Pathfinder 1E "Pathfinderizing" Non-Core Classes and Races

[Runestar]

Anyone see any issues with letting the healer spontaneously cast any spell on his list, like the warmage?

 

[FentonGib]

I've debated that too. As-is I've currently given them the ability to be able to spontaneously cast any CURE spell just like Clerics.

I'd also debated giving them a +1 bonus to Heal checks per Healer level as a class ability.

But the ability to spontaneously cast any spell is tempting, maybe convert the spells/day to the same as Sorcerers/Favoures soul, and perhaps give a spells known rather than "all or nothing."

Whaddya think?

 

[Runestar]

What is the healer's spell list like again? I was considering pruning the list if need be, to allow them access only to healing/restorative spells and nothing else.

At the moment, good clerics can spontaneously cast any cure spell, as well as restoration if you use the dungeonscape variant, potentially more depending on what other prcs/feats you allow. How the heck is the healer supposed to fight with that?

 

[FentonGib]

Healers have actually got NO combat spells at all. Almost all the spells are healing/restorative in some way, shape or form (other than an occasional errant like Speak to Animals), though some can indirectly be used in combat at times (e.g. Heal, Cure Wounds, etc...). But according to the Miniatures handbook they can't spontaneously cast Cure (or at least, it doesn't say they CAN).

This means you can have a healer with a poor BaB and skills, and if he doesn't have the right spell for the right time then he's useless (since he can't convert spells to Cure - and if he prepares only Cure, then what's the point of other spells?).

But hey... they get a Unicorn (at level 8)! (anyone else hate the fact that half the classes either get an animal or magic? I'd love a non-magical Bard variant!)

So atm I've given them the Healing domain and spontaneously casting Cure. And am debating going on Runestar's option and just letting them spontaneously cast. Beguilers get a larger spell list (and more class abilities) and they can spontaneously cast... so why not?

 

[Runestar]

To be honest, I also don't quite like the idea of a healer automatically getting a unicorn cohort, but then again, I am one of those who buy the "unicorns only follow elven maidens" fluff.

Any suggestions for an alternative class feature? I did quite like the healer class when I saw it in the mininature's handbook, but the only problem was that it seemed so restrictive that I saw no reason whatsoever to play one over a cleric.

 

[FentonGib]

Well since in Pathfinder Healers drop from d8 to d6 hp (due to poor BaB progression) I think it makes it worse.

I'm quite happy adding the healing domain to them, since it gives them bonus spells and a couple of abilities (Rebuke Death, Healer's Blessing) which I think helps a bit, and they get class abilities which Clerics essentially don't (other than domain powers), but ultimately more or less balances. I definitely think they should spontaneously cast Cure, but considering their limited spell lists, I may revise the spells/day to be more like Sorcerers and let them spontaneously cast at will instead.

So as a alternative choice for the Unicorn I'm considering some of the following:

- Divine Shield (Su): When a healer attains 8th level the deities recognise her devotion and grants her the ability to protect herself and those she is healing. The Healer is able to cast Mass Sanctuary on herself and those she is healing a number of times to her day equal to 3+her Cha bonus.

- Resuscitate (Su): Once a week a healer can bring back to life the recently-deceased. If she can get to a fallen comrade within a number of turns equal to her Charisma bonus (or alternately Healer level) she can restore him to life as if casting Revivify (Spell Compendium).

Instead of Revivify there's the possibility of Raise Dead, but I prefer Revivify since it goes more on the field-healer concept, and has a very finite time limit of expiration. This helps balance instead of allowing them to Raise Dead before curing blindness... In effect it's like a doctor resuscitating someone within moments of death (before they're truly dead).

What do you think?

 

[Wicht]

only non-standard class I've converted so far is the Order of the Bow Prestige Class. HD got bumped and two 'dead levels' had a bonus feat added to them. Otherwise it needed no major changes.

 

[Desdichado]

Just remember that one of the ideas behind Pathfinder was to bring the original core classes up to par with the prestige and later core classes. Since they're now balanced, there really shouldn't be a reason to give the other core classes a bump in power - just adjust the skills to that they match and call it good.

Yeah, but the OP specifically (with the exception of the PHB2 classes) was talking about the earlier alt core classes; the complete books. I think that's fair; some of those weren't even on par with the original 3.5 core classes, much less the Pathfinder ones.

I think doing the Psionics classes (including the ones from Complete Psionic) would be a nice touch too.

 

[FentonGib]

some of those weren't even on par with the original 3.5 core classes, much less the Pathfinder ones

Agreed.

The aforementioned Healer class for example had promise, but even though the miniatures book stated that the Healer was better at healing than even a cleric, it was obvious that (with no spontaneous casting of Cure, or domain access) that they were seriously inferior. If they'd got access to spells at a lower level, that at least would have been something - but they didn't. All they got was a few SLAs (which arguably would be more than offset by domain spells). On Pathfinder conversion they'd get weaker still (losing HD). So whilst I haven't felt a need to power up the Warlock or Beguiler classes, I did think the Healer needed to be pumped up to make it viable for a player (or left as-is as an NPC class).

Personally, I've always wanted a PC-worthy version of the Aristocrat class. Anyone have any mods on this?

 

[Presto2112]

I think doing the Psionics classes (including the ones from Complete Psionic) would be a nice touch too.

If anyone wants to tackle those, be my guest. I've been firmly planted in the "Blissfully ignorant of Psi in D&D" camp for about 20 years.