I'm looking to get a good friend of mine into Pathfinder, and after asking a couple questions, I even have an idea of what they want to play (a sultry yet elegant performer, for those curious)! ...One caveat though. They don't really seem to like combat situations much.
Now, noob GM though I may be, I already know my style of game would be more story and character-centric anyway. However, that desire does not come to the exclusion of combat, as I myself also love that aspect. So my question is, how can I make a game they would enjoy, whilst also keeping it engaging for myself and other more combat-loving players?
Also, given my noob status, general GMing advice would also be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
What makes you think they don't like combat situations?
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
The heart of Pathfinder is a combat simulator. Yes there are other aspects of roleplaying, and certainly non-combat situations, but most of the system is focused on combat, and most games spend much more time in combat than out of it. Even the more story and character-centric games that I have participated in probably 50% of in-game time is devoted to combat, more 'standard' games I would say 75-80% of in game time is combat.
There are other game systems that are less combat focused (and usually have less detailed (and thus quicker) combat simulation methods as a result, but if you want little game time spent in combat, Pathfinder wouldn't be the system that I would choose.
What this boils down to, is that for most players in the vast majority of games, unless they have a way to meaningfully participate in combat and will enjoy that, they won't have a very good time. I think you need to really discover what about combat the person doesn't like and figure out if you can address those issues, if not, I would guess that this isn't they game for them.
I will say though that a sultry yet elegant performer sounds like a bard, a character that can very easily usefully participate in combat in all manner of ways, and quite possibly do so without ever making an attack or casting an offensive spell. Inspire courage and demoralize via dazzling display feat can be a very effective tactic as one example.
Bard definitely seems like something this person would enjoy in Pathfinder, both because of what Dave Justus mentioned and because of all the skills Bards get.
However, I also have to agree that perhaps a d20 game like Pathfinder isn't their thing and maybe they should look more towards things like World of Darkness, or Traveler, or something else like those that isn't quite as rigidly defined as Pathfinder is and focuses proportionally more on non-combat.
As previously inquired, it would be nice to know what they don't like about combat or why you don't think they do.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone! As soon as my friend mentioned performer, I too instantly thought of Bard! As for specific reasons as to why I think they my not like combat... I basically asked them what kind of a character they'd be in a fantasy universe. I then asked what kind of fighting style they'd have, to which they responded that they wouldn't be doing the whole fighting thing and leave that sort of stuff to other people. Admittedly, this wasn't worded specifically in a tabletop gaming context, so I'll have to ask them further on the topic when I get the chance.
That said, it does give me an interesting idea that I think might suit them perfectly. Charm and compulsion spells to turn enemies against each other! Maybe even confusion spells as well! Any suggestions on how to make that concept a reality?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
And bards are great at helping in a fight without having to ever draw a weapon. A buffing specialist, especially with an archetype like Diva, could be perfect for someone who can be exceptionally useful and capable without having to get their hands dirty.