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Simi Valley, California added!

Giving us a feat we can't use isn't going to quiet anything. I wish they'd think this kind of thing through beforehand.

Is this feat currently PFS legal?

I don't know why they would post the details of the feat if it wasn't intended to be used in PFS. That way, the players who use this feat now before ACG Origins is out are forced to buy it when it's released to continue playing the character.

Rules question that I can't seem to find a definitive answer to:

The Spellbinder archetype for Wizard:

"A spellbinder is an elven wizard who forges an arcane bond between himself and one or more wizard spells. These spells become so well understood by the spellbinder that he can prepare them in spell slots that already have other spells prepared in them.

Spell Bond (Su): At 1st level, a spellbinder selects any one spell that he knows as a bonded spell. As a full-round action, the spellbinder may replace a spell of the same or higher level as his bonded spell with his bonded spell. For example, a spellbinder who selects magic missile as his bonded spell could spend a full-round action to exchange any 1st-level or higher spell that he has prepared with magic missile. At 3rd level, and every two levels thereafter, a spellbinder may select another spell he knows and add it to his list of bonded spells, to a maximum of nine bonded spells at 17th level."

Metamagic feats are applied to spells when you prepare them. Though it is only fluff, it describes the Spell Bond ability as preparing bonded spells. The ability itself says it replaces (also referred to as exchanging it). I would assume that you can apply metamagic feats because you inherently know your bonded spell and you inherently know how to apply metamagic, but I of course am biased because that's what I want the ruling to be.

Can a Spellbinder apply Metamagic feats when exchanging a bonded spell for a prepared spell?

Please state or link the resource that specifically addresses this issue (if one exists). Simply saying "no" is not helpful. Thank you.

There are at least a handful of archetypes that have been mentioned that are far from awful. I see some pretty decent builds for at least half of what has been suggested so far.

Seems to me like this is turning out to be more of a challenge than originally intended, at least from my point of view.

I have yet to come across an archetype, prestige class, or multiclass combo that CANNOT be used effectively. But maybe I'm just being optimistic.

The Wishcrafter sorcerer archetype is as close as it gets, but I'll tell you I built one of these for use in Way of the Wicked and it turned out to be a wonderful build. Not just fun to play, but moderately effective in combat. The only thing is that your party has to be willing to work with you. It can be a horrible build if nobody is willing to RP and make it work. So my vote is Wishcrafter sorcerer.

Winter Witch in a desert setting. Any of the aquatic druid archetypes in the desert. But even that isn't based on build, just situation.

Knife Master rogue who doesn't use knives. :D

Now I'm just being a troll.

I wasn't going to say anything, but I felt I had something to contribute.

The new classes are constructed almost entirely from existing content, specifically abilities and rules from the core and base classes. Most, if not all of us will agree that this is not inherently bad.

This is not the first time that Paizo has introduced new classes. When the base classes were introduced, each one of them had AT LEAST one unique class ability. Paizo is no stranger to the introduction of new classes and abilites. And while it's true that some of them are still being FAQ'd, nothing is without its flaws. I think the point of this point (pardon my lack of better word choice) is that Paizo has plenty of experience in developing new and interesting content. The fact that they announced new, advanced classes but delivered (so far) hybrids, it is perfectly understandable that some of us are underwhelmed. We know they're more than capable of creating classes, so why are these new classes so underwhelming?

If Paizo is guilty of anything, it's re-gifting. Putting a new, shiny red bow on an old gift isn't fooling anyone. This is multiclassing, but with a full 20-level progression.

And there is where the complaining should stop! They are handing us full, 20-level progressions for what are arguable the most popular (and one or two of the most ridiculous) multiclassing combos. I'd say that's a win.

Both sides of this argument have fine points. Yes, we want full, unique, fun, interesting, and playable classes. Yes, these classes are underwhelming and at face value may not be all five of those things. But what is to stop us from taking these classes (or rather, the inevitable, actual, final classes they put out after the playtest and all the adjustments) and making them all of those things?

So how about this:

1. Let's all agree that a majority of us are underwhelmed.
2. Let's all agree that there should and hopefully will be a vast improvement before these are actually released.
3. Until these classes are set in stone, let's play them (see: playtest) and see what happens. Wrack up your complaints about the classes as you play them rather than sit here and complain about how broken/unimpressive/underwhelming/boring/useless/pointless/superfluous they look.

Now that we've cleared the air, let's all focus on being constructive for our sake and Paizo's sake. They won't know what changes to make unless we play these classes (see: playtest) and comment on them accordingly.

Though for the record (and for anyone on the design/development team for the new classes), if you're going to put out hybrid classes, you should use the Magus as a template because I think we can all agree that the Magus is one of the coolest classes you guys have put out, and it is (in my opinion) as close to a perfect balance of two classes together as you can possibly get. These new classes feel like child's play compared to the Magus.

(Also, despite all of this, I would very much appreciate an exact copy of the Magus but with divine spells. I don't care that it'll be identical, and you don't need to add any new class features, just let me spellstrike and spell combat with divine spells, damn you.)

I see a lot of post calling them un-flavorful among other things.

I have to say, I completely and 100% disagree with all of you.
I have my own disagreements with some paizo content like how necromancers are nerfed when it comes to raise dead so this isn't just fan boy praise.

Arcanist: Honestly this is always what I've imagined casters being like.
I don't see it as a hybrid vs what a wizard should have been from the start.

Bloodrager: Great fluff potential and awesome abilities. I love how it works.

Brawler: Finally! A good unarmed class that doesn't require you to be lawful. TY PAIZO.

Hunter: Reminds me more of the WoW hunter. Your animal companion now does some nifty things.

Investigator: Thank you for this... I really didn't want to multi-class just so I could make poisons worthwhile with concentrate poison. Great fluff as well.

Shaman: Exactly what a shaman should be like. I never liked the dr00d shaman archetypes. This is a definite better fit.

Skald: My absolute favorite of the lot. I can now have my heavy metal bard who starts mosh pits! Going to have so much fun with this guy.

Slayer: What every ranged rogue dreams of being.

Swashbuckler: My least favorite of the lot but has potential for lots of flavor. Reminds me of Cary Elwes (the man in black) from the Princess Bride.

Warpriest: Divine version of magus? Yes plz, I'll take that. Better buffs and all the goodies of a cleric.

Now, I don't see why so many people are so negative about it all.
Are you all a bunch of optimized min/maxers where a class has to be 5/5 to get your seal of approval?
Were you expecting all tier 1 classes?
I like it and you should be happy more classes were added. Its only been out a day, give it time and you may come to love them.

I have to agree with Rynjin.

Arcanist: Sure, you get the studious aspect of the wizard combined with the spontaneity of a sorcerer, but these things DO NOT BLEND WELL. How many times do people have to post about the inefficiency of combining class features that do not compliment each other well before people stop trying to force things together (see: Bardbarian a.k.a. Skald below).

Bloodrager: A raging barbarian who can cast a spell or two while enraged. That's great and all, but there's a reason why support casters exist. Barbarians are for smashing things, clerics and the like are for buffs and support (among other things). What is so special about a pissed off guy that can sometimes be a passable caster? People need to stop trying to do everything and focus on what their class is good at.

Brawler: Four words: Martial Artist monk archetype. But I honestly won't argue your point beyond that, because despite the negativity surrounding these classes I see this as one that holds up next to the other classes. I still believe I could put out much better damage with a straight fighter or a straight monk, but that's just me.

Hunter: Useless. Utterly useless. There is nothing else I can say about this class other than it is useless. If you want to play WoW, go play WoW. There is nothing redeeming about this class. I will back Rynjin's play on this. Name ONE thing.

Investigator: I feel as if it's just me that feels this way, but this is a pure fluff class. You want poison use? Be a ninja. I don't play rogues, but isn't there a rogue talent for this? Or a feat? This seems superfluous, and I almost feel like this class was made specifically because of the popularity of Sherlock Holmes in the past couple of years (two US shows, a BBC miniseries, a successful and less successful film, etc.).

Shaman: The way I've always felt about divine and arcane is that you don't mix. It's like oil and water. If you want to play a divine caster, play a divine caster. If you want to play an arcane caster, play an arcane caster. Don't try and blend them because it's unnecessary. This is basically an oracle with hexes and a familiar. That is the extent of the crossover. Just play an oracle. If you like the fluff, by all means have at it, but this is wrought with inefficiency. And also another step toward WoW.

Skald: As funny as the idea of a Bardbarian is, it is an utterly useless idea. I'M GOING TO PLAY A SONG THAT WILL MAKE YOU RAGE but you have the option of not raging if you aren't really in the mood or would be unaffected or suffer ill effects by accepting the rage. If you played this character in a party of strictly martial classes it might be worthwhile, but its very circumstantial. I'll reiterate: SOME CLASSES ARE NOT MEANT TO BE COMBINED. These two are the best example. It is a purely fluff class and is incredibly inefficient for combat purposes. Have fun role playing though! That is what this game is about after all.

Slayer: What every melee rogue could kill in a heartbeat. What every ranged rogue thinks he/she wants to be, but in actuality ranged rogues are much more deadly. If you aren't putting out the damage needed to slaughter everything with a rogue, especially with sneak attack, then maybe you should adjust your playstyle and character to better compensate. I personally do not see any reason whatsoever to play this class.

Swashbuckler: Paizo needs to go see a doctor about the erection they have had for this type of character since they created Pathfinder. They've got so many archetypes and even one or two prestige classes that accomplish this much better. Add that to the fact that most people omit firearms from their games and you have a Dex based melee character that will be put to shame by monks, Dex fighters, Dex magi, rogues, Dex rangers, and melee bards every time. Nice try on this one, Paizo. We see through this thin veil every time.

Warpriest: This is NOT a divine magus. This is a melee cleric, otherwise known as a Crusader cleric archetype. When they do finally put out a divine magus I'll be the first in line to play it, but this is not it. Fewer spells, 6th level spell cap, same buffs, less channeling... sounds like only a few cleric goodies and not enough to compensate for the loss of the rest.

Look, I don't mean to sound like a butt. For some reason I always sound so negative and mean when I type. I just call it like I see it. And you are well within your right to like and enjoy these classes. I'm truly glad someone will. But I do want you to fully understand these classes before you try and play them.

I'm glad this is just a playtest. I'm sure they'll hammer out all of the cons and focus more on the good things they have here. It isn't much, but I'd say it's a start.

I would just like to add that the undead lord archetype is not legal for PFS play.

I wasn't aware. I am just getting into this PFS thing. Sorry for the misinformation!

To be honest, I think you're best bet is the wizard.

You do have this:
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric/archetypes/paizo---cler ic-archetypes/undead-lord

...which isn't half bad. I've played it before, it runs relatively well. Problem is, that really is the extent of your capabilities. It's awesome at low levels, but at higher levels you just become a cleric with an undead companion. There will always be pros and cons, but the definite pro is that this companion is a permanent actual undead companion. You'll be in heaven (or hell?) when you come across other undead to command, but in terms of summoning, conjuring or creating... well, like I said, that's about it.

The summoner option is decent. I do have a friend who is actually playing that type of character right now. Like you said, it's doable, but he's definitely not liking his limitations. And it's funny, the one thing he said to me was "damn, wish I rolled a wizard" which consequently is the main reason why I'm replying to this post.

I honestly don't know much about oracles, so I couldn't weigh in on that option, but anything having to do with killing puppies is off my list.

I wish I could help a bit more. Really, all this post says is "Yes, roll a wizard!" And while that doesn't seem like much help... it is ultimately your best option.

Unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.