I am not sure if this is where to post this but there are some aspects from the early pages out Starfinder mainly around character creation that I would like to lift backwards into pathfinder but have questions about balance and in some cases execution
1. Stat generation
I like that players are not rewarded for dumping stats away. In my experience these dumps are rarely for characterful reasons (which starfinder does allow for) . I have of course been guilty of this myself
However the initial stat models seemed to me when I looked at them to come in significantly lower than standard pathfinder point buy. I think the range of options can be the equivalent of about 9 up to 15 (but only with the focused stats selection)
How significant an effect would this weakening have on the first 4 levels of play if using pre written pathfinder stuff? Should I use the same method and allow more points or would that greatly unbalance things when the stat boosts come in at level 5
2. Stat boosts
I like that these round out characters and are actually meaningful.
But would similar boosts be unbalancing in pathfinder?
Would I have to remove or limit standard stat boosting items? I haven't read far enough nor do I understand starfinder wealth enough to know how prevalent stat boosters are in that system
3. Backgrounds
I really like these in that they can be layered onto all classes.
Has anyone done a conversion? I haven't had chance to work out the "formula" for these yet or indeed what all the pathfinder equivalents would be (5e might provide some inspiration there). One would be noble since it frustrates me that a noble background is hard to pull off without using a bunch of "wasted skills". Partially why I add background skills
Would having traits as well (which backgrounds seem to have replaced) be too much in people's opinions?
4. Weapon specialisation from all
I like this and it kind of links to the automatic bonus progression system I am thinking of dabbling with. And weapons seems to be the main part where the particular unchained rules variant falls down
I assume this stays reasonable and is not too harsh on the fighter? My view is it allows the fighter even more variation
5. Resolve points
From an initial read this seems like a way of universally giving people access to the "pools" many classes have (grit, inspiration, exploit, panache , stamina from unchained) - being points to power certain key class abilities as well as recharge stamina
Would most feel adding this into PF would over complicate things especially when a class already has one of the pools mentioned (I actually include rage and performance in this as well)
And making it replace panache etc seems like it would be hard on those who use resource pools.
This might remain on my personal cutting room floor
Does anyone else have any insight?
From what I've read on the Pathfinder tech, there are potion like, high level, injectables. This is similar to a raise dead oil that Pathfinder is sorely lacking.
That being said, the stat boosting injectables that are also cheep should be addictive drugs. Giving a boost of +4 for 20 minutes, then 2 hours of -4 to the same stat. Any hint of danger should require a will save or they start "juicing".