D&D 3E/3.5 A list of 3e problems and how they were tackled in PF

[jasin]

See, it's things like this that lead some to think you're just ranting. A rigorous statistical analysis of 3.5 reveals that the wizard isn't the most powerful core class. The druid is.

What is used as a measure of power in this rigorous statistical analysis? Damage output per round? Survivability? Odds of defeating monsters in combat?

I haven't done the numbers, but my experience/feeling is that the druid might be better at fighting monsters, but he's significantly weaker at the utility aspect, which should also be included in any comprehensive class balance analysis. For example, the druid doesn't have anything that compares to limited wish.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

How have they limited them?

The bonuses to all six ability scores are there, at the exact same prices as in 3.5.

Or are you referring to the fact that it's more costly to get a bonus to two or three ability scores from the same category (physical/mental), since they must be on the same item?

I thought they had reduced the cost (or rather not applied the cost multiplier for that?)

It might still give more freedom, since not all item slots are occupied with the "Big Six" anymore. So if you don't have enough money to "upgrade" yet, you can keep or buy a lower level item in one of the freed slots.

 

[jasin]

I thought they had reduced the cost (or rather not applied the cost multiplier for that?)

Pathfinder's (headband of Int +2 and Wis +2) is priced at (headband of Int +2) x 100% + (headband of Wis +2) x 150%, just like in 3.5.

It might still give more freedom, since not all item slots are occupied with the "Big Six" anymore. So if you don't have enough money to "upgrade" yet, you can keep or buy a lower level item in one of the freed slots.

Actually, if you count 3.5's combining effects guidelines as a part of the rules, you'd have more to work with under 3.5.

It's cheaper to get (Int +2 + neat effect) and (Wis +2) than it is to get (Int +2 + Wis +2) and (neat effect). Stat-boosts are just as important, but they cost a bit more, leaving you with a bit less to spend on interesting stuff.

 

[Shazman]

You may not have noticed that the availability of magic items for purchase is explicitly limited in Pathfinder. There is only a slight chance that PC's can buy what they want just because they have the gold. That is what will encourage PC's to keep and use the more interesting, less used magic items that they find.

 

[jasin]

You may not have noticed that the availability of magic items for purchase is explicitly limited in Pathfinder.

Why not make them?

 

[Shazman]

You can, but if you flub the crafting DC by 5 or more, you end up with a cursed item. It's pretty risky to make your own items unless you put some effort into being really good at it.

 

[jasin]

You can, but if you flub the crafting DC by 5 or more, you end up with a cursed item. It's pretty risky to make your own items unless you put some effort into being really good at it.

A bonus to a single stat is CL 8th, so DC 13. Two stats is CL 12th, DC 17. Three is CL 16th, DC 21.

I'm thinking a 6th-level wizard could hit DC 13 on Spellcraft without trying too hard (Int 17, 6 ranks, +3 for class skill). At 8th, the same wizard can hit DC 17 (Int 21 including the +2 from the item he made at 6th, 8 ranks, +3 class). At 11th, he can hit DC 21 (Int 23 including the +4 from 8th, 11 ranks, +3 class).

This is a standard array character with a racial bonus to his primary stat, with max ranks in a vital class skill. Hardly going out of his way to be an artificer.

 

[Shazman]

Are you sure those DC's are right? That seems awfully low to me. Sounds like errata or house rule fodder to me.

 

[Starbuck_II]

A bonus to a single stat is CL 8th, so DC 13. Two stats is CL 12th, DC 17. Three is CL 16th, DC 21.

I'm thinking a 6th-level wizard could hit DC 13 on Spellcraft without trying too hard (Int 17, 6 ranks, +3 for class skill). At 8th, the same wizard can hit DC 17 (Int 21 including the +2 from the item he made at 6th, 8 ranks, +3 class). At 11th, he can hit DC 21 (Int 23 including the +4 from 8th, 11 ranks, +3 class).

This is a standard array character with a racial bonus to his primary stat, with max ranks in a vital class skill. Hardly going out of his way to be an artificer.

Wait, caster level to tied to making making magic items in Pathfinder?

In 3.5, except for certain situations/item abilities, caster level is just the default for buying (assume most wizards are that caste level when made).

Like you can make a Necklace/amulet of Con +2 if you can afford the money by 3rd.

The PSRD says it just needs to be minimum. Example: Belt of Giant Str +2 is caster 8, but can be made by 3rd level (2nd level spell). It would just lower Dispel caster level value (so enemy caster will easily dispel in this case).

So why wait till 6th?
At 3rd: you have 3 ranks, +3 class skill, +3 to+5 Int= minimum of 9 to 11 bonus.
You need a 4 to a 2 to fail. That isn't counting skill focus or something.
So a 20% to 10% chance to fail isn't that bad.

 

[Kvantum]

Whoa, didn't the Preview say Charge?
The Fighter dude it said can charge and Vital Strike.
[Sblock]
If not, he can charge up and make a single attack with his longsword using both Power Attack and Improved Vital Strike.
[/Sblock]
Was the Peview wrong?

Unfortunately, yes. This is straight from the author. The Vital Strike feat chain is not meant to be usable with a Charge attack.

Yet another of the ever-growing list of things I've had to house rule about Pathfinder. I'm getting rather annoyed by this fact, but I find myself actually taking the time to write out more and more house rules for Pathfinder than I ever did for 3.5.