Wondering about the huge proliferation of classes (let's not get into archetypes just yet!) :-)
There are base classes (defined in APG as classes that go from level 1 to level 20), which includes the core classes, the alternate classes, and the hybrid classes (from the ACG). There are prestige classes in the CRB, APG, and "Paths of Prestige", and probably here and there in other Paizo pubs. I'm trying just to count how many there are in official Paizo pubs. I get:
11 core classes in the CRB
6 base classes in the APG
1 base class and 2 alternate classes in UC
1 base class (the magus - should this be a hybrid class now?) in UM
1 alternate class (the anti-paladin) in the APG
10 base (hybrid) classes in the ACG
Total: 32 base classes.
10 prestige classes in the CRB
8 in the APG
30 in Paths of Prestige
Total: 48 prestige classes
I'm pretty sure there are more prestige classes, and possibly base classes, in other pubs probably in the AP and Campaign Setting lines.
Three questions:
1. Are my counts above accurate as far as they go?
2. Is there a list somewhere of the (Paizo official) sources of other base or prestige classes?
3. (This one is harder; quite possibly much harder) Is there a list somewhere of 3rd party sources of other base or prestige classes?
Bonus question: How many archetypes are there, total, in the official pubs?
On the latter: assume on average 5 archetypes per class. Near as I can tell, prestige classes don't get archetypes, only base classes. That's a total of 160+48=208 different approaches to PF characters, not counting multiclassing, contemplation of which in this context is making my head hurt. :)
This isn't exactly what you are looking for, but this list of iconics sort of gives some of that info.
Nice list, Hawkmoon, thanks!
Well for 3rd party your best bet is the listings on D20PFSRD
3rd Party Base Classes (note that Dreamscarred Press has an entire section to themselves)
3rd Party Prestige Classes (for some reason DSP's stuff is split up here and here.
That's a total of 160+48=208 different approaches to PF characters, not counting multiclassing, contemplation of which in this context is making my head hurt. :)
Many of those archetypes are not mutually exclusive, either, and can be combined. On the other hand, many have considerable overlap and quite a few are uninspired or unappealing. A few don't even do what they're supposed to do very well.
The SRD is your friend.
The Archive of Nethys is another friend.
They both make it easy to find the 89 known prestige classes. It also lists the source for the class.
/cevah
Don't forget NPC classes... heh.
I just love games with tons of classes.
Don't forget NPC classes... heh.
I just love games with tons of classes.
Heh. Tons of classes gives you tons of options, true. So does no classes, but tons of skills (when everything is a skill).