Guide to picking a class?

[ajw]

My son wants me to GM a campaign for him and three buddies. Some have played RPGs and some are total rookies. I recall there being a book, or maybe free download, that had questions that helped guide players to a particular class. Does that make sense? Sort of like "do you like fighting or magic" and "do you like punching or using swords." The questions might have been more sophisticated, but that was the general idea. Am I way off base here?

[marcryser]

There are a lot of old "what D&D class am I" websites that are still accessible. They have those easy types of questions that result in a class type.

Additionally, there are also alignment questions in the same vein if you want to go that route.

[Oli Ironbar]

The PF Strategy Guide is pretty awesome with a table new to the game.

[Azothath]

Rather than playing 20 questions just give them 20 characters to read and let them choose one to play in a 3-4 hour introductory scenario. You'll repeat 3-4 times (with different PCs) and then let them build a 2nd level character with your help. They get to learn some things about their class and see how the others work plus learn some basic rules.

PFS has a bunch of iconic characters at levels 1, 4, 7 for players to use. They are simple builds and totally disposable (some need details or tweaking). Find them, download, and print.

There's the NPC Codex. Again builds vary and they will need details.

What people want to play changes with time, goals, and their perception of success.

[Java Man]

There are a couple of class selection guides listed on Broken Zenith's guide page (link in the sticky thread in Advice forum.)

[Diego Rossi]

Probably it would be a good idea to limit them to the Core Rulebook classes. As a general rule, those are the classes with fewer "moving parts", so making a really bad build is more difficult and they have the less steep learning curve.
Substituting the unchained barbarian and rogue would reduce some problems (notably, the barbarian's sudden death syndrome).

[Heather 540]

If there are a couple of total rookies, I agree with the suggestion to use the iconic NPCs for everybody. It'll make sure that everyone's build is on the same level while the rookies get used to the rules.