My friend who is brand new to Pathfinder and no idea how to play wants to build a sorcerer. What is the best/most updated guide out there that explains really well how to play/build a sorcerer for someone new to the game?
The "best guides" and "most updated guides" tend to start off on the basis that 1) the player knows the Pathfinder rules passably well already, and 2) the player has every Pathfinder product that can possibly be used to power up his character. To be honest, those guides can be a little overwhelming to a brand-new player.
Also, they tend to focus on "the most powerful," and if your friend is brand new, it's more important for him (or her) to get to play a character they think is cool, as long as you're there to advise your friend away from any truly mechanically-disastrous decisions.
In all honesty, you might be better off asking him what he wants in a sorcerer and then building it for him and/or helping him build it. I strongly vote for the former, as the success/effectiveness of the first character will often make or break it for newbies. At least, in my experiance.
yeah, he's much more focused on playing something he likes than is optimal. But he is new to pathfinder so is a little overwhelmed and would rather be handed things like feats and a smaller 'optimal' spell selection while he chooses other things than being overwhelmed up front with all 1 thousand decisions... any advice?
I'm with Writer. Ask him what he wants his character to do, or name a fictional character he would like his character to emulate, and then sit down with him and help him make the character.
Just giving a list of pared down options may make it easier for him to choose, but it won't necessarily help him to make the character he actually wants to play.
well I have no idea how to build a sorcerer either :(
First, have him describe what sort of sorcerer he wants. Does he want someone who stands back and blasts foes with his destructive magic? Someone who can manifests claws to carve into his foes? Someone witty and charismatic who can bind foes with his mind-bending powers or who reduces enemies to clumsy oafs?
Also determine whether particular races appeal. Would he like to be some type of human, an agile elf, woodland gnome, brutal half-orc, or sturdy dwarf?
Let your friend know that many feats are not really suited to his class (Weapon Focus) or level (Improved Critical) at first.
Find out whether he wants a spellcaster who relies on magical protection and touch- or short-range spells, or prefers to use mobility spells to keep out of range and throw long-range magic: this'll help you choose spells that fit your friend's tastes. If time permits, create index cards for each selected spell - complete with level- and stat-dependent variables already filled in. Make him aware that as a sorceror, it's a stronger choice to favor spells that have lots of different applications (protection from evil, magic missile) over spells that really only have one trick (hold portal, mount.) Make him aware what sort of magical items he should be keeping an eye out for.
Avoid overwhelming your friend with info right off the bat. Don't go into multi-classing until his character reaches level 2 and it becomes an option: put off your discussion of spell levels (and how they affect spell DCs, and all that) until it becomes necessary at level 4, by which point your friend will have mastered the stuff you started off with.
Well I'd firstly suggest using a pregenerated character; either one from Paizo, or one from somewhere on these forums. If you like you can modify the characters and their spell selection to your friend's preference.
If you're set on building it yourself, you'll need to know a few things. How are ability scores going to be generated? How many traits? What races are allowed? Standard starting gold?
Sir_Wulf wrote: First, have him describe what sort of sorcerer he wants. Does he want someone who stands back and blasts foes with his destructive magic? Someone who can manifests claws to carve into his foes? Someone witty and charismatic who can bind foes with his mind-bending powers or who reduces enemies to clumsy oafs?
Also determine whether particular races appeal. Would he like to be some type of human, an agile elf, woodland gnome, brutal half-orc, or sturdy dwarf?
We are starting at level 4 with standard level 4 starting gold. He says he wants to be the sorcerer who stands back and blasts people with infernal spells. Any advice? Also, we rolled stats, and he has 10, 11, 11, 11, 12, 17.
Hmm. 4th Level...
He might enjoy a Half-Orc Fire Blaster:
Half-Orc Sorcerer 4
Bloodline: Crossblooded Efreeti and Orc
(Add the +2 Race bonus to Con)
Spells:
0 - acid splash, detect magic, dancing lights, message, prestidigitation
1 - burning hands, mage armor, magic missile, protection from evil, silent image
2 - glitterdust, scorching ray
Feats: Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot
Hit Points: 22 (assumes 13 Con)
Favored Class Bonus: Gives +2 damage to all fire spells
Items: (6,000 gp total)
- Claws of the Ice Bear (1,300 gp)
- Pipes of the Sewers (1,150 gp)
- Wand of Shield (750 gp)
- Cloak of Resistance +1 (1,000 gp)
- Potion of Invisibility (300 gp)
- Two Potions of Cure Light Wounds (100 gp)
- Scroll of Fireball (375 gp)
- Scroll of Obscuring Mist (25 gp)
- 4th level Wand of Create Pit (5 Charges) (600 gp)
400 gp assorted mundane stuff
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