|
So I learned much to my despair, that certain things are banned from legal pathfinder play such as "The way of the shooting star" Why they decided this was worth banning from PFS, i don't know.
But then i realized that if i REALLY wanted to play in a pathfinder society game, it's very likely that i would be using/reusing the same guy. Just in different senarios
So knowing this, I already had a finished character lined up
Would there be anything wrong in taking this character in a pathfinder society game?
Bladebound/Hexcrafter Magus +1 Skill point
Traits:Cautious Warrior
Clever wordplay
Human
Skills:
Acrobatics
Spellcraft
Knowledge (Arcana)
Perception
Diplomacy
Linguistics
Fly Not until level 7 or 8
Magus Arcanas
Level 3:Obtain Blackblade
Level 4 Hex:Flight
Level 6:Empowered Magic
Level 9:Hasted Assault
Level 12:Ice Tomb
Level 15:Quickened Magic
Feats:
Dodge
Combat Casting
Dilletante
Bonus Feat:Improved Unarmed Strike
Crane Style
Crane Wing
Intensified Spell
Bonus Feat:Improved Critical
Crane Riposte
Dimentional Agility
Primary Spells
Level 1:Shield(SO), Blade Lash, Burning Hands, Blade Tutor's Spirit, Shocking Grasp
Level 2:Bladed Dash, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Stone Call, Frigid Touch, Visualization of the Body
Level 3:Storm Step, Dispel Magic, Lightning Bolt, Grasping Tentacles, Greater Magic Weapon
Level 4: Dimenstion Door, Ice Storm, Wreath of Blades, Forceful Strike
Level 5:Greater Bladed Dash, Cosmic Ray
Full Level 1 Spells Known:Shield(SO), Blade Lash, Feather Fall, Blade Tutor's Spirit, Shocking Grasp, Snowball, Burning Hands,
Magic Missile, Secluded Grimoire, True Skill
Notes:Born in Quantium, Studied at the Arcanamirium, Considers Absalom his home.
Venture-Captain, Germany—Bavaria
|
Blade tutor's spirit is not PFS legal.
There might be other things.
EDIT:
Also, you might run into GMs telling you that you can't combine fighting defensively with spell combat... the FAQ is, unfortunately, a bit unclear and people seem to be split on the issue.
Not that I would ever use fighting defensively on a Magus, but that's a separate issue.
Be aware that you would need to decide between activating your combat style or improving your weapon in the first round of combat.
EDIT2:
Aldori Caution is not legal.
|
You first step is to review Additional Resources and do a quick Find function for each source book this character utilizes and then check to see if a given trait/archetype/spell is legal. Campaign Clarifications is also the document of "house rules" which explains how to handle corner cases and other weird ways Pathfinder content interacts with PFS.
Most of it looks good from a quick skim, however....
So, Cautious Warrior is actually Aldori Caution. Which is the one trait from Weapon Master's Handbook not allowed. d20pfsrd strips away any setting specific things from content. While d20pfsrd is a great resource, be aware you are expected to use the actual source book at PFS tables (either physical or watermarked PDF copy) and to be able to present it as your rules reference for anything on your character.
|
|
okay... I'll cover the process of finding and vetting something.
d20PFSRD covers just about everything BUT can't publish copyrighted names so some of their listings use pseudonyms (it's a real life legal issue). At the bottom of the entry or page is where they will list a source but not all sources and sometimes no source. d20PFSRD does not post a status for PFS which makes it problematic for character creation. It's convenient and quick and gives you an idea of what you want.
Once you have something check the Archives of Nethys. It is a community based project that lists a lot of things AND has icons on the entries to note their status for PFS. It is best to return to the search page each time to perform a search. Now that you know it's legal and have seen the source text it is time to check the details. If you don't own a source then it is not a viable entry for PFS. *sigh* and add the source to your wishlist on paizo. You can use family member's books(source) just ask them and bring the book with you to the game.
listings in Additional Resources is by page number or chapter. That makes it difficult to find specific entries unless you have the source material on hand. The best way to use it is to do a quick search on the page to see what turns up and then go to the entry for the source material and read it. Asterisks note references to Campaign Clarifications.
Sometimes you need to search the FAQs or blog posts...There are Class Guides that can be helpful. They are referenced in a post on the messageboard and a list of links here.
a few cautions -
* Generally things from the Adv Race Guide or a book that says {race}{rest of title} requires you to be that race.
* Multiple sources may list the same item, not all of them may be legal.
* Newer (by publication date) entries tend to supplant or modify older entries on the same topic. Some call...
What do people just bring like entire briefcases of Pathfinder books to PFS games or something?
|
|
okay... I'll cover the process of finding and vetting something. {text...}What do people just bring like entire briefcases of Pathfinder books to PFS games or something?*chuckle* some do. Usually they have rolling toolboxes with books, minis, etc. One guy had a home crafted little wooden wheelbarrow.
Often you'll see laptops, notepads, or phones with PDFs of source materials and a screenshot of their download page. Technology has lightened the load.
Be kind to your local GMs and paizo volunteers, do not use electronic source material that you did not purchase from paizo.
So i guess that means using the nethys archives are out of the question? So much for that social gathering.
|
|
So i guess that means using the nethys archives are out of the question? So much for that social gathering.okay... I'll cover the process of finding and vetting something. {text...}What do people just bring like entire briefcases of Pathfinder books to PFS games or something?*chuckle* some do. Usually they have rolling toolboxes with books, minis, etc. One guy had a home crafted little wooden wheelbarrow.
Often you'll see laptops, notepads, or phones with PDFs of source materials and a screenshot of their download page. Technology has lightened the load.
Be kind to your local GMs and paizo volunteers, do not use electronic source material that you did not purchase from paizo.
huh?
PFS is a public relations effort on behalf of paizo publishing. The publisher wants you to buy their product and use it. Everyone has to eat. Imagine going to a Magic the Gathering tournament with photocopies or hand drawn copies of cards in sleeves...
The Archives of Nethys is not proof of ownership of source material.
Character creation and tracking applications are not proof of ownership of source material.What those applications and websites do is help you navigate the volumes of rules and entries that make up the Pathfinder game.
at this point I'm going to refer you to the PFSRPG Guide and PRD.
No no no it's more i've seen the pdfs and all that as well as the price for each of them, and to be honest if i have to pay what is basically the equivalent of a gaming desktop computer, just to make sure i have all available pathfinder material for customization in the society, it's gonna have to take a backseat.
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
if i have to pay what is basically the equivalent of a gaming desktop computer, just to make sure i have all available pathfinder material for customization in the society, it's gonna have to take a backseat.
You must've been looking at some really s%#*ty gaming computers lmao
To be less snarky, this thread comes up about once a month or so. Yes, if you want to play in Organized Play you have to buy the books. It's pretty damn fair.
|
|
if i have to pay what is basically the equivalent of a gaming desktop computer, just to make sure i have all available pathfinder material for customization in the society, it's gonna have to take a backseat.You must've been looking at some really s&#@ty gaming computers lmao
To be less snarky, this thread comes up about once a month or so. Yes, if you want to play in Organized Play you have to buy the books. It's pretty damn fair.
Aren't there like 100 pathfinder pdf's that cost 10 bucks each? So thats easily 1000 bucks isn't it?
|
|
Aren't there like 100 pathfinder pdf's that cost 10 bucks each? So thats easily 1000 bucks isn't it?if i have to pay what is basically the equivalent of a gaming desktop computer, just to make sure i have all available pathfinder material for customization in the society, it's gonna have to take a backseat.You must've been looking at some really s&#@ty gaming computers lmao
To be less snarky, this thread comes up about once a month or so. Yes, if you want to play in Organized Play you have to buy the books. It's pretty damn fair.
If you somehow manage to make a character that uses all 100 books and intend to play it in PFS, yes.
And you don’t have to buy anything up on the PRD, correct?
|
|
Aren't there like 100 pathfinder pdf's that cost 10 bucks each? So thats easily 1000 bucks isn't it?if i have to pay what is basically the equivalent of a gaming desktop computer, just to make sure i have all available pathfinder material for customization in the society, it's gonna have to take a backseat.You must've been looking at some really s&#@ty gaming computers lmao
To be less snarky, this thread comes up about once a month or so. Yes, if you want to play in Organized Play you have to buy the books. It's pretty damn fair.
You seem to be arguing that you need every Pathfinder book to play. I have around 12 PFS characters and haven't used more than 25 books or so across all of them. Probably less tbh. It's disingenuous to say you need all the books.
And once again, they're an RPG company that created an Organized Play system. Them requiring you to buy their books to play is completely reasonable. You're free to go play a homegame if you dislike that. You'll notice that they were kind enough to let all the rules be posted online for that purpose.
|
|
Aren't there like 100 pathfinder pdf's that cost 10 bucks each? So thats easily 1000 bucks isn't it?if i have to pay what is basically the equivalent of a gaming desktop computer, just to make sure i have all available pathfinder material for customization in the society, it's gonna have to take a backseat.You must've been looking at some really s&#@ty gaming computers lmao
To be less snarky, this thread comes up about once a month or so. Yes, if you want to play in Organized Play you have to buy the books. It's pretty damn fair.
You seem to be arguing that you need every Pathfinder book to play. I have around 12 PFS characters and haven't used more than 25 books or so across all of them. Probably less tbh. It's disingenuous to say you need all the books.
And once again, they're an RPG company that created an Organized Play system. Them requiring you to buy their books to play is completely reasonable. You're free to go play a homegame if you dislike that. You'll notice that they were kind enough to let all the rules be posted online for that purpose.
Fair enough, I guess i should have looked at the source books before I actually built my characters. Ah well.
|
|
Real Life has constraints.
there's a recent thread on what are the core books you need for PFS. Read that as it can be helpful. I'd suggest the APG, Animal Archive, Ultimate Combat, Ultimate Equipment, those cover a lot of options. The mini-CRB gives you an option if you want a paper copy. Try used bookstores.
Otherwise as I said above add it to your wishlist. Choose what your really need and purchase that.I bought one book specifically for a spell and now (2017) that spell is banned. Yes, it's irritating so learn and don't do that.
Don't rely on magic items to vet your build (Ioun stone with key basic feat in a feat chain, Headband that raises ability score so you can cast spells). That's just asking for trouble.
One things for sure, i NEED ultimate magic. Magus is pretty much the only reason i took this game seriously. Refuse to play without it.
|
One things for sure, i NEED ultimate magic. Magus is pretty much the only reason i took this game seriously. Refuse to play without it.
So you'd just need just $10 for the CRB and $10 for Ultimate Magic.
Actually reminds me of my first two purchases for PFS, the CRB and the Advanced Race Guide.
My first VC likened it to going to a movie. $10+ for a two hour flick, times two, except that you can keep coming back for more.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
There is a humble bundle that includes Pathfinder PDFs right now. It has the Core Ruelbook PDF at the $1 tier. But for only $15 total you can add the following as well:
Advanced Players Guide
Ultimate Equipment
Stratedgy Guide
Inner Sea World Guide
as well as lots of GM resources, the Player Character Folio, and all of the season 6 and 7 scenarios.
Humble bundles are often a great way to pick up a lot of neat pdfs ^^true
Depends on the tax laws. In the US, if you receive any premiums or goods in return for a donation, the value of those goods are counted against the value of the deductible. So, for example, if you attended a charity dinner that was $40 a plate, you'd be able to list as an itemized deduction $40 minus the value of the dinner.
And in most cases, the value of the goods you get in the Humble Bundle substantially exceeds the minimum donations to get them.
|
|
If you want to use all available character options you will have to shell out big bucks for the PDFs. You just can't bring every book for some characters without just killing your back. I would just not do pathfinder society. They have a bunch of weird house rules and the adventures ignore some rules you have to follow. Like YOU can't stealthily cast spells and it isn't in the book but npcs can and they don't get glowing runes revealing them in invisibility.
Sometimes there is just plot magic in adventures that gives no save and messes with your character.
Your better off not shelling out oodles of money and just playing with friends.
If you want just a weekly pickup game roll20 has some halfway decent pathfinder stuff.
|
|
| 5 people marked this as a favorite. |
If you want to use all available character options you will have to shell out big bucks for the PDFs. You just can't bring every book for some characters without just killing your back. I would just not do pathfinder society. They have a bunch of weird house rules and the adventures ignore some rules you have to follow. Like YOU can't stealthily cast spells and it isn't in the book but npcs can and they don't get glowing runes revealing them in invisibility.
Sometimes there is just plot magic in adventures that gives no save and messes with your character.
Your better off not shelling out oodles of money and just playing with friends.
If you want just a weekly pickup game roll20 has some halfway decent pathfinder stuff.
I've been playing PFS for 2 years and I'm unaware of anything like what you're saying here.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Can I recommend to play one or two games with the magus pregen before you buy a book? See if you like the structure of pathfinder and PFS. If not: no harm done, if you do you can always see what you want to spend.
Do you prefer face to face games or do you want to play online? The latter has two options: through a virtual table top and voice software like Skype. Or you can go for the slower play by post format where a game is done by posting your actions on a message board. A typical PbP game lasts approximately 6 weeks with everyone posting once each day.
