Wild, untamed lands hold a wealth of mystery and danger, providing the perfect backdrop for heroic adventure. Whether adventurers are climbing mountains in search of a dragon's lair, carving their way through the jungle, or seeking a long-lost holy city covered by desert sands, Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Wilderness gives them the tools to survive the wilds. A new 20-level base class, the shifter, puts animalistic powers into the hands—or claws—of player characters and villains alike, with new class features derived from animalistic attributes. Overviews of druidic sects and rituals, as well as new archetypes, character options, spells, and more, round out the latest contribution to the Pathfinder RPG rules!
Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Wilderness is an invaluable hardcover companion to the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook. This imaginative tabletop game builds upon more than 10 years of system development and an open playtest featuring more than 50,000 gamers to create a cutting-edge RPG experience that brings the all-time best-selling set of fantasy rules into a new era.
Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Wilderness includes:
The shifter, a new character class that harnesses untamed forces to change shape and bring a heightened level of savagery to the battlefield!
Archetypes for alchemists, barbarians, bards, druids, hunters, investigators, kineticists, paladins, rangers, rogues, slayers, witches, and more!
Feats and magic items for characters of all sorts granting mastery over the perils of nature and enabling them to harvest natural power by cultivating magical plants.
Dozens of spells to channel, protect, or thwart the powers of natural environs.
New and expanded rules to push your animal companions, familiars, and mounts to wild new heights.
A section on the First World with advice, spells, and other features to integrate the fey realm into your campaign.
Systems for exploring new lands and challenging characters with natural hazards and strange terrain both mundane and feytouched.
... and much, much more!
ISBN-13: 978-1-60125-986-8
Other Resources: This product is also available on the following platforms:
Ultimate Wilderness is a much better book than some reviewers might lead you to believe. You get the new shifter class - which has had some basic errata since release - along with great archetypes for most of the other classes to help them fit into a wilderness-based campaign.
It's a great book to help players prepping to play something like Kingmaker or Ironfang Invasion. You get new spells, feats and a new exploration mode.
The book itself maintains the high quality of work that most Paizo products exhibit. The art in this book is some of my favorite in any of the hardback collections. There are a few updated spells that needed errata, such as snowball.
As a fan, I really like that several of the archetypes convert the flavor of many Game of Thrones characters into Pathfinder mechanics. What more could you ask for?
I was extremely excited for this publication, so it's rather depressing how disappointing the books contents turned out to be.
The shifter class was an interesting idea, but when put down on paper is just druidic wild shape with hunter focus, in the form of aspects. It, unfortunately, never surpasses the druid in the wild shape department, and is, in fact, rather limited, and the temporary nature of all the aspects means that the shifter isn't terribly impressive in that regard either. The archetypes, both for the shifter and other classes, are interesting, but several suffer from massive drawbacks, for little to no gain. Like taking on druidic weapon/armor proficiencies and restrictions, including losing abilities for wearing metal, but don't gain any significant power to mkae up for it.
The new rules expansions are, for the most part, only thrown off by some conflicting skill applications (survival to harvest poison, but heal to take internal organ trophies?) but these are easy to ignore, or fix by homebrew. So these chapters are the most stable and useful of the lot.
One of the most exciting discoveries was the Cultivate Magic Plants feat, allowing you to grow plants that copy spell effects, but the price tag attached to them, especially when attached to something with the considerable disadvantages of being an immobile magical item, makes it entirely useless next to the crafting cost of regular magical items, especially if you have a GM that's willing to allow players to use the rules on creating new magical items. Just for an example, a goodberry bush can fully feed 2 people per day forever... for 4000 GP to craft. While you could make an item to infinitely cast goodberry for 2000 gp if you have to wear it, or better yet create food and water (for about 30000).
In conclusion, the book has a lot of cool stuff in it, but only for GMs. Players won't be able to make good use of many of the archetypes and feats as they revolve too much around staying in a single environment or working with nonsensical restrictions. While many of the feats are just too focused (or expensive) to be useful except to an NPC. GMs, grab it, it's got good stuff, but players will (and should) probably stick to what they've already got.
Great race write ups, a fun new class (that doesn't require a ton of source books to play) and tons of information and systems to run a wilderness adventure or spice up the wilderness sections of any game. Definitely happy to add this one to my bookshelf.
First off, I'm a huge fan of Pathfinder. But I'm not a fan of "Ultimate Wilderness." There are a number of issues with the content in the book, mostly the clarity of language. A lot of the rules seem unclear and not straightforward. The shifter is the biggest example of this.
To be honest I was looking forward to the shifter, being far more robust than it actually is. And I understand that this is my issue with what I expected from them, but what built up my anticipation of the shifter was the quality of past classes released by Paizo: summoner, alchemist, witch, bloodrager, investigator, brawler, spiritualist, medium (even if it isn't harrowed), magus, ninja, hunter and so on and so forth.
Past that, I'm not a big fan of the reprinted material because I buy the smaller books. If I'm buying the smaller books why would I want to buy them again with a hardcover?
That being said, I'm still a big Pathfinder fan, but I'd like for future releases to take a different developmental cycle than what "Ultimate Wilderness" received. This book seems like it lacked editing and playtesting.
Wish I could stack the new Star Watcher Investigator with my Lamplighter...really cool archetype that gets proficiency with Starknife and Astrological extracts (means you make and read star charts to activate extracts).
Nonlawful, feat tax for entry, then Con and BAB requirements (as well as having no other rage powers). I think it’s BAB plus Con mod rounds per day? Pounce is limited to natural weapons only. Anyway, it’s a chain, so you can eventually get an entire totem.
Nonlawful, feat tax for entry, then Con and BAB requirements (as well as having no other rage powers). I think it’s BAB plus Con mod rounds per day? Pounce is limited to natural weapons only. Anyway, it’s a chain, so you can eventually get an entire totem.
Dex and Str reqs, not Con. Con does impact the rounds per day.
A lot of reqs, but might be worth it depending on how badly you want that rage power without being a Barb.
For those curious, rageshaper's size increase wasn't intended to be a polymorph effect when written. The only ability score bonuses it receives would be from raging. The effect was based off of enlarge person (a non-polymorph size increasing transmutation effect) That's not an official FAQ, but it's something for GMs at home.
So what are the total str & con bonuses when shifted +4/+4? Do they go up at higher levels? Does the size increase just gives you reach, higher damage dice and carrying capacity? Thanks. :)
Nonlawful, feat tax for entry, then Con and BAB requirements (as well as having no other rage powers). I think it’s BAB plus Con mod rounds per day? Pounce is limited to natural weapons only. Anyway, it’s a chain, so you can eventually get an entire totem.
Dex and Str reqs, not Con. Con does impact the rounds per day.
A lot of reqs, but might be worth it depending on how badly you want that rage power without being a Barb.
For those curious, rageshaper's size increase wasn't intended to be a polymorph effect when written. The only ability score bonuses it receives would be from raging. The effect was based off of enlarge person (a non-polymorph size increasing transmutation effect) That's not an official FAQ, but it's something for GMs at home.
LOL What that should mean is that it WAS meant as a polymorph effect, as those are written that you only get stat changes if the spell/effect states it does. For example, enlarge person is a polymorph spell that states what stat bonuses you get. ;)
I really want to like the Shifter class, but it just seems way too limited for what it does. It gets weak claws, weakened wildshape, and the monk AC bonus... and that's it? If you compare this character to a similarly built druid with a 1 level monk dip, you're losing an awful lot just to gain +5 bab.... and that BAB is easily matched by the druid's larger forms anyway.
Since I use Spheres of Power, I feel like I may as well just use the Beastsoul Monk archetype that I already have access to. I'd get beast and hybrid forms in addition to everything that a monk can do.
I will forgive Paizo just because of the Lycanthrope archetype. It is very limiting, but I love the flavor of it and I love the fact that it would let you play a fairly accurate version of a werewolf character. :)
(Though I wish Weretigers weren't the best, as usual)
Question regarding the new witch patrons. Is each season an individual patron, or is their a single "seasons" patron as well. Someone also mentioned something about a seasons archetype...
Also, nobody has mentioned the First World yet. How is it? Reprint, or new goodies?
For those curious, rageshaper's size increase wasn't intended to be a polymorph effect when written. The only ability score bonuses it receives would be from raging. The effect was based off of enlarge person (a non-polymorph size increasing transmutation effect) That's not an official FAQ, but it's something for GMs at home.
LOL What that should mean is that it WAS meant as a polymorph effect, as those are written that you only get stat changes if the spell/effect states it does. For example, enlarge person is a polymorph spell that states what stat bonuses you get. ;)
EDIT: thanks's for the insight. *two thumbs up*
Uh, Enlarge Person isn’t a Polymorph spell. Robert even said that.
Question regarding the new witch patrons. Is each season an individual patron, or is their a single "seasons" patron as well. Someone also mentioned something about a seasons archetype...
Question regarding the new witch patrons. Is each season an individual patron, or is their a single "seasons" patron as well. Someone also mentioned something about a seasons archetype...
For those curious, rageshaper's size increase wasn't intended to be a polymorph effect when written. The only ability score bonuses it receives would be from raging. The effect was based off of enlarge person (a non-polymorph size increasing transmutation effect) That's not an official FAQ, but it's something for GMs at home.
LOL What that should mean is that it WAS meant as a polymorph effect, as those are written that you only get stat changes if the spell/effect states it does. For example, enlarge person is a polymorph spell that states what stat bonuses you get. ;)
EDIT: thanks's for the insight. *two thumbs up*
Uh, Enlarge Person isn’t a Polymorph spell. Robert even said that.
I said it poorly. I'd meant it was like a polymorph spell [i know it doesn't have the subschool] in that it only gives stated stats. I somehow missed the word 'like' and gave a wrong example: should have said mauler archetype where growing in size is a polymorph effect.
Nonlawful, feat tax for entry, then Con and BAB requirements (as well as having no other rage powers). I think it’s BAB plus Con mod rounds per day? Pounce is limited to natural weapons only. Anyway, it’s a chain, so you can eventually get an entire totem.
Yep, it is limited, but nice and flavorful. The shifter only gains one animal type, but gains DR/silver equal to half his shifter level. At level 4 he can also enter a hybrid form (of his size I believe) which has all of the animal form's abilities and automatically gains his shifter claws if he wants. Yay for werewolves that actually have claws!
The only problem I have with it is that it *still* struggles to be as good as something like the mooncursed barbarian (unless I am mistaken). Though the sheer amount of DR this archetype can get is nice, since most creatures can't bypass DR/silver.
Wish I could stack the new Star Watcher Investigator with my Lamplighter...really cool archetype that gets proficiency with Starknife and Astrological extracts (means you make and read star charts to activate extracts).
Star Watcher sounds fun. I'll be curious as to whether it makes a viable switchhitter. But your Lamplighter is going to be happier with a Lantern Staff than Starknives anyway. :)
Wait, someone said earlier that the terrakineticist archetype mentions the void element? Is the RPG-line now referencing player companion only content?
Wait, someone said earlier that the terrakineticist archetype mentions the void element? Is the RPG-line now referencing player companion only content?
It doesn't mention the void element. However, "void" is a valid terrain that some monsters in the bestiary have listed in their ecology, so I sneakily used that as an example of a terrain that doesn't match any of the six elements in the RPG line, hoping that it would thus be easy to connect the dots if you have void around.
It doesn't mention the void element. However, "void" is a valid terrain that some monsters in the bestiary have listed in their ecology, so I sneakily used that as an example of a terrain that doesn't match any of the six elements in the RPG line, hoping that it would thus be easy to connect the dots if you have void around.
Yep, it is limited, but nice and flavorful. The shifter only gains one animal type, but gains DR/silver equal to half his shifter level. At level 4 he can also enter a hybrid form (of his size I believe) which has all of the animal form's abilities and automatically gains his shifter claws if he wants. Yay for werewolves that actually have claws!
The only problem I have with it is that it *still* struggles to be as good as something like the mooncursed barbarian (unless I am mistaken). Though the sheer amount of DR this archetype can get is nice, since most creatures can't bypass DR/silver.
yes, this one hit the nail on the head for flavor, no doubt.
mechanically, you have humanoid form AND all the attacks from major form. For instance, you can take the dino form and get 2 talons attacks and a bite then add weapon attacks then at 8th you get 2 forearm attacks too, meaning that if you use a non-hand weapon, like armor spikes or boulder helmet, you could make full weapon attacks and 5 natural weapon ones: then add that they can pounce from the start [4th]. Even if you don't use the natural weapons, you have a 120' pounce/charge...
Add the DR, and it's seems pretty solid IMO. Maybe not THE best, but I wouldn't complain if someone asked me to play one. ;)
PS: I noticed the void reference Mark. I thought it might have been you. :)
It doesn't mention the void element. However, "void" is a valid terrain that some monsters in the bestiary have listed in their ecology, so I sneakily used that as an example of a terrain that doesn't match any of the six elements in the RPG line, hoping that it would thus be easy to connect the dots if you have void around.
I thank you for your finesse.
No problem! Yeah, I wrote the kineticist archetypes this time around, and more companion/familiar stuff as freelance work. As I mentioned elsewhere, I didn't spend as much time on Wilderness overall as other books I'm on because Logan and I were back on Starfinder while Stephen did the lion's share of the most important tasks (outlining and assigning the book, designing the shifter alongside Jason, etc), but I still got to write and develop some very fun sections and I'm super excited about those!
graystone wrote:
PS: I noticed the void reference Mark. I thought it might have been you. :)
:D First divining what Shifter's Edge was meant to say and now this? You might have just awakened some latent psychic Pathfinder talents. Can you tell me how my favorite sections of Planar Adventures will turn out yet or do I need to wait?
Luthorne: Thanks! I only quickly glances over race options and missed Alternate Racial Traits and Favored Class Options. Now I wish i'd had enough time to catch all these things I missed. ;)
Mark Seifter wrote:
:D First divining what Shifter's Edge was meant to say and now this? You might have just awakened some latent psychic Pathfinder talents. Can you tell me how my favorite sections of Planar Adventures will turn out yet or do I need to wait?
Knowing my luck, that WOULD be the superpower I ended up with. :P
Let's see: Planar has 3 new races and new archetypes... the Boneyard and the Maelstrom related parts should be fun! I could see a kineticist based off of the pure chaos of the Maelstrom!
That animal companion options sound good. I'm worried Dinosaur Druid is going to be a nerfed(and much more poorly named) Saurian Shaman though. Looks like the Gathlain's fast healing alternate racial trait didn't get reprinted though.
*scrolls down*
Mantis Shrimp vermin companion? Does it get the same attacks as the Bestairy version? For that matter, are options like Abberant and Draconic Companion available to Animal, Plant, and Bermin companions or just animals?
Man I can’t wait to see the actual book. Get the actual details on the Shifter class and the Swashbuckler Bow archetype. I know there has been some info but I want to see the FULL word for word ability. Good information so far. Def. Interested in this book for sure. Had my doubts at first.
Summon nature's allies: add dinos to list
Bond: take dino
Wildshape: dino with con buff or super hard nerfed for other animals.
Speak with dinos
Dragonborn3 wrote:
Mantis Shrimp vermin companion?
Small, 40/30 move, +3 AC, 2 pinchers, water blindsense, darkvision, sonic resist.
"Does it get the same attacks as the Bestiary version?": 7th with less damage.
Dragonborn3 wrote:
For that matter, are options like Abberant and Draconic Companion available to Animal, Plant, and Bermin companions or just animals?
I don't see anything to stop you. Note however that a vermin would have to get rid of mindless first because those archetypes alter skills and vermin don't get skills until they have a int of 1+, so you need to put a HD/level up to 4th to put +1 into int first.
I don't see anything to stop you. Note however that a vermin would have to get rid of mindless first because those archetypes alter skills and vermin don't get skills until they have a int of 1+, so you need to put a HD/level up to 4th to put +1 into int first.
I think their "not quite animal" ability isn't going to overlap exactly right for a non-animal, but there are simple enough solutions to make it work.
Summon nature's allies: add dinos to list
Bond: take dino
Wildshape: dino with con buff or super hard nerfed for other animals.
Speak with dinos
Dragonborn3 wrote:
Mantis Shrimp vermin companion?
Small, 40/30 move, +3 AC, 2 pinchers, water blindsense, darkvision, sonic resist.
"Does it get the same attacks as the Bestiary version?": 7th with less damage.
Dragonborn3 wrote:
For that matter, are options like Abberant and Draconic Companion available to Animal, Plant, and Bermin companions or just animals?
I don't see anything to stop you. Note however that a vermin would have to get rid of mindless first because those archetypes alter skills and vermin don't get skills until they have a int of 1+, so you need to put a HD/level up to 4th to put +1 into int first.
I don't see anything to stop you. Note however that a vermin would have to get rid of mindless first because those archetypes alter skills and vermin don't get skills until they have a int of 1+, so you need to put a HD/level up to 4th to put +1 into int first.
I think their "not quite animal" ability isn't going to overlap exactly right for a non-animal, but there are simple enough solutions to make it work.
Under vermin companion, it says 'they can be trained as if they were animals'. Also, both gain trick, which require handle animal to teach. So I think it works as is. 5 harder DC works across the board as the 'nonanimal of int 1-2' doesn't really impact the adjustment.
Or does "gaining the same bonuses as animal companions" not include tricks?
I don't see anything to stop you. Note however that a vermin would have to get rid of mindless first because those archetypes alter skills and vermin don't get skills until they have a int of 1+, so you need to put a HD/level up to 4th to put +1 into int first.
I think their "not quite animal" ability isn't going to overlap exactly right for a non-animal, but there are simple enough solutions to make it work.
Under vermin companion, it says 'they can be trained as if they were animals'. Also, both gain trick, which require handle animal to teach. So I think it works as is. 5 harder DC works across the board as the 'nonanimal of int 1-2' doesn't really impact the adjustment.
Or does "gaining the same bonuses as animal companions" not include tricks?
Nope, you've got it; that's why it's so simple to just use the adjustments as-is. You wind up with text like "Otherwise, it eats normally for an animal of its kind," the nonanimal bit, "It doesn’t count as an animal for the purpose of..." and some other such text that doesn't quite square, so you just replace animal with the new creature type and you have an easy solution that doesn't require work to adjudicate.
So far this book sounds more useful than I previously expected. :) Which is to say I thought it would be VERY useful. Now it's a must have. :)
Aside from my gripes about the shifter I think the familiar and animal companion section is excellent. Sure there are reprints but it's nice to have everything in one place.
Agreed. I'm running a game with caravans and the Hexploration rules from Kingmaker/Ultimate Campaign and I'm really excited to read over the discovery/exploration rules and see how or if they can be incorporated together. The Trophies also sound like they could be awesome, especially if they manage to work with the stuff we saw in Monster Hunter's handbook, and with a psychodermist chef as one of the PCs in my Sunday game we are potentially going to ring a lot out of this.
Also, though I've only fully read the nonvermin, nonplant animal companions thus far, all of them are cool both thematically and mechanically as far as I can see. Anglerfish, Celocanth, and Giant Squid are awesome aquatic additions, Yak as a large creature at 1st so it can be used as a mount is a godsend, the Saber-toothed cat has some amazing mechanical design with an insane bite damage AND an incentive to get the thing to grapple making it both mechanically interesting & novel AND historically accurate, and the marsupial lion made me look up a thing I never heard of and instantly want to have one as an animal companion. And that's just like the tip of the iceberg too, they finally did an Eohippus and I want to see a ranger with a tracking mini protohorse, Capybaras can be mounts for halflings who I now want to see on one in fullplate, and Tasmanian Devils are here and my only complaint is no ferocity. Also, Taz is a standard on the Ranger's Animal Companion list which is awesome. Also, they have wolfdogs now.
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