magrat4's page

Folks,

Something incredible has happened---today the sister who always (not unkindly) teased me about loving d20 RPG (D&D & Pathfinder) with absurd questions like "So, are you a 9th level dragon yet?" has finally asked me to teach her to play!

I've selected a module, "Crypt of the Everflame," and ordered "Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress" from my local library (because that was my introduction to the basics).

Obviously the most important thing is for her to have fun.

I don't want her feeling overwhelmed early on, so I'll be giving her a pre-gen fighter or rogue.

Any other advice or resources on how to best introduce a complete novice to the basics?

Thanks, any input is appreciated!

First, a big thanks and shout out to everyone who's ever posted about clerics/oracles and bards---reading these boards has been a great help!

Second, for story reasons I want to bring in a Bard cohort (Level 15) for my Merciful Healer Cleric (who will soon reach Level 17) in a table top Pathfinder game.

My DM's combat encounter style is, in his own words, "ball-breakingly hard," fighting High CR's w/ High AC and High Spell Resistance. We fight mostly Demons, Devils, & Aberrations, AND Will saves are crucial.

Which of the archetypes in Advanced Player's Guide, Ultimate Magic, & Ultimate Combat might prove best at surviving AND being effective?

I am leaning toward Arcane Duelist (heavy armor proficiency w/o spell failure and some helpful bonus feats), or Archaeologist because they get Evasion/Improved Evasion & Rogue Talents/Advanced Talents.

I don't really care if this bard is primarily controller or melee so long as it can survive for three levels/till the end of the campaign. Again, this is for story reasons and so that while I spend turns healing/buffing/removing conditions, my cohort can do something more exciting.

How do I prioritize stats and feats? (Perhaps Dexterity/Weapon Finesse to boost the armor class and plus to hit at same time?)

Should I focus on Saves or Armor or HP when choosing items, feats, & spells?

Any advice is appreciated---thanks!