized by the wizard also could have been the more frequently used spells. For example, a level 1 wizard should have had color spray or sleep already memorized. Both are in the spellbook, but new players commonly stick with the very poor burning hands and magic missle and skip the arcane bond spell altogether.</p>I also wish they were more playable for a variety of styles. A mean a twfing fighter?!? The only one I've ever seen in play is the pregen. Couldn't you just make one with things like power attack, toughness, dodge, a greatsword, a longsword, and a shield? That way the player could simply pick his style and go with it.
Another example, the level 1 rogue should have had a bow and at least one social skill.
Spells memorized by the wizard also could have been the more frequently used spells....Furious Kender2012-11-15T19:12:16ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersTriOmegaZerohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#292012-11-15T17:00:54Z2012-11-15T17:00:54Z<p>I've used Kyra and Ezren to fill out tables with limited success. I have also had two brand new players take Merisel and Valeros for their first game, then modify them into their own PCs afterwards. I have not had the chance to employ the higher level pregens.</p>I've used Kyra and Ezren to fill out tables with limited success. I have also had two brand new players take Merisel and Valeros for their first game, then modify them into their own PCs afterwards. I have not had the chance to employ the higher level pregens.TriOmegaZero2012-11-15T17:00:54ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersTetsujinOnihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#282012-11-15T16:58:00Z2012-11-15T16:58:00Z<p>Netopalis, we've started doing something like that in our Lodge.... Brother Mortimer, if I recall correctly, put together the planned content of the folders.</p>
<p>Rather than extra info on the character, it includes information on the campaign, has the post-adventure reference sheet, and other useful ephemera, as well as a new PFS number.</p>
<p>I'd totally be behind the notion of using HeroLab to build out the expanded version of the character sheet (with full spell text for their memorized spells).</p>
<p>Oh, and I'm one of the ones who will NOT allow the pregens to change out spells until the first time she could re-prepare. They show up for the briefing with what is on the sheet.</p>Netopalis, we've started doing something like that in our Lodge.... Brother Mortimer, if I recall correctly, put together the planned content of the folders.
Rather than extra info on the character, it includes information on the campaign, has the post-adventure reference sheet, and other useful ephemera, as well as a new PFS number.
I'd totally be behind the notion of using HeroLab to build out the expanded version of the character sheet (with full spell text for their memorized spells).
...TetsujinOni2012-11-15T16:58:00ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersNetopalis (RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#272012-11-15T16:54:30Z2012-11-15T16:54:30Z<p>Hmm...idea...</p>
<p>What if we had packets for players with the pregenerated characters? It could have the official pregen sheet, a page with the character information that I mentioned above, basic explanations about how the abilities and spells on the character sheet work, and a character sheet with a blank name area, already filled in with the pregen's info. Having a new player dig through the rulebook to look up each spell is arduous, and it would also be useful at cons, because the player could then just write the character name in and go without having to take time to transcribe the character between sessions.</p>
<p>Perhaps these packets could also have a new pre-registered PFS number as well?</p>Hmm...idea...
What if we had packets for players with the pregenerated characters? It could have the official pregen sheet, a page with the character information that I mentioned above, basic explanations about how the abilities and spells on the character sheet work, and a character sheet with a blank name area, already filled in with the pregen's info. Having a new player dig through the rulebook to look up each spell is arduous, and it would also be useful at cons, because the player...Netopalis (RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)2012-11-15T16:54:30ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersTetsujinOnihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#262012-11-15T16:54:26Z2012-11-15T16:54:26Z<p>Anecdotally, I didn't bring my PC binder to GenCon because I was judging all ten slots.</p>
<p>One of my tables didn't fire (Friday morning Red Harvest), so I ended up playing Hayato in Rise of the Goblin Guild. </p>
<p>If people want a fighter type PC, we generally advise them toward Hayato rather than Valeros, because a TWF pc is not a good tool for a new player.</p>Anecdotally, I didn't bring my PC binder to GenCon because I was judging all ten slots.
One of my tables didn't fire (Friday morning Red Harvest), so I ended up playing Hayato in Rise of the Goblin Guild.
If people want a fighter type PC, we generally advise them toward Hayato rather than Valeros, because a TWF pc is not a good tool for a new player.TetsujinOni2012-11-15T16:54:26ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersJiggy (RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#252012-11-15T16:50:15Z2012-11-15T16:50:15Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kyle Baird wrote:</div><blockquote>I've read from a few people and see a few players (dozen or so) want to scratch the name off and keep the pregen going forward. Why shouldn't they be designed to accommodate that? </blockquote><p>Locally there's a guy who did that with Ezren. "Fred" is now getting to be pretty high level.Kyle Baird wrote:I've read from a few people and see a few players (dozen or so) want to scratch the name off and keep the pregen going forward. Why shouldn't they be designed to accommodate that?
Locally there's a guy who did that with Ezren. "Fred" is now getting to be pretty high level.Jiggy (RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32)2012-11-15T16:50:15ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersKyle Bairdhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#242012-11-15T16:49:12Z2012-11-15T16:49:12Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">hogarth wrote:</div><blockquote><p> My experience...</p>
<p>I've seen pregens used for two purposes, as noted by others: to fill out a table (Kyra, every single time!) and for walk-in players (I think I've seen the rogue, cleric, alchemist and cavalier Level 1 pregens used once each and the fighter Level 1 pregen used twice).</p>
<p>I hope the APG pregens come back (after a few corrections, of course). I think every time I've seen them offered, someone has selected one, possibly because the art is pretty cool. </blockquote><p>Thanks Hogarth. I've seen new players pick a pregen based solely on the art as well.hogarth wrote:My experience...
I've seen pregens used for two purposes, as noted by others: to fill out a table (Kyra, every single time!) and for walk-in players (I think I've seen the rogue, cleric, alchemist and cavalier Level 1 pregens used once each and the fighter Level 1 pregen used twice).
I hope the APG pregens come back (after a few corrections, of course). I think every time I've seen them offered, someone has selected one, possibly because the art is pretty cool.
Thanks...Kyle Baird2012-11-15T16:49:12ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersKyle Bairdhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#232012-11-15T16:47:04Z2012-11-15T16:47:04Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Don Walker wrote:</div><blockquote> As to the strength of pregens, this has been said many times before. They are not power builds so that most any player can go on to create a better PC on their own. The pregens are not meant to be great. Good enough, yes. But not characters that anyone will want to play long-term.</blockquote><p>I'm more concerned with the strength of their role within the campaign, not at the table. I could care less if they're optimized or whatever, as long as they're interesting and easy to play and capture the players attention and gets the player to be at least minimally invested.
<p>How do you see them being used? When do you find them most helpful? When do you wish they were different (levels, build, presentation, etc)? </p>
<p>I've read from a few people and see a few players (dozen or so) want to scratch the name off and keep the pregen going forward. Why shouldn't they be designed to accommodate that?</p>Don Walker wrote:As to the strength of pregens, this has been said many times before. They are not power builds so that most any player can go on to create a better PC on their own. The pregens are not meant to be great. Good enough, yes. But not characters that anyone will want to play long-term.
I'm more concerned with the strength of their role within the campaign, not at the table. I could care less if they're optimized or whatever, as long as they're interesting and easy to play and...Kyle Baird2012-11-15T16:47:04ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated Charactershogarthhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#222012-11-15T16:39:33Z2012-11-15T16:39:33Z<p>My experience...</p>
<p>I've seen pregens used for two purposes, as noted by others: to fill out a table (Kyra, every single time!) and for walk-in players (I think I've seen the rogue, cleric, alchemist and cavalier Level 1 pregens used once each and the fighter Level 1 pregen used twice).</p>
<p>I hope the APG pregens come back (after a few corrections, of course). I think every time I've seen them offered, someone has selected one, possibly because the art is pretty cool.</p>My experience...
I've seen pregens used for two purposes, as noted by others: to fill out a table (Kyra, every single time!) and for walk-in players (I think I've seen the rogue, cleric, alchemist and cavalier Level 1 pregens used once each and the fighter Level 1 pregen used twice).
I hope the APG pregens come back (after a few corrections, of course). I think every time I've seen them offered, someone has selected one, possibly because the art is pretty cool.hogarth2012-11-15T16:39:33ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersNetopalis (RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#212012-11-15T15:59:39Z2012-11-15T15:59:39Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">sveden wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Netopalis wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">sveden wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Netopalis wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">sveden wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">TetsujinOni wrote:</div><blockquote> Mergy, d20pfsrd hosts a ton of 1st level stock PCs. (Not calling them pregens to prevent confusion with the official PFS pregens). It's a good resource.</blockquote><p>Those are not pregens and should not be used as such.
<p>Unless you made the PC yourself I have no interest in auditing a random level one PC taken from d20PFSRD. </blockquote>Do you audit every character that comes across your table? </blockquote>What do you think? </blockquote>I don't know. I have played 4 sessions and GMmed 2. I have never played at your table, and all of my games have been within my region. If I knew the answer, I doubt that I would have asked the question. </blockquote>And in that time did you or anyone at your table have their character audited? </blockquote><p>I asked my GM to look over my character, once I built him, to make sure he was legal. I have not seen other characters audited, but I have heard that some GMs do audit characters fairly thoroughly. Again, I don't know what everybody else does, I'm new to all of this. :Psveden wrote:Netopalis wrote: sveden wrote: Netopalis wrote: sveden wrote: TetsujinOni wrote: Mergy, d20pfsrd hosts a ton of 1st level stock PCs. (Not calling them pregens to prevent confusion with the official PFS pregens). It's a good resource.
Those are not pregens and should not be used as such. Unless you made the PC yourself I have no interest in auditing a random level one PC taken from d20PFSRD. Do you audit every character that comes across your table? What do you think? I don't...Netopalis (RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)2012-11-15T15:59:39ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated Characterssvedenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#202012-11-15T15:41:49Z2012-11-15T15:41:49Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">TetsujinOni wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Sveden, this is totally not intended as a slam:</p>
<p>How do you have time to fit that into a slot? </blockquote><p>One doesn't have the time.TetsujinOni wrote:Sveden, this is totally not intended as a slam:
How do you have time to fit that into a slot?
One doesn't have the time.sveden2012-11-15T15:41:49ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersDan Luckett (alias of ThornDJL7)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#192012-11-15T15:40:05Z2012-11-15T15:40:05Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Don Walker wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I can't speak for the developers, but my guess is that they listed the cure spells for those players who don't know the game well enough to know they can switch one out for a cure spell. Assuming that in the heat of combat the other players and GM may not remember to mention this.</p>
<p>Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them? </blockquote><p>I agree with this. While not optimized, this is what I'd expect to see on a pregen for someone who may just be sitting down because it's an open spot. Not ideal, but ideal doesn't happen every time.Don Walker wrote:I can't speak for the developers, but my guess is that they listed the cure spells for those players who don't know the game well enough to know they can switch one out for a cure spell. Assuming that in the heat of combat the other players and GM may not remember to mention this.
Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them?
I agree with this. While not optimized, this is what I'd expect to see on a...Dan Luckett (alias of ThornDJL7)2012-11-15T15:40:05ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Value of Pregenerated CharactersDon Walkerhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p5q1?The-Value-of-Pregenerated-Characters#182012-11-15T15:36:54Z2012-11-15T15:36:54Z<p>I can't speak for the developers, but my guess is that they listed the cure spells for those players who don't know the game well enough to know they can switch one out for a cure spell. Assuming that in the heat of combat the other players and GM may not remember to mention this.</p>
<p>Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them?</p>I can't speak for the developers, but my guess is that they listed the cure spells for those players who don't know the game well enough to know they can switch one out for a cure spell. Assuming that in the heat of combat the other players and GM may not remember to mention this.
Besides, what GM would require the player to use the memorized spells on a Kyra's sheet if they ask to change them?Don Walker2012-11-15T15:36:54Z