I came up with a challenge I want to put out to you optimizers out there.
The general premise is this: There are 18 different base classes. The 11 Core classes, plus Alchemist, Antipaladin, Cavalier, Inquisitor, Magus, Oracle, Summoner, and Witch.
I want to see how well you can optimize a character who takes only one level of every single base class. To fill in the level gap, mix in two PrCs, but only a level of each one.
For the sake of simplicity, a few rules to this challenge. First, ignore favored class bonuses entirely. Second, ignore any alignment restrictions for the class.
Level 20, 25 point buy, open to all Pathfinder material. Standard wealth for a level 20 character (880,000g)
I look forward to seeing what you can come up with :)
Point, some classes cant be combined or will counter each other. Anti-paladin and Paladin are alt-classes and mutually exclusive. Will you count Paladin/Anti-Paladin as one choice or must we use both?
Barbarian doesn't combine well with Paladin or Monk. Anti-plaladin and Monk also don't combine well. Build orders will be important.
I disagree with ignoring alignment restrictions, they are a part of the game and part of the flaws of some classes, and must be addressed and mitigated.
This is more of a challenge to see what can be done with a single level in every class, more than actually creating a character entirely rules-legal or functional to play. Otherwise, alignment restrictions alone would neuter the class abilities of several of the classes, which would defeat a lot of the attempts to optimize.
Which is half the point of Optimization, to work within the rules to achieve a particular mechanical result to hopefully a roleplay rational. Although the last part is not always there. Even the same project when it was down back on the 3.5 CharOp boards didn't skip alignment restrictions.
Actually, I think alignment restrictions should e taken into account.
That way you don't have impossible combinations, or at least impossible circumstances.
However, working in the rules to have off-beat things occure could be interesting.
The problem with Alignment restrictions is because of the difficulties it poses for certain classes, making certain combinations just not work. You'd end up with a barbarian level but no rage, or a paladin level without any of the divine abilities because of alignment violations.
But, if trying to work through alignment restrictions makes things more interesting and challenging for the optimizers, then by all means have at it.