RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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The Pathfinder Player's Guide gives information on how the races and classes in the PHB fit into Varisia/Golorian. What I want to know is how do the 'core' classes from the 'Complete' series fit? I am specifically interested in the Warlock (my personal favorite) and Favored Soul.
My hope? They don't.
Seriously, though, they can't in "official" Pathfinder; the Complete Series classes are non-OGL, therefore cannot be used by Paizo.
No reason we can't make some "unofficial" recommendations. Warlocks would probably fit quite well with a Chelaxian background, while I'd be intrigued to see a Favored Soul with a Shoanti background.
What I'm curious about is psionics. I know it's not a favored topic, especialy with the crotchety old buggers, all set in their way, so I don't realy expect to see a BBG in pathfinder with psion levels. T'would be cool to get an idea where they might fit into the setting though, for people who want them in of course.
What I'm curious about is psionics. I know it's not a favored topic, especialy with the crotchety old buggers, all set in their way, so I don't realy expect to see a BBG in pathfinder with psion levels. T'would be cool to get an idea where they might fit into the setting though, for people who want them in of course.
That's why the Lord gave you brains and imagination, young feller.
When I was young we had to carve our own dice.
What I'm curious about is psionics. I know it's not a favored topic, especialy with the crotchety old buggers, all set in their way, so I don't realy expect to see a BBG in pathfinder with psion levels. T'would be cool to get an idea where they might fit into the setting though, for people who want them in of course.
I'd like to see them in the India-esque area that James spoke about in another thread. I think the area was called "Huja" or something like that... I can't recall right now.
I don't see the problem, but then I run it that your character class doesn't define you; it's just a way of representing in rules form what that character can do. My PCs and NPCs don't run aroudn thinking "oh I'm a swashbuckler, that makes me different to a fighter!" - they're both guys who use swords. They don't parcel themselves off into guilds of "We are the "Scouts from Complete Adventurer" Guild, the rest of you suck!"... or I don't think they should anyway. :D
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I don't see the problem, but then I run it that your character class doesn't define you; it's just a way of representing in rules form what that character can do.
Isn't this what everyone does?
On the broader topic - all character classes, including the core ones, are present at the DM's discretion. However, if you're a ninja or a swordsage you'll be a unique individual, so expect people to be surprised by your abilities.
The problem with psionics is the capacity of other characters to interact with it.
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IMHO,
You should run your campaign in a fashion that works best for you and your friends. If that means adding elements that aren't normally supported in a setting, that's perfectly fine. It's YOUR Pathfinder. Call it your own alternate Prime Material plane #24601, which is like the world described in Pathfinder except for a few details.
Use warlocks and draw on the demonic connections of the Chelaxian empire. Throw in spaceships and black powder if you want. Whatever the players find entertaining is the best and 'right' way to play the game.
Specifically, I think warlocks are a narrow but pretty cool class, and I don't mind people playing them in any setting. Sure, warlocks don't fit the typical mold of a spellslinger, but then if ONE thing in the game is going to defy logical definition it SHOULD be magic. Another option is to explain warlock powers as a connection with the fey world. An interesting background story or a demihuman race (preferrably both) should accompany this.
Not OGL, huh? That sucks. I buy books to keep from having to think. Now I'll have to spend time putting some thought into this. I'll hav to keep notes and everything. Darn OGL!
I'm not sure there would be a Pathfinder without the OGL.
It's not that hard to come up with stuff:
Let me have a go. I apologise in advance for any white spots and here-be-dragons.
Expanded Psionics Handbook:
In most parts of the world, Psionics are known by few, understood by even less. There are individuals here and there, larger cities might have small groups or "clubs" for manifesters. Often, they're (falsely) called "mind mages".
But it's different in Minkai. In this far-east realm, arcane magic is viewed with distrust. This stems from a history of vile bloatmages working against the people and practising their tasteless art of hemoteurgy in the most evil of ways. Divine magic is trusted, as is personal power. This focus on the self results in many monks and martial artists, who will gain great control over their bodies, but in many who gain great gontrol over their minds and emotions and can use them to influence their environment.
Psionics are viewed as a "clean" sorce of power that can accomplish things that are a lot like the power bloatmakes can bring to bear, and are thus valued as the countermeasure against those blood sorcerers.
Psions:
Those who think hard about the world and how it's supposed to run sometimes find that their understanding has become keen enough that they can not only understand things, but also change it. They're called psions. They tend to be scholards of some sort. In Minkai, they're held in honour as wise men who are in unity with the world enough to be able to change it.
Psychic Warriors:
It's known that a sane mind resides in a sound body, that the two are related. Psychic warriors turn their mind powers into becoming warriors. There might be more of them out there than we think: For the average person, a psychic warrior is no different from a fighter - in the heat of battle, psychic displays are often overlooked and the effect might be awe-inspiring, but even a regular fighter can achieve stuff that will have a peasant cover in awe.
Minkai likes psychic warriors, since they combine the power of body and mind. They are awarded a status somewhere between monks and fighters(/samurai)
Wilders:
Mental discipline is not the only way to unlock the powers of the mind. Pure emotion sometimes manifests in psionic power. Those manifesters are instinctive users of psionics, and will often be confused with sorcerers - wilders don't tend to stand around concentrating to change things, they are pessionate, they scream and use strong body language - much like a sorcerer.
In Minkai, those hot-heads are viewed as wildcards, and thus not completely save to be around. They are usually travellers without ties to a clan or family.
Soulknives:
The gift to manifest a weapon made of pure mind is rare, even compared to other psionic characters. Some try to keep it a secret, taking pains to carry normal weapons until they can disguise their ability in the heat of battle. Others flaunt their power. Those are rare, but tend to be well known in certain circles (the more boisterous adventurers).
In Minkai, soulknives usually undergo extensive training in courtly matters and train, or are trained, to pose as scribes, courtiers, entertainers or other "accesories" in those situations where important personalities might need protection but bearing weapons is against protocol - but there's also one band of ninja made up exclusively of soulknives who get the same training, but not for assassination, not protection. In both cases, they go to great pains to leave no witnesses so their talents stay a secret - for nothing is more useless than an exposed secret weapon.
Complete Warrior:
Swashbucklers:
Large cities like Riddleport, Magnimar or Khorvosa are ideal for warriors that fight with both wits and weapons. Most of your enemies will be just as fragilely human as yourself, and a rapier shows that you have style, unlike those brutes with their greataxes.
Hexblades:
Diabolical Cheliax doesn't really suit do-gooding Paladins and virtuous ways. But their lawful nature makes the Chelaxians want for lawgiving knights, and what better than an order of champions of Asmodeus with infernal powers to put the hex on those infidels? But Cheliax isn't the only play where someone with an evil bent will want to augment their martial training with some cursing.
Samurai:
Let's face it, the CW Samurai sucks bad, let's not talk about it. The OA/Rokugan Samurai, on the other hand, is neat, and usable for a Minkaian ruling class of Warriorlords (and no one will sue you if you incorporate the Rokugani clans into your own homemade Minkai and have Scorpion Samurai with underhanded Pincer and Tail techniques or Crane Iaido masters fighting Karzoug's minions)
In my game, I have a rogue who decided after session 2 that he wasn't 'fitting' how he saw his character, so he remade him as a scout, which works out better for me. I have another player who was a cleric of Gorum briefly before deciding he didn't like the concept and changing to a Spirit Shaman. I recommended he play a Varisian, mystic gypsy folk as they are, and he's now loving being one. I also have a knight from Korvosa, who's playing along the LN path (and may even try for entry into the Hellknights later, if it occurs to him).
OK KaeYoss, lemme see if I can help contribute a bit:
Players' Handbook II (icky but could be good)
Beguilers actually fit reasonably well into the Varisian 'thief-mystic' ideal. They are tricky, and live by their wits and by pulling the wool over others' eyes. They are "smooth, sly, smart, likeable, and light on [their] feet". Varisian beguilers often stay on the move, avoiding entanglements and, possibly, punishment. Their cultural acceptance and importance of this role makes them an integral and welcome part of many Varisian bands.
NOTE: This is interesting, I'd never thought about playing one of these until right now. Hmm.
Dragon Shamans come from the far north areas of Varisia, in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. They devote themselves to some of the mighty creatures that dwell there, and receive mystical powers in return. They guard the seers who interpret the ancient prophecies of the mightiest dragons from those who would misuse them.
Duskblades are the fading remnants of ancient Elven skill in mixing magic art and swordplay. These skills had only rarely passed beyond the borders of the Mierani Forest before its fall, and now, precious few Duskblades remain to combat the evils in the Elves' ancient home.
Knights, like paladins, are reasonably rare in Varisia. Many serve as lay champions of the faith for Iomedae, Abadar, Irori, and even Asmodeus, the most famous being the Hellknight Order of the Nail. While they are concerned little with 'doing good', they grimly enforce 'the law' in many places.
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What I'm curious about is psionics. I know it's not a favored topic, especialy with the crotchety old buggers, all set in their way, so I don't realy expect to see a BBG in pathfinder with psion levels. T'would be cool to get an idea where they might fit into the setting though, for people who want them in of course.That's why the Lord gave you brains and imagination, young feller.
When I was young we had to carve our own dice.
Or, at least, color the numbers on the dice ourself (with an included crayon).