Newbie GM Question

[Xanthus]

I'm new at Pathfinder, learning the rules to be a GM, and I'm trying to roll up some NPCs for my players to interact with. In the section in the Core Rules that deals with creation of NPCs it describes an "Adept" and a "Warrior". I tried creating NPCs using those classes and they ended up being a lot weaker than I thought the particular NPC should be in my game. When would you _ever_ use the "Adept" and "Warrior" classes? Why would you use those classes over using the PC Cleric class or Fighter class? Do you use them if you need to create a "quick" NPC when you don't have time to create one with the PC classes?

Thanks for your help, sorry the question is so basic.

[Seldriss]

I never use them. Whtether it's the D&D3 or Pathfinder version, i never used adepts or warriors.
Like you said, i just use clerics, mages or fighters.
If i want minor NPCs, i just make them below the average level.
I don't use all their class abilities, just the basics, sometimes none at all.
I give them a feat or two, not more.
I just throw a few points in their main skills, the ones which could be useful in an encounter.
If they are spellcasters i give them a minimal spell list.
It makes them very easy to create and use.

I know that in the end, it makes them very similar to the adept or warrior alternative, but i don't even bother considering these pseudo-classes.
The same way that i quite never use prestige classes for my NPCs, even major ones.

[Gorbacz]

The problem is that the Cleric is a medium-armor wearing, weapon-swinging combat caster. Not really fitting well with the village priest / tribe shaman vibe.

Same with Warrior (small town city guard ?). These two classes are for low-level NPCs that shouldn't have all the shinies of a PC class (and hence, the CR of NPC classes is lower than PC classes).

[Moorluck]

I use them for the 'nobodies' standard town gaurd, small town 'witches'. Any body you want to be able to hold their own against a PC should use a PC class.

[Cubed64]

Warrior class is an excellent class if you want to make a monster a little bit more of a challenge to your party but dont want to effect its CR too greatly. D10 HD, +1BAB and almost full proficiencies is nice.

want to make a minotaur just a bit harder without a massive CR change? give him 1 lvl of warrior, throw a breastplate on it and adjust its HP and BAB/attacks accordingly.

warrior/adept is also very good for very low level town npc's. town guards, temple servants, priests, thugs etc etc.

[LuZeke]

I have so far only used Warrior and Adept, but they have proven to be usefull if you want to have npc's who can take some beating and dish some out as well, but not be as powerfull as pc's.

I tweaked the Warrior class a bit, giving them some Paladin spells (Protection from X, and Lay on Hands) and called them Templars. The player's haven't fought them yet though, and might not, depending on how things go.

[Scipion del Ferro]

Like Moorluck said, these are the classes for noones and nobodies. If you want someone to really stand out that's what the PC classes are for. Just because it says PC and NPC though doesn't mean you have to use the classes just for those purposes.

[Charles Evans 25]

Welcome to the Paizo boards, Xanthus.
As previous posters have said, the NPC classes are there to offer options for 'everyday folk' (and they consequently have a lower CR assigned to them if it comes to a fight against them than the regular adventuring classes). There isn't anything to stop you from statting up NPCs using normal classes if you feel that that better fits what you want the NPC to do/be.

[Xanthus]

Wow, thanks for the responses everybody! That makes a lot of sense. I'm loving the Pathfinder messageboards, everyone seems to give very helpful feedback. Thanks so much!