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I wouldn't rule it out at 1st level, though you won't see them every scenario and they may be non-lethal. Don't neglect your saves.
I have the impression they get going at subtier 4-5, which again means your 1st level character might encounter them, if you play up with other more experienced characters.
In organised play, it's advisable to prepare for a wide range of challenges.
Venture-Agent, Netherlands—Utrecht
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I'm not sure which feat or ability you have in mind, but I can think of several things:
Low-level: Burning Hands is still popular, and in earlier seasons, Color Spray.
Mid-level: Fireball is a classic, Black Tentacles, Lightning Bolt, Wall of Fire.
High level: Flame Strike, Cone of Cold.
These are all the classics I can think of I've faced over the past few years. I don't think they show up all that often (25%-33% of the time), but when they do, it hurts. I'd say if you have room in your build to prevent/lessen these kinds of effects, go for it. Especially at higher level these things can get out of hand fast. Oracles with Flame Strike are pretty popular among enemies. Getting 4 of those (the spell, not the enemy) in a single encounter hurts.
EDIT: Also, breath attacks occur at all Challenge Ratings, and traps tend to deal area damage as well.
Venture-Lieutenant, Netherlands—Leiden
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I think Black Tentacles and Flame Strike probably make for the most significant ones, both in frequency and impact.
Clerics just don't have that many direct attack spells but Flame Strike has a footprint that's sized just right. Black Tentacles does what most PFS villains desperately need: counter the PCs' superior numbers and action economy.
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Interesting, I was wondering if burning a feat (as we know they are so limited) on something that only applies to elemental area attacks would be worthwhile or if a general use feat would be better.
Great when you can use it, but totally worthless 100% of the rest of the time...
Not planning to neglect saves (ever, unless I want a glaring weakness)
Also note it can come in useful when you volunteer to get caught in an allies' AoEs.
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Thank you for the input. Sounds like it'll be worth a feat... Didn't even think about the fact that it could be used offensively via using area attacks in melee.... :) Thanks Bill.
Heh. You know. The more I think about all of the times my characters have been hit by Fireballs in the course of my 40+ years of playing D&D, the more I think more of them have come from allies than enemies. And more than a few of those at my own request.
"I don't care if I'm in the middle of the blast zone! I can survive the 10d6 damage from your Fireball. I can't survive the 3 8d8 Cones of Cold those 3 Ogre Magi are going to cast if they survive to their turn!"
