TheSageOfHours's page

So I really like the themes of this class and the gameplay ideas, but it is definitely being pulled in many different directions, and quite a few of those directions are more of an idea and either do not have much support mechanically or the support is weak

Currently the runesmith is subclass-less like fighter and monk, and while it works for those classes I do not think it works as well for runesmith

From my own observations, runesmith wants at least 2 subclasses as a baseline. One that leans into the martial aspect and lets the class be more viable in melee, and one that leans more into the “caster”-y aspects.

This would be somewhat like warpriest and cloistered cleric, though that worries me because those two were notoriously limiting for cleric content, however off the top of my head it seems to be the most fitting

As of now runesmith has martial combat progression (which i am a huge fan of) but its ability to fight is diluted by handedness restrictions, HP, and poor saves due to being especially MAD

Other people have noted the problems with damage output from runes, so I will not get into that here, for me the only issue with the “caster” side of things is that more utility/buff runes would be cool

Another angle of theming for this class is in the name runeSMITH. There is alot of flavor here for a character that crafts magical items and uses runes to enchant them. I will admit I am very attached to this aspect of the class and it speaks to me the most, the idea of playing a character that makes magic weapons and armor for the party and can also apply short term runic enchantments to strengthen them etc.

There are some flavor feats and abilities for it but I feel like it needs a bit more. Something like what the thaumaturge can do for magic items (investing more and applying your DC instead of the items DC) would really complete the fantasy for me. Perhaps to not step on the toes of the thaumaturge it could only apply to items you have made or something

There is also the runesinger angle, from the feat that lets you use performance and speak the rune aloud. This is super cool, but is a whole different vibe, also performance is not an INT stat, i rewlly want it to be expanded though

Now my idea to solve this may be too indulgent but hear me out:

A two layer subclass system like psychic

For The first subclass you choose between two options:

-“engraver”gives you INT as KAS, crafting, has the various feats associated with the “smith” part of the class, rune tracing is free hand or crafting tools

-“singer” gives you CHA as KAS, performance, various feats that lean into the magic words part of the class, rune tracing is free hand or instrument

Then after there would be the second layer of subclasses:

-“runewarrior” includes engraving strike type stuff and martial feats. Perhaps just straight up the ability to trace with weapons, (note on this at the end). The smithing weapons feat would be in here and make those weapons count as tools for the purpose of handedness(and would also apply to appropriate weapons for the aforementioned singer subclass) . (Same note at the end). This subclass may also care more about etched runes than “normal”. This subclass would likely not have as much potential to use runes at range, manipulate them once they are out, and potentially have more limitations on tracing/invoking

-“runespeaker” this is the more “caster”-y subclass, it cares more about traced runes than “normal” and is better at applying them at range as well as manipulating them once they are out (moving them around and such)

NOTE AT THE END: a few other adjustments to make things make more sense

Currently there is no reason to occupy a hand with an artisans kit, I propose that using the appropriate tools gives some small benefit to incentivize that
Enough of one that it is useful, but not so strong that it is mandatory

Maybe a “singer” has a sword in one hand and a horn in the other, or You could have a character that applies runes with a paintbrush etc

This would allow the smithing weapons feat (which now has those weapons count as tools) to let the “runewarrior” to get the benefit of the tool while also using those weapons, so you could have for example the dwarf in the artwork with the two handed hammer, or maybe your character wields a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other for dual wielding style etc

Thanks for reading this mess of ideas lol, was looking to see what you all thought, its probably too much extra complexity but wanted to get my ideas out there. :)

I really love the flavor of this class and love that there are some options and class features that really lean into the magical craftsperson idea.

I personally think adding equivalents of Intensify Investiture and Thaumaturge's Investiture (with CHA swapped for INT) would really help let players who want to really lean into that without pushing power too much and also without stepping on Thaum's toes too much or take up too much design space.

I always thought it was a little strange that the stat that is used for crafting magic items is also not very good at using them, I feel like Runesmith being an exception with investing is a nice place for that niche (alchemist for alchemical crafting, inventor for tech, runesmith for magical crafting)

what do you all think? :D

All the witchwarper art depicts them with weapons, and the Iconic (I think that is the iconic) has a big sword. However the class seems to have about as much melee ability as the wizard. I was just wondering because I am a gish addict haha

It works differently than other full classes, so I wonder how the archetype will work. The animist is really cool, and incorporating it as an archetype could make some really interesting characters. Anyone have any ideas?

Figured I would start a thread for guessing at what the new classes will do. I remember one of the devs mentioning in a thread awhile back wanting to make a defensive arcane gish, so I am betting that is what the guardian is, I will have to see if I can find that post.

Hey everyone, I was wondering if the bonus damage from the Anger emotional state is still added for a spellstrike.

Thanks :)

Hey everyone, first thread here.

I was wondering what you fine folks think of how to go about building a laughing shadow magus. I am playing one in a campaign right now, and when I was building him I was originally going for a DEX build, as the subclass seems to encourage it with the extra movement speed boost and the extra damage on flat footed attacks during arcane cascade sorta making up for having less STR. But then when I thought about it I realized that STR just seems better.

A STR build has just as good accuracy, way better damage, a wider selection of weapons, and putting a little bit into DEX and using medium armor lets you keep up AC wise, and all DEX builds get is 5 more feet of movement over STR builds.

Am I missing something? What does everyone think?

(also might not be able to actually respond much in this thread, this is what happens when I decide to start a discussion while on a road trip lol)

Hello,

I am very excited for the upcoming release for Secrets of Magic, and I was checking my subscriptions page, but SoM is not listed under upcoming shipments or anything, so I am worried that it has somehow been skipped. I saw something in the subscriptions FAQ about a "sidecart" that I need to put things into? I thought if I was subscribed I am automatically charged and sent the books?

Thank you in advance! :D

Hello!

I ordered the Pathfinder 2e Gamemastery Guide. I noticed that the book was still in my cart after I placed my order which I thought was an error so I took it out in case I ordered anything else (did not want to accidentally order the same thing twice). But now it seems my order history has changed and my order is still listed but it says complete and $0. Please help, I am afraid it got cancelled by removing it from the cart, I had no idea that would happen.

Thank you in advance :)