I'd say it's virtually certain we'll see another two (one for the APG classes plus the Magus and Gunslinger, and another for multiclass/archetype characters) and quite probably more beyond, since there can't be that many Bestiaries left. The only question I have is whether we'll get many more prestige class characters.
I would also like an NPC Codex II with all the new base classes from the APG, Ultimate Combat, and Ultimate Magic and also the prestige classes from the APG. I could also always use more NPC class types
|
The issue I can see with NPC Codex 2 is the scheduling. Since we're getting Ultimate Campaign in April and Mythic Adventures in August, that just leaves the December slot for NPC Codex 2, and I'm kind of worried that there might be a Bestiary 4 with a lot of Mythic monsters that takes up that December slot. The base Mythic Adventures will likely have a selection but by no means a full slate, so Bestiary 4 takes up December.
Unless they change up the usual release schedule, the April book won't be an NPC Codex II, and I'd doubt the August/GenCon 2014 book will be anything less than mega-crunch to compete with the release of D&D Next, so I really can't see a chance for NPC Codex II until December 2014. 2 full years away, and by that time, who knows what else will come out that we'd want supported just as much as the APG, UM, and UC classes. :\
RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I agree that it probably won't happen this year, as much as I'd like to see it. However, I've taken it upon myself to create NPC blocks for the rest of the Iconic Characters, so if you'd like, check them out here and PLEASE send me some feedback on them:
Link
Not sure I agree with the sentiment that a Bestiary 4 will have a lot of Mythic monsters, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a Bestiary 4 all the same. There are still a lot of AP monsters to include (especially 3.5 updates) as well as a lot of different niches that the designers haven't covered that I would hope/think they will likely add into a new Bestiary.
I would love too see a second NPC Codex covering classes from the APG and Ultimate Magic/Combat. Would they really need one for archetypes, though? They seem pretty easy to handle with the printed statblocks, just change a few bits here and there and you've got your archetype.
I think Bestiary 4 will have some monsters that use mythic rules, although I doubt it will be a mythic bestiary. I suspect there will be plenty of "normal" monsters, to widen the appeal.
If the first NPC Codex sells well, they will probably do an NPC Codex II with the supplemental stuff. So encourage everyone to buy it!
And yeah, while it'd take some time for it to come out, that just ensures it would include NPCs reflecting new rules that have also come out since.
|
|
Given that the Mythic rules are (to my understanding) meant to be an optional rule, I'd be surprised to see ANY mythic monsters in Bestiary 4. Also I wasn't trying to pinpoint WHEN a NPC Codex 2 would be done, more of an IF it would be.
My bet on what would be included would be
* 1-20 builds for Alchemist, Cavalier, Gunslinger, Inquisitor, Magus, Oracle, Summoner (including the Eidolon) & Witch.
* Builds for Battle Herald, Holy Vindicator, Horizon Walker, Master Chymist, Master Spy, Nature Warden, Rage Prophet & Stalwart Defender.
* (possibly) 11-20 builds for Adept, Aristocrat, Commoner, Expert & Warrior.
* Iconic builds for the new 8 base classes.
Specifically I'd surprised to see the inclusion of archetypes, as Eric pointed out, it really wouldn't be hard to apply an archetype to an existing build.
James Jacob has mentioned that we should see mythic rules crop up as often in AP's as Alchemists, gunslingers, magus, etc crop up currently. So they will be fully supporting the ruleset, which likely means mythic monsters in bestiaries.
I wonder if it wouldn't also be useful to use some ARG material in Future NPC codexes. It might be nice to get some NPCs from non core races.
The NPC Codex was my surprise book of 2012. It was the one I was least interested in but ended up being my favorite Pathfinder book of the year.
I would by a NPC Codex 2 in a heartbeat.
I'd rather have a bestiary as well.
I'd rather have a bestiary.
Between 3 bestiaries, monsters in every AP installment, and Campaign Setting "___ Monsters Revisited", I've got more monster info than I can use right now as it is.
But I'm always looking for ready-made NPCs. I use the GM Guide ones often and tweak as needed. I was able to ad-lib an entire subplot in my last session using NPCs out of the NPC Codex. Getting a NPC codex treatment for APG, UC, & UM classes or even archetype builds would be fantastic. Especially given the creative builds showcased in NPC Codex.
I like the idea of alternating NPC codexes and Bestiaries every year.
I doubt we will see both in the same year...Doesn't Paizo do only 3 "normal" hardbacks a year? That would cut into any new rules content/subsystems they might want to publish.
I'd be fine with alternating Bestary/NPC Codex every 2 years, but honestly the NPC Codex was such a welcome surprise that I wouldn't mind NPCC2 this year and B4 in 2014.
Pretty much this for me.
I'd love to see more NPCs using the alternate rule systems.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I would be fine if they never do another NPC codex I would like to have a good reason to renew my subscription to hardcover line of products being that the NPC Codex is the reason I ended it.
If I was going to get a NPC codex book it would have to have things like centaur rangers, catfolk rouges, nixie sorcerers, lashunta alchemist, green hag witches, entire stats for goblin, nixie, and centaur tribes, kingdoms of orcs, hobgoblins, cloud giants, etc.
|
RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16
|
I would be fine if they never do another NPC codex I would like to have a good reason to renew my subscription to hardcover line of products being that the NPC Codex is the reason I ended it.
If I was going to get a NPC codex book it would have to have things like centaur rangers, catfolk rouges, nixie sorcerers, lashunta alchemist, green hag witches, entire stats for goblin, nixie, and centaur tribes, kingdoms of orcs, hobgoblins, cloud giants, etc.
So, you're saying you want an NPC Bestiary, essentially? That would be cool.
That would be cool.
I'd still love another NPC Codex.
The primary reason for an NPC Codex 2 (and the reason I want it to come out before the NPC Bestiary) is to use the new classes (including alternate classes) and rules. There are so many, and there are so many great options!
Add that to the archetypes, and there's just way too much goodness to avoid using in the next one.
Then the NPC Bestiary, because certain of the new classes would be really, really awesome in that (a centaur cavalier, for instance), while many of the old classes would remain highly appropriate, too.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
IIRC, some official stated that they planned a Bestiary 4 in 2013. He also mentioned that they could do a NPC Codex 2 with APG classes (at least) later if the NPC Codex was popular enough.
Me, I would buy a NPC Codex 2 right away if it was available.
My forte lies in constructing storylines and improvising and my greatest weakness lies in stating NPCs to flesh out the encounters. NPC Codex is a 100% efficient way for me to cover this now.
Yeah my vote for an NPC bestiary
Because while I would use stuff from an NPC codex 2 (if it covered the APG+ classes), I am currently finding more need for stats for different goblins classes, than I am for humans. I suspect that trend will continue as my players level up and we fight other humanoids/monsters
Given that the Mythic rules are (to my understanding) meant to be an optional rule, I'd be surprised to see ANY mythic monsters in Bestiary 4. Also I wasn't trying to pinpoint WHEN a NPC Codex 2 would be done, more of an IF it would be.
My bet on what would be included would be
* 1-20 builds for Alchemist, Cavalier, Gunslinger, Inquisitor, Magus, Oracle, Summoner (including the Eidolon) & Witch.
* Builds for Battle Herald, Holy Vindicator, Horizon Walker, Master Chymist, Master Spy, Nature Warden, Rage Prophet & Stalwart Defender.
* (possibly) 11-20 builds for Adept, Aristocrat, Commoner, Expert & Warrior.
* Iconic builds for the new 8 base classes.
Specifically I'd surprised to see the inclusion of archetypes, as Eric pointed out, it really wouldn't be hard to apply an archetype to an existing build.
I'd buy this book in a minute. The first NPC codex is a huge time saver and a great campaign building toolkit.
Given that the Mythic rules are (to my understanding) meant to be an optional rule, I'd be surprised to see ANY mythic monsters in Bestiary 4. Also I wasn't trying to pinpoint WHEN a NPC Codex 2 would be done, more of an IF it would be.
My bet on what would be included would be
* 1-20 builds for Alchemist, Cavalier, Gunslinger, Inquisitor, Magus, Oracle, Summoner (including the Eidolon) & Witch.
* Builds for Battle Herald, Holy Vindicator, Horizon Walker, Master Chymist, Master Spy, Nature Warden, Rage Prophet & Stalwart Defender.
* (possibly) 11-20 builds for Adept, Aristocrat, Commoner, Expert & Warrior.
* Iconic builds for the new 8 base classes.
Specifically I'd surprised to see the inclusion of archetypes, as Eric pointed out, it really wouldn't be hard to apply an archetype to an existing build.
That would be perfect.
In addition to that, I'd like to see an NPC Codex with a few example builds for the races in the ARG.
I'm on the bestiary 4 team, not a big fan of named creatures and characters.
And in december its 2 years since we got a bestiary, and I desperatly need a new one!
I love the NPC codex... First, it makes encounters come alive, 2nd, when the PCs do things you dont expect you save a bunch of time rolling dudes up... 3rd, and this maybe my situation specific. My players are all foreigners with Intermediate level English at best. Rolling characters for them is an ultimate chore and saying "Tovarish, do it at home", isnt really an option or plausible. I whip out the NPC codex, I say "what do you want to be?" get an answer and now since my game is about to start The Hunger Storm from JR AP, I walk across the street with the codex. Photocopy the page grab a Magic marker and circle the char level and off we go... S/he can tweak the character between sessions or not... 4, love the encounter groups... it gives me an idea before I put one together... I just used it yesterday... on my pbp...
What I really want is for them to do Osiron up right... that book is almost a complete waste of paper, really freaking vague...
|
|
I'm hoping for NPC Codex II rather than Bestiary 4.
Maybe.
Kinda.
While I liked the NPC Codex and see myself getting use out of it something felt missing. It wasn't until long after I had the book I figured out the problem: the lack of monsters.
For NPC Codex we need the base classes from the APG and Ultimate books. But instead of the NPC classes I really want monster of various levels.
Ideally, I'd like fewer examples of the base classes (every other level) and more classed orcs, goblins, gnolls, ogres, kobolds, etc. An entire orc tribe or gnoll warband would be lovely.
I think I'd also like to see humanoid templates. Variants on the simple templates to knock a classed creature +/-1 CR.
Please no, the NPC's are too generic and boring
| 5 people marked this as a favorite. |
Please no, the NPC's are too generic and boring
It's easy to come up with a personality and background for an emergency NPC. It's hard to come up with a complete stat block for an emergency NPC. The point of the NPC Codex is to provide the second thing.
While I do not agree with Knoq Nixoy about the generic and boring stuff (I actually like the NPC codex) I do enjoy it that Bestiary 4 had more wishes and support, there is no way in abyss NPC Codex 2 will crush my dreams of a Bestiary 4 in december now. *Evil laughter*
I do support a NPC Codex 2 in 2014 tho, as long as bestiary 4 will be first.
I'd rather have a bestiary 4, than NPC codex 2 this year, but of the recent purchases I have probably used NPC codex the most. It's really handy when you need to throw some human goons or minions at players. I really hope we do see an NPC codex that covers the noncore classes/alternative classes.
I would be fine if they never do another NPC codex I would like to have a good reason to renew my subscription to hardcover line of products being that the NPC Codex is the reason I ended it.
If I was going to get a NPC codex book it would have to have things like centaur rangers, catfolk rouges, nixie sorcerers, lashunta alchemist, green hag witches, entire stats for goblin, nixie, and centaur tribes, kingdoms of orcs, hobgoblins, cloud giants, etc.
How often will you need to improvise a lashunta alchemist? A nixie sorcerer? Catfolk rogue?
Rarely.
On the other hand, the common classes/race combinations occur quite often and there are lots of them... Too many for an individual to stat.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Well lets see...
-How often those races/classes are used are based on the DM, he determines what is common and what is rare.
-We already have stats for countless NPCs of core classes and races from APs, Modules, and other books before this NPC codex came out.
-Monsters are ten times more interesting and useful to me.
-I own all the bestiaries but the NPC codex is the only hardcover book I do not own.
-Monsters(centaurs, nixies, ogres, etc.) and enemy races(orcs, goblins, drow, etc.) with class levels are so much more useful then Joe the blacksmith, Elwyn the elven archer, or Monoz the gnome shopkeeper.
I am with the camp that wants a Bestiary 4 this year.
I would be fine if they never do another NPC codex I would like to have a good reason to renew my subscription to hardcover line of products being that the NPC Codex is the reason I ended it.
If I was going to get a NPC codex book it would have to have things like centaur rangers, catfolk rouges, nixie sorcerers, lashunta alchemist, green hag witches, entire stats for goblin, nixie, and centaur tribes, kingdoms of orcs, hobgoblins, cloud giants, etc.
How often will you need to improvise a lashunta alchemist? A nixie sorcerer? Catfolk rogue?
Rarely.
On the other hand, the common classes/race combinations occur quite often and there are lots of them... Too many for an individual to stat.
How often do you have to fight barbarian orcs? Drow Wizards? Goblin chieftains?
|
I would be fine if they never do another NPC codex I would like to have a good reason to renew my subscription to hardcover line of products being that the NPC Codex is the reason I ended it.
If I was going to get a NPC codex book it would have to have things like centaur rangers, catfolk rouges, nixie sorcerers, lashunta alchemist, green hag witches, entire stats for goblin, nixie, and centaur tribes, kingdoms of orcs, hobgoblins, cloud giants, etc.
How often will you need to improvise a lashunta alchemist? A nixie sorcerer? Catfolk rogue?
Rarely.
On the other hand, the common classes/race combinations occur quite often and there are lots of them... Too many for an individual to stat.
However, not every NPC your players meet need to have a full stat blck, unless they are psychotic and attack every random NPC they come across.
I never really had to worry about stating up every NPC the characters run into but when dealing with monsters and the "evil races" then that is a different story.
I run a very spontaneous campaign.
Its very much a sandbox in a home made world. So the NPC Codex has been amazing.
Usually I just reskin the NPC anyway, but the statblock is so helpful- especially when the party gets into a situation I could never have accounted for otherwise and they end up messing with a 6th level rogue - I much prefer this to coming up with something on the fly.
I use the NPC codex more than all of the bestiaries combined. Not just for badguys either, sometimes I want a good NPC to travel with the party and maybe get into a fight or two.
I would take a new NPC codex over a bestiary 4 any day of the week.
It's mostly bad guys, but sometimes players like to be belligerent and randomly attack people for no reason. And at least the NPC codex give you the ability to wing it when players do something like this out of the blue.