So, those who've played Pathfinder a while, how do higher-level combats compare in PfRPG vs. D&D3.5? The reason I ask, I have a 10th-level 3.5 game that I'm thinking to move over.
My guess would be, from what I've seen, that it's probably similar (iterative attacks, buff spells, and so forth); if so, that's not a deal-breaker ... there are other good things going for Pf. Mainly I'm just curious of people's impressions of what, if any, difference there is.
-The Gneech
Level 10 is when every class really comes into their prime. Everyone has had enough time to get all their abilities, a handful of feats for a good selection. You have enough gold in order to get the essential magic items. CR's at this level tend to be the most interesting as well. I'm playing in Rise of the Runelords right now at level 13 and there's a lot of things we run into which seem terrifying at first with what they can do and how much damage they put out, but then when we get in there we all remember exactly how powerful out characters are as well and it's a lot of fun.
Many of the same problems that haunt high-level 3.x also afflict Pathfinder. Several common "Oh no, now we need to redo the math on our buffs" spells such as level drain effects and dispel magic have been modified to ease use.
Power Attack is simpler to use so people have to spend less time figuring out what +/- they need to shoot for. That can make figuring all of the iterative attacks quite a bit faster.
Most of the SoD spells and a good number of the SoS spells have been nerfed. While casters still want to have a high init (Diviners in particularly rock init) it seems that caster insta-wins are slightly less of a problem.
In general I think the basic assumption is that a CR appropriate encounter will be resolved in 2-3 rounds, which is still pretty much in line with 3.x norms.
In short if you were comfortable with high-level 3.x combat then Pathfinder will probably provide you some small enhancements to ease play but if you really really hate levels 13+ then Pathfinder still exhibits some similar play issues.
In short if you were comfortable with high-level 3.x combat then Pathfinder will probably provide you some small enhancements to ease play but if you really really hate levels 13+ then Pathfinder still exhibits some similar play issues.
Okay, that's kinda what I suspected. Thanks. :)
-The Gneech