Advanced Class Guide

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Just a few weeks ago, we announced the Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide, an exciting new addition to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game due out next summer. While we talked about it a fair bit at Gencon, this blog post is here to get you caught up on all the news!

This 256-page rulebook will contain 10 new classes, each a mix of two existing classes, taking a bit from each class and adding new mechanics to give you a unique character. Around the office we're calling them "hybrid classes." You can think of the magus (from Ultimate Magic) as our first test of this concept. It takes some rules from the fighter, some rules from the wizard, and then adds its own unique mechanics.

At this point, you're probably wondering what new classes you can expect to see in the Advanced Class Guide. So far, we've announced five of the ten classes.

Bloodrager: This blend of sorcerer and barbarian can call upon the power of his blood whenever he goes into a rage. He also has a limited selection of spells he can call upon, even when in a mindless fury!

Hunter: Taking powers from both the druid and the ranger, the hunter is never without her trusted animal companion, hunting down foes with lethal accuracy.

Shaman: Calling upon the spirits to aid her, the shaman draws upon class features of the oracle and the witch. Each day, she can commune with different spirits to aid her and her allies.

Slayer: Look at all the blood! The slayer blends the rogue and the ranger to create a character that is all about taking down particular targets.

Warpriest: Most religions have martial traditions, and warpriests are often the backbones of such orders. This mix of cleric and fighter can call upon the blessings of the gods to defeat enemies of their faiths.

Of course, those are just half the classes in this book. There are four more we have yet to reveal.

"Four?" you say. "But I thought there were ten!" And you would be right—because I'm about to let you in on another of the classes that will appear in this book, which we haven't announced until this moment!

Swashbuckler: Break out your rapier and your wit! The swashbuckler uses panache and daring to get the job done, blending the powers of the fighter and the gunslinger! For those of you who don't use guns in your campaign, fear not—the base class is not proficient in firearms (although there will certainly be an archetype in the book that fix that).

But that's not all! This book will also contain archetypes for all 10 new classes, as well as a selection to help existing classes play with some of the new features in this book. There will also be feats and spells to support these new classes, as well as magic items that will undoubtedly become favorites for nearly any character. Last but not least, the final chapter in this book will give you a peek inside the design process for classes and archetypes, giving you plenty of tips and guides to build your own! Since class design is more art than science, this won't be a system (like in the Advanced Race Guide), but rather a chapter giving you advice on how the process works.

So, there you go. That's six of the 10 classes that will appear in the Advanced Class Guide and an overview of what else you can expect from this exciting new book. While it's due to release next August, you won't have to wait too long to get your hands on these classes, because we're planning to do a public playtest here this fall! Check back here for more news as the playtest draws close!

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer

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Pathfinder Starfinder Society Subscriber

Okay, so here is what we have:

1) Regardless of debates over when seasons begin and end, it is clear that Paizo understood "this fall" to mean "some time between the autumnal equinox in September and the winter solstice in December" and that most readers of that blog had the same understanding.

2) So far, no Paizo playtest has started later than November. I do not have any days of the month for prior playtests readily available, so I have no idea when is the latest they ever realeased one. Are we close to that day?

3) In conclusion, that would mean that we can expect the Advanced Class Guide playtest no later than December 20th, and probably before Thanksgiving. So we most likely have less than two weeks to go, if I were to place a bet on it.


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Majuba wrote:

I've just been lightly keeping track of this thread... for a minute I thought the playtest had been released and there was a class with season-based powers... but you guys...

*takes very careful slow steps back out of the thread*

Yea but the blogpost as written or (BPAW for short) said autumn. By several standards of measurement (including basic astronomical data) autumn is over. Thus we need to determin if its a matter of the BPAW requiring errata, a faq, or if the BPAI (blogpost as intended) implies something different. Obviously you can houserule the theoretical release date for the playtest of the advanced class guide for your home internet obsessing. But in order for us to discuss it here on the boards we need to come to some kind of concensus on what 'Fall' means.


Pathfinder Lost Omens, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

WHERE IS IT?!!! (suffering from new pathfinder material withdrawal)


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Dear Pazio,

Can you please release the play test all ready...or atleast give us some news. Your fans are argueing about when seasons start now.

Thank you.

The Exchange

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Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Ross Byers wrote:

I recall the Florida seasons:

Fall - Dec, Jan
Spring - Feb, March
Summer - Everything else.

Ross! Get back to Paizo and tell them to release the playtest! You're our only hope!


Pathfinder Lost Omens, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

By USA official statement of seasons (plus marketing schedules) are as follows,

Spring: March, April, May.
Summer: June, July, August.
Fall: September, October, November.
Winter: December, January, February.

this is due to the fact that the season is stated to start on the month of the equinox or solstice due to the affects of weather in temperate zones as there is a slight delay in weather due to the slow turning of earths axis, not having there full effect until before the E. or S. events. this also means that the temperature and weather suffer a delay until about a month after it is meant to end.

You can also find evidence of market seasons by how harvest symbology starts around September and ends after Thanksgiving.

In short no matter what science or solar calendar states, whenever the people or market what a season, they will have it.

RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32

xevious573 wrote:
Ross Byers wrote:

I recall the Florida seasons:

Fall - Dec, Jan
Spring - Feb, March
Summer - Everything else.

Ross! Get back to Paizo and tell them to release the playtest! You're our only hope!

Sorry, I'm in Southern California now, where the only season is 'Spring'.


Pathfinder Lost Omens, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Quick! Pray to the mighty Paizo gods! Sacrifice to appease them and end this storm of Anxiety!


we're in for a fall

The Exchange

Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Ross Byers wrote:
xevious573 wrote:
Ross Byers wrote:

I recall the Florida seasons:

Fall - Dec, Jan
Spring - Feb, March
Summer - Everything else.

Ross! Get back to Paizo and tell them to release the playtest! You're our only hope!
Sorry, I'm in Southern California now, where the only season is 'Spring'.

Curse you and your eternal nice weather!


Ross Byers wrote:

I recall the Florida seasons:

Fall - Dec, Jan
Spring - Feb, March
Summer - Everything else.

Hey it's actually kinda chilly right now this year.

Liberty's Edge

I hate to be a spoilsport, guys, but I have to think that the website issues caused by the sale mean that Paizo's gotta be really, really, really wary of the idea of releasing the playtest and dealing with the subsequent strain on their systems until the sale problems are sorted out..


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Seasons in New Orleans

Wet and Cold : Dec & Jan
Wet and OMG HOT : August
Wet and Hot : Everything Else

OH,
and...

HUMID : 365/24/7


Hmmm...bit a mixed bag from my perspective.

Bloodrager: Considering how controversial the Magus was, this one has me the most nervous. The fact it's a Barbarian hybrid means it won't get any higher than light armor, but at the same time, spells while raging? Skeptical Disgaean is skeptical.

Hunter: Same as the Bloodrager. "Nature Magus".

Shaman: Shaman actually sounds fairly interesting. I've been looking for a class that replicates the feel of pact-magic spellcaster characters that aren't bound to just one patron. I'd need to see a test packet though.

Slayer: This class sounds a little redundant, what with all the fighter builds, products, and houserules going around. Again, need more evidence.

Warpriest: "Divine Magus", aka "Paladin Jr.". I got nothing.

Swashbuckler: With all due respect to paizo, Super Genius Games' Ultimate Options: Grit & Gunslingers beat you to the punch, and did a better job at it too.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Shisumo wrote:
I hate to be a spoilsport, guys, but I have to think that the website issues caused by the sale mean that Paizo's gotta be really, really, really wary of the idea of releasing the playtest and dealing with the subsequent strain on their systems until the sale problems are sorted out..

that actually makes sense... everybody stop buying things until the playtest is released!


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Well, let's be honest about this. There's actually only two seasons.

Winter and Road Construction.

Unless you live in a warm clime, at which point you only have Road Construction season. ^^;;


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TheDisgaean wrote:
Swashbuckler: With all due respect to paizo, Super Genius Games' Ultimate Options: Grit & Gunslingers beat you to the punch, and did a better job at it too.

Did you get the playtest? Since that's the only way you know the other company did a better job. Ooohhh send it to me. Send it to me!


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Maps, Rulebook Subscriber; Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber

I'm very eager to check out the playtest classes. I'm considering a Slayer (after I read it) for a campaign a friend is running.


I wish they would at least give us an idea as to when it's coming out....this is getting frustrating :(


SilentInfinity wrote:
I'm very eager to check out the playtest classes. I'm considering a Slayer (after I read it) for a campaign a friend is running.

Heres to hoping the Slayer becomes the new rogue!


Ryuko wrote:
TheDisgaean wrote:
Swashbuckler: With all due respect to paizo, Super Genius Games' Ultimate Options: Grit & Gunslingers beat you to the punch, and did a better job at it too.
Did you get the playtest? Since that's the only way you know the other company did a better job. Ooohhh send it to me. Send it to me!

Unfortunately, no. I say this because I've seen several 3PP products beat paizo to coming up with ideas and filling niches on numerous occasions, often in ways they wouldn't normally think to. Grit and Gunslingers for example includes variants for grit that use INT and CHA instead of WIS, and rules for using deeds for weapons other than firearms. This allows you to essentially play a character like their swashbuckler, among others, without resorting to the archetype or the Duelist prestige class. So if paizo wants to try and trump that, they're really going to have to step up their game.

Liberty's Edge

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Looks like the Playtest Starts Nov. 19

The 8th class is...

The Investigator This class blends together elements of the alchemist and the rogue to make for the ultimate sleuth. Using extracts, sneak attack, and a new mechanic called inspiration, the investigator is skilled at putting together clues, finding hidden foes, and striking enemies with precision. Think of him as part Sherlock Holmes, part Doctor Jekyll. Using inspiration, the investigator can add a bonus to certain skill checks, saving throws, and even attack rolls.

Liberty's Edge

what? where? how?

EDIT: And then I check my email.


Are you tempting us Marc Radle?

In any case, how can you participate in the playtest? I have a GM that likes using weird stuff in our games and I'm sure he'd love to try new classes.

Liberty's Edge

williamoak wrote:
In any case, how can you participate in the playtest? I have a GM that likes using weird stuff in our games and I'm sure he'd love to try new classes.

As with all the Paizo playtests, the documents are available through this website. There will almost certainly be a blog post about it on the 19th, with a link - you "purchase" it (it'll be free), and it is added to your downloads on the site like any other purchase. And then you play! And report back! And generally have a good time with them!


They released the 8th class??? And when it comes to the playtest, like Williamoak said: How can you participate in it??? Extra question marks for emphasis????????


HNNNNNNNUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURGH

INVESTIGATOR SOUNDS AWESOME.

MY EXCITEMENT IS EXPLODING.


The description of the Investigator has me a bit underwhelmed. But maybe seeing the write-up will change that.

Shadow Lodge RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8

Marc Radle wrote:


The Investigator This class blends together elements of the alchemist and the rogue to make for the ultimate sleuth. Using extracts, sneak attack, and a new mechanic called inspiration, the investigator is skilled at putting together clues, finding hidden foes, and striking enemies with precision. Think of him as part Sherlock Holmes, part Doctor Jekyll. Using inspiration, the investigator can add a bonus to certain skill checks, saving throws, and even attack rolls.

HUZZAH!

(Seriously, this one is exciting. I love this type of character)


I actually shed a happy tear at the description of the Investigator. That sounds beautiful.

Silver Crusade

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Marc Radle wrote:

Looks like the Playtest Starts Nov. 19

The 8th class is...

The Investigator This class blends together elements of the alchemist and the rogue to make for the ultimate sleuth. Using extracts, sneak attack, and a new mechanic called inspiration, the investigator is skilled at putting together clues, finding hidden foes, and striking enemies with precision. Think of him as part Sherlock Holmes, part Doctor Jekyll. Using inspiration, the investigator can add a bonus to certain skill checks, saving throws, and even attack rolls.

Source?


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Email sent out to all PFS members.


Check your email folks. Just received it about an hour ago. They are urging those of us that play PFS Society to start using them. Additional Resources will be updated on 11/19.


Aw man. When do non-PFS members get the email?

Scarab Sages

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Scavion wrote:
Aw man. When do non-PFS members get the email?

You don't. You get the document with everyone else on Tuesday.


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Alright, four days. This will be a glorious Tuesday (probably Wednesday for me, though).


So it's a PFS only playtest?

Man, that sucks.

Silver Crusade

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
mdt wrote:

So it's a PFS only playtest?

Man, that sucks.

No the announcement went out to PFS members, but the playtest will probably be open as usual and will go up with Tuesday's blog post as they have always done.

Grand Lodge

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No, everyone will be able to playtest. I think they might just use the PFS members as the mailing list...

EDIT: Ninja'd by the Dude!


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Aeshuura wrote:

No, everyone will be able to playtest. I think they might just use the PFS members as the mailing list...

EDIT: Ninja'd by the Dude!

Probably their PFS mail simply went out first and the other mailing lists will follow shortly.

Silver Crusade

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Complete email text (formatting removed by phone):

Jason Bulmahn wrote:

Dear Joe,

As many of you are aware, we have a playtest coming up for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Advanced Class Guide, an exciting new rulebook due out next August. This book contains 10 all new classes that we like to call "hybrids". Each one takes rules elements from two existing classes and blends them together to create a new concept. To date, we have announced 7 of the 10 new classes, but since you are some of our most dedicated fans, I thought it only fitting that Pathfinder Society members get the scoop on the 8th class.

Before I get into the new class, I want to tell you a bit about the upcoming playtest. Starting on Tuesday, November 19th, you will be able to download the Advanced Class Guide Playtest PDF from paizo.com. This document will contain rules for all 10 of the classes slated to appear in the Advanced Class Guide. We want you to read over the classes and use them in your game. We want your feedback on how they perform at the table, what works and what needs work. Your thoughts and feedback will help shape these classes before they take their final form. You will be able to contribute through a number of special playtest messageboards.

Best of all, these classes are available for use in Pathfinder Society Organized Play immediately upon the release of the playtest document! You'll need to have a print or PDF copy of the playtest document with your character, and you'll need to incorporate any changes established by the design team or campaign staff during the playtest as well as once the final versions of the class are released in August 2014. the Additional Resources list will have specific details about what is allowed in the campaign and should be referenced when creating a character that uses any of these classes.

Now that you know when to expect the playtest, on to the new class. Up to this point, we have talked about 7 of the 10 classes: the Arcanist (a mix of sorcerer and wizard), the Bloodrager (a mix of barbarian and sorcerer), the Hunter (a mix of druid and ranger), the Shaman (a combination of oracle and witch), the Slayer (a blending of ranger and rogue), the Swashbuckler (a mix of gunslinger and fighter), and the Warpriest (mixing the cleric and fighter). The 8th class is...

The Investigator. This class blends together elements of the alchemist and the rogue to make for the ultimate sleuth. Using extracts, sneak attack, and a new mechanic called inspiration, the investigator is skilled at putting together clues, finding hidden foes, and striking enemies with precision. Think of him as part Sherlock Holmes, part Doctor Jekyll. Using inspiration, the investigator can add a bonus to certain skill checks, saving throws, and even attack rolls.

The design team here at Paizo is looking forward to getting this playtest started and we can't wait to see your feedback. We know that you are some of our most diehard players and we want to hear what you have to say.

Jason Bulmahn


So excited about the Investigator! Another class with extracts sounds great! Now I really want to run a party of a swashbuckler, investigator, slayer, and brawler (an unarmed homebrew class) in a sort of Renaissance city game.


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Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Hm, I'll be honest, the less classes with sneak attack, which is about the worst main damage ability for martial classes imaginable, the better. So the Investigator is not exactly making me call out in jubilation.

Liberty's Edge

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And according to the front page of ENWorld the last two classes will be revealed in an interview tomorrow (Friday).


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magnuskn wrote:
Hm, I'll be honest, the less classes with sneak attack, which is about the worst main damage ability for martial classes imaginable, the better. So the Investigator is not exactly making me call out in jubilation.

It worked pretty well for the Vivisectionist :)


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Pathfinder Lost Omens, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

*sigh of relief* You don't know how much it helps me to know when the playtest comes out. Now I will be calm and satisfied until the sun sets on the 19th in which case I hope to be devouring the playtest or going mental if it is not within my grasp.

Also the 8th class looks like a nice addition for players who want to pull a Noir/Sherlock Holmes story and an excellent fit for the sleepless detective.

Also, what mental stat is the Arcanist supposed to use? At one point I heard it was Wisdom?


Int for number of spells, Cha for DCs and such? Or the other way around? I honestly don't know, since the 2 classes have different casting stats.

Maybe it could go Int, as there are only 3 Int-based classes (off the top of my head) and half of the casters in the game go off Cha. Of course, it's late for me and my brain is starting to go into sleep mode.


Adjule wrote:

Int for number of spells, Cha for DCs and such? Or the other way around? I honestly don't know, since the 2 classes have different casting stats.

Maybe it could go Int, as there are only 3 Int-based classes (off the top of my head) and half of the casters in the game go off Cha. Of course, it's late for me and my brain is starting to go into sleep mode.

Yick. 2 casting stats is draconic and would kill my desire to play the Arcanist.

I'd be cool with it being Int or Wisdom.

Liberty's Edge

Bless the DinoGoddess!


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Maps, Rulebook Subscriber; Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber
Scavion wrote:
Heres to hoping the Slayer becomes the new rogue!

Yes, indeed. I like the rogue but I'm not sure about it for the upcoming Skull and Shackles game I'm going to play. I have considered a ranger too. So when I saw this I went "man maybe?"

And so great to see an announcement about when the playtest will start! I should post more often.

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