So I'm running a Low Magic D20 setting based off Pathfinder with a level cap of E12.
In this setting either the Sorcerer or the Witch will be allowed as one of the core spell caster classes, but not both. Either option will result in the caster gaining their spell casting abilities from some form of "dark pact" with a patron spirit (vs the typical "blood line" of the sorcerer). Either option presents the class as (basically) an arcane caster version of a druid and shunned by both the established Arcane casters and the Divine casters, representing a 3rd faction of "Primal" casters in the campaign.
I like some of the mechanics of the Witch (specifically the Hexes) however there is so much work that has been done on the Sorcerer over the years it sorta feels like "throwing the baby out with the bath water" to not include the Sorcerer in the campaign.
If you could pick only one, which would you choose for such a setting and why?
I'd choose the witch, since, IMO, it would fit the 3rd faction of caster better than sorcerer, and the original witch already gets her spells from a patron. The sorcerer would better fit in the "Established Arcane Caster" faction (i.e. Wizards, Sorcerers, Bard).
I'd choose the witch, since, IMO, it would fit the 3rd faction of caster better than sorcerer, and the original witch already gets her spells from a patron. The sorcerer would better fit in the "Established Arcane Caster" faction (i.e. Wizards, Sorcerers, Bard).
I second this notion. Witches have some distinct mechanics for making covens and have altogether more sinister elements baked in from the get-go - this seems like the kind of thing that would be appropriate for your setting.
Are there options for the Sorcerer which grant them Hex like abilities?
It is worth mentioning that while I'm hearing you guys with the, "the witch is already written to fill this role" I'll point out that I've no problem with retooling the sorcerer to have the corrected fluff. I'm actually leaning towards the sorcerer as the right fit for this role, as I've always felt the Witch should have been a Sorcerer archetype anyway. However I'm just curious if I'm over looking something obvious which would jump out as a dramatically sub-par option for going this route. The additional time it will take for some rewriting is not an issue.
Well, why not both sorcerers and witches?
Not a bad idea actually. The "fluff" of the class descriptions would be the same regardless of the actual class, which the mechanics would be based on whatever class was used as a base. In either case the "look and feel" of the "witch" would be the same regardless of the mechanics running it in the background. They would still have that witchy / spooky sorta vibe to them. This might actually make it a lot easier as a DM for running them as NPC's as I would not have to declare upfront what the party was facing beyond "witch".
If you wanted, you could have cultural differences between the two base classes. Such as witches from one particular region follow a certain tradition (i.e., the witch base class) and witches from another region follow a different tradition (i.e., the sorcerer base class). Or substitute "region" with "towns vs. rural" or "race" or "sect."
I remember a campaign system from my youth where only women could be witches, and men could only be another equivalent class. The men's class was called "warlocks," maybe?
You could also look at the question from the perspective of prepared casters vs. spontaneous casters. Which of the following fits your idea of "low magic" better: A caster who can theoretically get access to all spells available to their class, at the cost of extra effort of learning/researching and preparing them; or a caster who can cast many more spells per day, but only from a very limited repertoire?
On a related note, does your setting include clerics, druids, and oracles, or just one or two of them? Why did you include the one(s) you did but not the other(s)?
Yes, there are other caster classes in the setting broken down into Arcane casters, divine casters, and "primal" casters. Arcane and Divine represent those trained in formal academies and temples, where as the primal casters represent those that have made dark pacts with patron spirits. These patron spirits have a generally darker tone to them with an implied suggestion that they might be older gods that went into decline, or possibly demons, etc. They are generally connected to ancient forests and are most closely connected to Druids, Rangers, and similar classes and archetypes. The "witch" then will represent a primal arcane caster who has likewise gotten her powers from similar bargains and pacts of these patron spirits.
So far the classes in the campaign include:
Divine Casters
Priest – may not multi-class
Cleric – the only class actually required to multi-class
Warpriest
Paladin
Inquisitor
Arcane Casters
Alchemist - represent fully 1/2 of all casters in the campaign
Bard
Wizard – may not multi-class
Magus
Primal Casters
Druid – restricted multi-classing options
Witch – may not multi-class
Ranger
Martial / Skill based classes
Barbarian – Unchained
Fighter
Rogue – Unchained
Monk / Brawler
NPC Classes
Aristocrat / Noble
Expert
Warrior
Commoner
It is worth mentioning that just because there are caster classes listed here dose not make them common, just that they are available as PC options within the campaign.
Feel free to take a look at any of the threads I generally post to regarding low magic settings as that is the setting in which this campaign is run.