Is there a need to optimize PFS characters for combat, in seasons 4 & 5+?

[WalterGM]

nosig wrote:

Walter Sheppard wrote:

Don't forget every evocation specialist's best friend -- Dweomer's Essence.

Quote:

Dweomer's Essence (500 gp): Casters take note! For 500 gp this one-off pinch of powder may seem insane, until you notice that you can add it as an extra material component to any spell you are casting and receive a +5 bonus to your caster level to overcome spell resistance. It's like an on-demand rod of piercing spell, except it's available whenever you need it, stacks with the Piercing Spell feat if you really need that spell to land, and doesn't cost you an action to get out a rod or an additional level to apply the metamagic. This is the sort of awesome that I'd pay more than 500 gp for, so enjoy and keep some in the component pouch!

where's it from?

Field Guide I believe.

[Mystic Lemure]

David Haller wrote:

No, not "optimize", but it IS necessary to be "well-built". You need to actually be able to pull your own weight.

Best case scenario they all died. Then someone explained to them why they died. Then they go on to make better characters.

Otherwise, you just sent them on to drag down the next table they play at.