I'm thinking about a party of 1st level characters that could rock level-appropriate monsters like crazy and potentially monsters of much higher CR up to a point. I'll share my ideas here, but I'm actually interested in hearing yours.
- I hear powerattacking High str Barbarians are notorious for high damage / round at low levels, especially 1st.
- Summons might be quite powerful at low levels and a summoner gets to do that for minutes instead of rounds at a time, a bunch of times a day (was it 3+cha?), so that could be quite cool.
- Save or suck things are more likely to succeed given the lower saves of the enemies at this level. So maybe a witch with sleep hex or some sorcerer builds could rock those levels?
- Armor Kilt + Kikko Armor + Dex of 18 has (for 50 gp!) the same AC as Full Plate + 12 Dex (for about 1500 gp) - of course that makes it heavy armor with -3 ACP applying to attacks if you don't have the right proficiency... Maybe useful for a fighter archer? Or a reach build with combat reflexes? Maybe even Bodyguard feet as well, and adopted halfling? Who else has heavy armor proficiecny and benefits from high Dex?
Unless of course you don't ever attack in the first place, then you wouldn't need the proficiency. ACP doesn't apply to Spelllike abilities, right? So a Master Summoner (who gives up spell casting for more summons, right?) could wear that armor combination, right?
- Guard Dogs are at 25 gp each fairly cheap, and at low levels still rather useful, right? Of course you need to be in control over them to be worth anything... acomplished with a little handle animal? --- They would also benefit from in combat healing, as would the summons.
Maybe have a Cleric with selective channeling?
Handle animal takes a move action to give an animal a command; the rules are silent on giving multiple animals commands at once IIRC.
Generally anything with a pet (mount, eidolon, animal companion) should be good. Wizard spells (sleep, color spray) can take out multiple opponents but the wizard itself is dangerously fragile at this level. Witches can spam sleep.
A dual cursed lunar oracle can use misfortune to inconvenience enemies, can use extra revelation to have a pet, and has a bit of spellcasting. Not a bad L1 combo.
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Level 1 Human Crossblooded(Orc/Dragon)Tattooed Sorcerer
Traits:
Gifted Adept(+1 CL with Snowball)
Feats:
Mage's Tattoo(Bonus)(Conjuration): +1 CL with Snowball
Spell Focus(Conjuration)
Spell Specialization(Snowball): +2 CL with Snowball
So that's 5d6 + 10 damage you can do 4, maybe 5 times a day at level 1. Fun stuff if you're just looking for a character to play as if the build you're trying in PFS doesn't have a great level 1.
This also works with Burning hands for 5d4 + 10 AoE damage, just be careful you don't OHKO one of your parry members.
Level 1 Human Crossblooded(Orc/Dragon)Tattooed Sorcerer
Traits:
Gifted Adept(+1 CL with Snowball)Feats:
Mage's Tattoo(Bonus)(Conjuration): +1 CL with Snowball
Spell Focus(Conjuration)
Spell Specialization(Snowball): +2 CL with SnowballSo that's 5d6 + 10 damage you can do 4, maybe 5 times a day at level 1. Fun stuff if you're just looking for a character to play as if the build you're trying in PFS doesn't have a great level 1.
This also works with Burning hands for 5d4 + 10 AoE damage, just be careful you don't OHKO one of your parry members.
I did a similar build once, but I went with 18 Strength and shocking grasp, so even when I ran out of spells, I could still hit hard with a longspear for 1d8+6 with reach.
There is a feat from people of the north, I think, that gives +6 hp and some other bonus. With it you're nearly as tough as a level 2 pc.
In addition, have a pet and give it DR5/adamantine via spirit's gift.
Edit: Here is the feat, tribal scars.
If you don't want to have a pet a vermin hunter without pet giving himself fast healing + fortification might be nice, too.
Outside of fights or when not damaged yet you can use a different focus.
You don't need much wisdom, can dump cha and even with no int bonus you have 6 skills, so you can put all BP except for maybe 2 in the physical stats. 12 Wis is plenty if you don't plan to level above 2.
There's always magical lineage+magic missile+toppling spell
I particularly like quick draw+quickdraw light (wooden or steel) shield+1 handed weapon for any melee oriented caster class
EDIT: summoned monsters and slumber hexes are not so hot at level 1 due to the 1 round duration
I know this thread has been done at least once...
... though there is new stuff out there that may have changed things around, and now Tieflings, Aasimars, and APG Summoners are no longer PFS-legal.
-TimD
Color Spray.
A cone that at lvl 1 can shut down more than half a party with one go.
a human fighter [mutation warrior] with heart of the wilderness racial:
start with the aforementioned tribal scars, plus toughness, and you can still take power attack... that's 19+Con mod hp at first level (with extra survivability if knocked out); spend 10 points (and racial +2) for 18 Str and with your mutagen at first level you attack at +6 for 2d6+12 with your greatsword or 1d10+12 at reach with a glaive (even without mutagen you'd still attack at +4 for 2d6+9, or +5 for 2d6+6 if power attack seems like overkill).
Kitsune Sorcerer with the Fey Bloodline, 20 Cha (after racial mod), Spell Focus (Enchantment) for his Feat has a DC 20 Sleep, Hypnotism, or Charm Person at lvl 1.
Doesn't necessarily kill much stuff on his own, but can render a lot of combat situations a lot simpler.
This occurred to me, but I am not sure it is worth it over DC18 slumber hexes from a Dreamspeaker Witch with Ability Focus. The dreamspeaker is going to be able to last much longer with an at will SoL, and has a bunch of prepared spells to back up their slumber hex.
Level 1 Human Crossblooded(Orc/Dragon)Tattooed Sorcerer
Traits:
Gifted Adept(+1 CL with Snowball)Feats:
Mage's Tattoo(Bonus)(Conjuration): +1 CL with Snowball
Spell Focus(Conjuration)
Spell Specialization(Snowball): +2 CL with SnowballSo that's 5d6 + 10 damage you can do 4, maybe 5 times a day at level 1. Fun stuff if you're just looking for a character to play as if the build you're trying in PFS doesn't have a great level 1.
This also works with Burning hands for 5d4 + 10 AoE damage, just be careful you don't OHKO one of your parry members.
i dont Think tattoed and crossblooded goes togeather. But it is a good build.
I'm all for summoners. They're my favorite class for a number of reasons. First off, the eidolon is supremely versatile. You can adapt them to whatever the campaigns background is, and while they are considerably weaker then a martial pc, they are markedly stronger then summons or animal companions. While the summoner is a secondary caster, and in turn has far fewer spells then any primary spellcaster, the summoner spell list is also both versatile and potent, making up for much of the spellcasting lost. In the end, while I wouldn't say that the summoner is a big damage dealer or a tank, it can fill multiple roles at once with a good amount of effectiveness .
A goblin hunter with a maxed out stealth skill and a good animal companion with DR5/adamantine.
Although, if you want to make the eidolon super overpowered, go with the baby hecatonceirs or whatever it's called build and just get arms evolutions, which gives your eidolon a ridiculous number of attacks.
Baby heca is gonna be too baby at level 1
Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.
Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.
not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.
A 1st level human fighter leaning archery is pretty mean. It's the only combo I can think of that can get all three base archery feats at level 1. (Point Blank/Precise Shot/Rapid Shot) Though they might have issues getting a composite longbow before hitting 2.
the Rich parents trait Can get you that. But you have to roleplay that you were raised by the nanny.
True cap, but I mean if they plan for the future. Plus it's not horrible at level 1, just not the strongest choice, and it gets strong fast.
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Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.
It depends what challenges.
A level 1 orc warrior with a greataxe is CR 1/3. And at low levels - Ferocity makes orcs hard to kill.
Heck - this level 2 orc barbarian - http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/npc-s/npc-1/orc-berserker - is only CR 1. I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a dark alley at level 1. (+9 to hit, 1d12+10 damage x3 - plus a bite)
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A 1st level human fighter leaning archery is pretty mean. It's the only combo I can think of that can get all three base archery feats at level 1. (Point Blank/Precise Shot/Rapid Shot) Though they might have issues getting a composite longbow before hitting 2.the Rich parents trait Can get you that. But you have to roleplay that you were raised by the nanny.
Or go for the Oliver Twist backstory.
Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.It depends what challenges.
A level 1 orc warrior with a greataxe is CR 1/3. And at low levels - Ferocity makes orcs hard to kill.
Heck - this level 2 orc barbarian - http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/npc-s/npc-1/orc-berserker - is only CR 1. I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a dark alley at level 1. (+9 to hit, 1d12+10 damage x3 - plus a bite)
not rocket tag either since they will not Fall if you win initiative. Rocket tag is when every body that matters Can one round everybody.
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Level 1 Human Cavalier with a Horse, if your GM actually lets you use your horse. You don't even need to ride it, you can fight along besides it. Horses have three attacks, good stats, and they are the only animal companion besides camels that start off large. Plus Cavalier animal companions get free Light Armor Proficiency and combat training.
But your GM probably won't let you use it, because horses have no place in a medieval fantasy setting.
Sword and board is usually more powerful than your classic barbarian at levels 1 through 2 or so. You can still kill most things in a single hit, but an AC of roughly 20 means you can also walk into some pretty bad situations that'd take the barbarian down in a hurry.
The fact that it can keep going until someone manages to bring it under 0 hp is also good.
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But your GM probably won't let you use it, because horses have no place in a medieval fantasy setting.
Dude, if you wanted to use something as advanced as a Horse, you should really be playing on a different system. I'm all for diversity, but sometimes it just gets silly.
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not rocket tag either since they will not Fall if you win initiative. Rocket tag is when every body that matters Can one round everybody.Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.It depends what challenges.
A level 1 orc warrior with a greataxe is CR 1/3. And at low levels - Ferocity makes orcs hard to kill.
Heck - this level 2 orc barbarian - http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/npc-s/npc-1/orc-berserker - is only CR 1. I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a dark alley at level 1. (+9 to hit, 1d12+10 damage x3 - plus a bite)
A greatsword wielding 18 str fighter with power attack does 2d6+6+3 damage.
That's 11-21 damage, average 16.
A typical 14 con level 1 fighter has 13 hp. They have an over 80% chance of being dropped in a single strike by an equivalent character. Gods help you if you are a d6-d8 class with less than 14 con+FCB HP, because if you are you have literally 0 chance of staying up after an attacker connecting with a greatsword.
This means that in a CR=APL+3 fight(4 PCs vs 2 equal level/wealth NPCs), it is not unreasonable for half of the party to be down in the first round if the NPCs win initiative.
Sounds fairly rocket tag like to me.
Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.It depends what challenges.
A level 1 orc warrior with a greataxe is CR 1/3. And at low levels - Ferocity makes orcs hard to kill.
Heck - this level 2 orc barbarian - http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/npc-s/npc-1/orc-berserker - is only CR 1. I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a dark alley at level 1. (+9 to hit, 1d12+10 damage x3 - plus a bite)
Wow. Thanks for pointing this guy out....he will be in the very first fight when I start DMing again. With a first level sorcerer buddy using color spray I expect a TPK.
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Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.It depends what challenges.
A level 1 orc warrior with a greataxe is CR 1/3. And at low levels - Ferocity makes orcs hard to kill.
Heck - this level 2 orc barbarian - http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/npc-s/npc-1/orc-berserker - is only CR 1. I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a dark alley at level 1. (+9 to hit, 1d12+10 damage x3 - plus a bite)
Wow. Thanks for pointing this guy out....he will be in the very first fight when I start DMing again. With a first level sorcerer buddy using color spray I expect a TPK.
I take it that when you start DMing again - you don't want to do so for long...
I take it that when you start DMing again - you don't want to do so for long...Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.It depends what challenges.
A level 1 orc warrior with a greataxe is CR 1/3. And at low levels - Ferocity makes orcs hard to kill.
Heck - this level 2 orc barbarian - http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/npc-s/npc-1/orc-berserker - is only CR 1. I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a dark alley at level 1. (+9 to hit, 1d12+10 damage x3 - plus a bite)
Wow. Thanks for pointing this guy out....he will be in the very first fight when I start DMing again. With a first level sorcerer buddy using color spray I expect a TPK.
Ha! It will be against five characters using 25 point buy-in.....but these guys have no luck with dice.
So......50-50 chance?
Why a Guard Dog when you can have Combat trained Bison (CR4 creature) for 75gp?
Unfortunately, they're endangered. The consequences could be dire.
Bison are endangered? They serve them up in burger form all over around here....
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Bison are endangered? They serve them up in burger form all over around here....
The best way to make something NOT endangered is to let people know that it's delicious and not freakishly hard to keep as livestock.
No one thinks that cows, pigs, chickens, goats, or sheep are anything like endangered.
Bison are endangered? They serve them up in burger form all over around here....The best way to make something NOT endangered is to let people know that it's delicious and not freakishly hard to keep as livestock.
No one thinks that cows, pigs, chickens, goats, or sheep are anything like endangered.
lol. Best way to keep a species propogated: Make it delicious.
not rocket tag either since they will not Fall if you win initiative. Rocket tag is when every body that matters Can one round everybody.Level 1 is basically rocket tag for martials, because the weapon's damage die is likely to match (or overmatch) the HD, likewise for the Str bonus vs. Con bonus.not if you figth level appropiate Challenges.It depends what challenges.
A level 1 orc warrior with a greataxe is CR 1/3. And at low levels - Ferocity makes orcs hard to kill.
Heck - this level 2 orc barbarian - http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/npc-s/npc-1/orc-berserker - is only CR 1. I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a dark alley at level 1. (+9 to hit, 1d12+10 damage x3 - plus a bite)
A greatsword wielding 18 str fighter with power attack does 2d6+6+3 damage.
That's 11-21 damage, average 16.
A typical 14 con level 1 fighter has 13 hp. They have an over 80% chance of being dropped in a single strike by an equivalent character. Gods help you if you are a d6-d8 class with less than 14 con+FCB HP, because if you are you have literally 0 chance of staying up after an attacker connecting with a greatsword.
This means that in a CR=APL+3 fight(4 PCs vs 2 equal level/wealth NPCs), it is not unreasonable for half of the party to be down in the first round if the NPCs win initiative.
Sounds fairly rocket tag like to me.
If you use the suggestions for monster damage, HP, AC and that stuff , from the monster book, when you make your encounters then. If you make your stuff with out thinking then yes you can get rocket tag at every level.
Bison are endangered? They serve them up in burger form all over around here....The best way to make something NOT endangered is to let people know that it's delicious and not freakishly hard to keep as livestock.
No one thinks that cows, pigs, chickens, goats, or sheep are anything like endangered.
Just for the fun I like to add Billy Hill the toad-loving human wood Wizard from the far north.
STR: 11
DEX: 14 (+1 school)
CON: 14
INT: 18 (+2 race)
WIS: 14
CHA: 7
Feat:
- Tribal scars (nighthunt)
- Toughness
HP:20
AC: 14 (+1armor, +2 dex, +1 shield)
Traits:
- Improvised defence
- Rich parents
Familiar: Toad
Splintered spear +4 1d6+4+1bleed 7/day
Equip:
Armored kilt, flask of acid, Wizard's kit, familiar satchel, wand infernal healing
Or a fun buffer guy:
Orcish skald or bard.
Traits:
Tribal
improvised defence
Feat:
Flagbearer
Equip:
Tribal standard
While doing nothing (no action economy cost) he already gets +2 to saves vs fear, +2 to hit, +1 to weapon damage, +1 shield bonus to AC.
But his offhand is occupied.
He can still use raging song (skald), inspire courage (bard), cast spells or go melee.
Not as strong as a pet class but far from worthless.
Edit: Here is the feat, tribal scars.
Damn, that feat is great at low levels, even past 1st level. It blows the skill feats out of the water, and I gotta say both Raptorscale and Bearpelt seem pretty good overall.
Past level 10 they're not that useful, but if you're gonna play in the 1-8 range and the fluff fits, those are damn nice.Not to mention they're nasty to put on 1st level npc warriors.
I know this thread has been done at least once...
... though there is new stuff out there that may have changed things around, and now Tieflings, Aasimars, and APG Summoners are no longer PFS-legal.
-TimD
Thanks for the link. Note though, that I did not intend to ask for PFS legal characters per se.
So, now that I have some time I also have some thoughts:
1. In all circumstances, what is most powerful depends on what you're up against. However, this is especially true at level 1, where many characters will be kinda one-stick ponies. A witch's slumber hex may be powerful, but any of the many elves, vermin or undead you might encounter will render it useless.
2. At 1st level, many characters are glass cannons. Again the already mentioned witch, as well as many other casters too that usually rely on stuff like Mage Armor cannot count on having it up all the time if they want to have any offensive abilities.
3. How many encounters per day, and how spread out they are, affects things like this severely, as durations are shortish.
4. At 1st level, terrain, even common things like stairs and ledges, will be a huge hindrance to heavily armored characters that don't invest in Acrobatics.
Taking those things into consideration, and considering that most opponents you meet at 1st level will also be quite low on HP (with some exceptions), I think that if I went into a campaign that was intended to stay at 1st level and had no idea what I was gonna go up against, I'd aim for a character that can take a beating primarily, and preferably deal one out to. I'd prefer one which has at least some breadth and can do some stuff out of combat, and have options in combat if up against something they can't beat the regular way.
So, with that in mind, while I don't claim this would be THE most powerful, I do think that a half-elven Synthesist would be pretty powerful at 1st level. With decent hit points, all around good saves, immunity to sleep and good melee ability, this doesn't seem like a bad choice. Especially not considering you can get a slew of spell-like abilities and spells too.
Half-elven Summoner (Synthesist) 1
N Medium humanoid
Init +3; Senses Perception +3
DEFENSE
AC 15 (19 with mage armor), touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+4 natural, +1 Dex)
hp 19 (1d6+1+6 plus 6 temp)
Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +4 (+6 vs enchantment) Immunities Sleep
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee
2 Claws +4 (1d6+3 and bleed) and Bite +4 (1d6+3) or
Large Morningstar +2 (2d6+4) and Bite -1 (1d6+1)
Ranged
Javelin +2 (1d6+3); or Alchemist's Fire +2 (1d6) or Daze DC15
Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with longspear)
Spell-like Abilities (1/day) comprehend languages, detect secret doors, erase, read magic; (8/day) summon monster I
1st level Spells known (3/day): enlarge person, mage armor.
Cantrips known: daze, mending, message, resistance
Statistics
Str 16, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 20
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 16
[/b]Feats[/b] Tribal Scars (Bearpelt); [/b]Traits[/b] Reactionary, Princess; [/b]Evolutions[/b] Bite, Bleed, Improved Natural Armor
[/b]Skills[/b] Acrobatics +2, Diplomacy +6, Intimidate +12, Knowledge (Arcana) +5, Perception +3, Stealth +1 (+5 in jungle), Use Magic Device +9
Languages Common, Infernal
Combat Gear large morningstar, two javelins, two alchemist' fires, misc
Racial Traits: Jungle Affinity, Mordant Envoy
So, she has quite good defenses, especially when buffed (while she only has 3 spells per day, she doesn't rely on them for offense), good melee ability against most stuff, and if she encounters DR she can't break through (such as an Imp) she has the morningstar for heavier damage. When melee isn't a good option, she has at least some ranged options, and out of combat she's got plenty of stuff to do both with spells and social skills.
Granted, I did ignore some "fluff" mismatches when it comes to her feats and racial traits.