So the most commonly raised example of the free archetype variant (and the one with super cool artwork) is for a pirate game
But based on what archetypes that are either already released or known to be coming what are some other themes that can be applied? And are there any that would work for historic modules or adventure paths?
(I personally would be wary of extending this free archetype option to the multiclass archetypes as they seem stronger and also generally less thematic). That being said :
- Firebrand archetype (could work in Hell’s Rebels)
- Free Investigator (Agents of Edgewatch)
- Circus bonus archetype (Extinction curse)
- Archaeologist - Mummy’s Mask
- Vigilantes - (general super hero game but also Hell’s Rebels and Curse of the Crimson Throne)
- All HellKnights (but with different flavours)
- Perhaps one for a band - either all Bard archetypes or all bards using the free archetypes to add variety
- All entered into wizard school (I think this is another one mentioned in the book)
Anyone got any other ideas or any themes they might want to try and set in their games if they use it this variant?
For a Golarian-specific version of the the Magic School idea, maybe all characters get access to Magaambyan archetypes.
There's also the all-Pathfinder Agent idea, too.
I feel like most archetypes that aren't multiclass ones are going to be suited to either a particular organization the characters could be a part of or to a particular, well, archetype that they could represent - so, all of them?
That's for situations where everybody in the party gets the same archetype, at least. A mix of archetypes could have some interesting permutations, like the all-bards idea - some sort of multinational hero team where everybody has a regional archetype based on where they come from?
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We're hoping to use it as a "prestige classing" system, like Themes/Paragon Paths/Epic Destinies in 4e Dungeons and Dragons. As if "Archetype Feats" had always been built into the game as an extra layer of character customization more specialized in class.
I'll be running a short campaign with one fewer players than expected. I'll be using the free archetype system to help offset the slightly smaller group size.
I've had the idea, though it's beyond my capabilities to run, for a city watch campaign. The players are a squad of city watchpersons dealing with crimes and other problems in their section of the city such as murder mysteries, organised crime, sinister cults, entitled rich kids, street gangs, rampaging monsters, adventuring parties and so on. The free archetype would be used to provide useful and thematically appropriate skills and abilities e.g. everyone gets the fighter dedication to represent a standardised basic combat training.
With the upcoming witch class, a witch coven would be very feasible with the free archetype system. I'd be happy to let individual players decide if they want to be a class with the witch archetype or a witch with a class archetype. If there is to be a Coven class feature then it should definitely be made available via archetype.
I'll be running a short campaign with one fewer players than expected. I'll be using the free archetype system to help offset the slightly smaller group size.
I've had the idea, though it's beyond my capabilities to run, for a city watch campaign. The players are a squad of city watchpersons dealing with crimes and other problems in their section of the city such as murder mysteries, organised crime, sinister cults, entitled rich kids, street gangs, rampaging monsters, adventuring parties and so on. The free archetype would be used to provide useful and thematically appropriate skills and abilities e.g. everyone gets the fighter dedication to represent a standardised basic combat training.
With the upcoming witch class, a witch coven would be very feasible with the free archetype system. I'd be happy to let individual players decide if they want to be a class with the witch archetype or a witch with a class archetype. If there is to be a Coven class feature then it should definitely be made available via archetype.
Witch coven is a good one. Especially if you have three players instead of four
Did you know a city watch campaign is the next AP? Which I guess releases around the summer in theory ...
I was completely unaware of the next AP. It seems like a really obvious thing to do so I'm not surprised it's being done.
Using "free archetype" to mitigate shortcomings in the party (such as nobody pursuing the Medicine skill, or the ability to blend into a Circus, or whatever) is appropriate.
However, the variant does not appreciably make characters stronger, just a little less inflexible. As a minor power-up at best, if you expect it to shore up a party one man short (as expressed both in this and the other thread) you are likely going to be disappointed.
The idea is to make them more flexible though the free archetype and then tweak things as necessary for the power.
What is this Free Archetype? It doesn't seem to be on Archives of Nethys. Is it one of the upcoming archetypes?
It's an optional rule that consists in giving all PCs free archetype feats at even levels, to increase their versatility or to give them all characters in the group something around the same theme.
EDIT: I'll add an example. For campaign reasons, all PCs should be able to cast magic; so without forcing the players to choose spellcasting classes, you give them all the Sorcerer Dedication feat at level 2, and Sorcerer multiclass feats at level 4, 6, 8, etc..
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What is this Free Archetype? It doesn't seem to be on Archives of Nethys. Is it one of the upcoming archetypes?
It might be fun to do a pathfinder society campaine giving them all the society feat allowing them an extra skill or even a skill at expert at first lvl would be intresting.