Converting Later Splat Book Stuff to PF?

[rgard]

Hi All,

I'm about to take the plunge and try out PF via Paizo pdf download and picking up the core rule book at the FLGS.

Has anybody looked at the later splat book (Completes and PHB2) classes and prcs to see whether these need any upgrade like the OGL classes were treated?

I'm betting this has been discussed here or over at the Paizo boards, but it would take me a month of Sundays searching through the boards. For the above does anybody have links handy to threads in question?

Thanks,
Rich

 

[Anguish]

It depends. Mostly its agreed that the most recent 3.5e materials don't need anything except the obvious (skill changes and replace Grapple with CMB/CMD). The PFRPG core classes and races were improved specifically to catch up with the power-creep that existed over the years of 3.5e splat books.

That being said, there are discussions about a few different classes that weren't over-the-top. Of the PHB2, only the Dragon Shaman has been brought up. Of the Completes, it seems the Scout and Warlock are the two that have been discussed.

There's an actual section on Paizo's forums specifically for conversions. Just click that section and you'll see the discussions. There aren't that many, so they're really easy to find.

 

[Grymar]

Like Anguish said, it is mostly straight forward. Do be aware that you are going to have to let in a number of additional feats and spells to, in order to keep the classes balanced. The Scout, for example, really needs the feats available in PHB2 to be effective. Spells in the Spell Compendium or the Complete books probably need to be allowed as well for classes like the Warmage.

 

[Saint_Meerkat]

I have been, and continue to, test the the spells/feats/etc. from the Malhavoc Press releases such as Arcana Unearthed/Evolved and the Books of <insert> Might.

I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Aus_Snow]

There was a guy around here who put together a bunch of 'pathfinderised' classes and such (later and basically non-SRD stuff, that is) but damned if can remember who it was. And besides, it was for the Beta rules. Last year, IIRC.

Other than that, yuor best bet probably is to look (or even ask) over at Paizo's forums.

Best of luck.

 

[Voadam]

For Spell Compendium and PHII spells be aware of the general guideline for PF spell changes, save or die turns into save or massive damage and save or suck generally turns into hold person style save each round to throw off the effect. Spells like the later polymorph subschool ones should be fine as is even though they don't completely mesh with PF polymorph style.

Beguilers already look like the model for PF arcane full casters with d6 HD and a lot of little abilities. Change their class skills to the new set, give them free cantrips and they should be good to go. If there were more buffing enchantments and utility illusion spells they would be an all around strong class instead of strong most of the time and an NPC class level contributor against the many common monsters (undead, constructs, vermin, plants, oozes, etc.) that are immune to mind affecting spells.

 

[pawsplay]

Scout: Probably fine as-is. I would change Freedom of Movement to rounds/level, just to eliminate the absurdity of the greased halfling who could not be grasped by the Gods.

Warlock: Problematic. Many of the incantations are based on spells that have changed. Many of their abilities can be reliably countered only with SR or by thwacking the Warlock, making them PF unfriendly. Much of their mojo has been stolen by Sorcerer bloodlines. UMD, their fallback ability, is more widely available to other characters. Cantrips and frequent use SLAs for the various classes have vastly dampened their uniqueness as a concept.

Marshal: Give them d10 and full BAB and you are probably close to done. They were a little weak in 3.5, they are definitely behind the Pf curve. Giving them d10s basically makes them fighters with limited buffs instead of combat feats.

Beguiler, Warmage: Honestly, two-thirds of these characters should now be Sorcerers or Wizards. Wizard specialists are now a lot more flavorful, and Sorcerer bloodlines can flavor the class. An Elemental sorcerer who can cast in armor, for instance, is very close to a Warmage, but more versatile and easier to use with existing material. But for the most part, these are fine as-is. Just adjust their spells as necessary.

Hexblade: A fun 3.5 class, but tricky to use. In Pf, frankly he can't make the numbers anymore with fighters and rangers getting a damage boost. This one deserves a full reworking using the same core abilities.

Duskblade: Fine as-is. some spells may need attention.

 

[MerrikCale]

Marshal: Give them d10 and full BAB and you are probably close to done. They were a little weak in 3.5, they are definitely behind the Pf curve. Giving them d10s basically makes them fighters with limited buffs instead of combat feats.

It sounds the Cavalier class in the APG will be similiar to the Marshal

 

[rgard]

Hi Everyone who responded!

Thanks. This all helps me.

Thanks again,
Rich

 

[Remathilis]

I did a bunch of conversions for various D&D classes. I did conversion of the Artificer (Eberron), Favored Soul (renamed Invoker), Marshal (renamed Warlord), Swashbuckler, and Warlock. No guarentee's on balance, but enjoy.