Renchard's page

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Over the holidays, our group is doing a Pathfinder one-shot game that's going to close with a fight against a CR21. I don't know exactly what type of BBEG, but I do know the AC is going to be in the 35-40 range, the SR is over 30, and it has epic DR.

Now, here's the thing...I've been out of the PF min-max game for a few years, but I'm our group's declared optimizer and I know I'm going to be the one that has to probably carry most of the weight in terms of actually having a strategy to win the fight. (The other players in my group are fantastic roleplayers, but they're very far from being optimized character builders.)

So, my question is, what can I do to counter this kind of fight? 13th level, I rolled fairly so-so stats (15, 15, 13, 11, 9, 8), anything first-party is open, and I can probably get third-party stuff approved if I ask nicely.

My general thoughts were:

1) Focus on consumables since this is a one-shot game.

2) Focus on casters since I can nova with spells (again, a one-shot, although there will be multiple encounters during the session.)

3) I was thinking maybe some kind of blaster with crossblooded sorcerer, but getting around SR seems pretty difficult. Plus at 13th, I'd have to give up 7th level spells to go with a dip or a spontaneous caster.

Any ideas? Maybe I should go melee and just focus on big, accurate attacks?


So I'm working on a homebrew concept where magic items are much more prominent, because standard spell use has been removed. Characters might have some inherent supernatural or spell-like abilities, but no spell progression is allowed.

So I'm trying to put together a list of allowable archetypes that will broaden the number of classes allowable. I'm hoping someone can point out if I've missed any, or if there are some that grant spellcasting to normally non-casting classes.

Barbarian (all)
Fighter(all)
Monk (all)
Rogue (all)
Cavalier (all)
Gunslinger (all)
Brawler (all)
Swashbuckler (all)
Slayer (all)
Investigator (Sleuth, Spiritualist)
Bloodrager (Untouchable Rager)
Paladin (Warrior of the Holy Light)


I've been looking over blaster builds for a 6th level one-shot. Is there any source for the "+1 damage per die of the spell" feature other than the Orc, Draconic, and Wildblooded Primal bloodlines for sorcerer?


Specifically, ones that also combine with Nature Fang? Nature Fang gets rid of Wild Shape, which I've never liked, but I'd also like to get rid of all the extra summoning, which I find annoying.

Assuming there is no archetype that gets rid of spontaneous summoning, what would be a balanced trade for the ability? I was thinking of spontaneously casting from a domain.


So I have a pet theory that goes like this:

The 6th level caster classes are the absolute sweet spot in terms of Pathfinder design.

All of these classes have a strong but not overpowered spellcasting chassis, along with numerous class features with a diverse suite of options included.

The inclusion of 7 new 6th level caster classes between ACG and Occult Adventures has lead me to the point of thinking a game with only those classes now has more the enough options to be viable for my next spin at DMing.

Bard
Magus
Inquisitor
Alchemist
Investigator
Skald
Hunter
Warpriest
Occultist
Mesmerist
Spiritualist
Summoner (only if Unchained keeps it as a 6th level caster, the current version is a bit too strong).

My question is, are there any major class features that are missing between these classes and all of their available archetype options? I want my players to have a pretty full range of thematic options, just with a limited mechanical chassis. Obviously, Full BAB and 7+ level spells, but I consider that a feature, not a bug.

Just as an example, wild shape is an option, by taking Feral Hunter. Rage powers are available via the skald. Witch hexes are available via Hexcrafter magus. Sneak attack is available via the vivisectionist alchemist. And so on.


So, I know that the witch spell list has most of the healing spells on it, but loses access to most of the blasting spells from the wizard list.

But, other than that, what spells are on the witch list that AREN'T on the wizard list that would make unlettered arcanist a solid choice? Or would I be losing too much by dropping the wizard list?