Pathfinder 2E Preview of Pathfinder Player Core 2 and New Champion Class

Paizo’s new blog post includes a preview of the champion class from Pathfinder Player Core 2. The class went through several changes as it was most affected by the change to the remastered Pathfinder 2nd Edition rules removing character alignment from the game.

Under previous rules, a champion’s alignment and choice of deity determined the champion’s cause, edicts, and anathema. Under the remastered rules, the champion still follows the edicts and anathema of their deity, but the alignment-based cause is replaced by a more descriptive one. From the blog post:

Let’s take the paladin as an example. They used to follow the two tenets of good, two tenets of the lawful good paladin cause, and any edicts and anathema for their deity. A champion under the remastered rules would choose the justice cause. They would follow the edicts and anathema of their deity, plus the following from the cause of justice.

Edicts follow the law, respect legitimate authorities or leadership

Anathema take advantage of another, cheat

More emphasis on edicts rather than an unbendable code loosens some of the restrictions on their roleplaying to allow more well-rounded, nuanced characters. There’s a better balance over “should nots” instead of all “must nots.”

A champion can optionally choose a sanctification. If you’ve read Pathfinder Player Core, you’re familiar with holy and unholy sanctification—a choice based on your deity that lets you commit yourself to the battle for souls between the holy planes and unholy planes. Champions can choose sanctification based on their deity, though unholy sanctification is an uncommon option. Each sanctification gives you another edict and anathema, and adds the holy or unholy trait to all your Strikes.

The blog post also describes other changes to the champion class, including a defined champion’s aura for reactions, a change to the divine ally ability, changes to several feats, and a new option for a champion’s focus spell.

Pathfinder Player Core 2 is available for pre-order now for $19.99 in PDF and $59.99 in hardcover with a release date of August 1 from the Paizo Store and in mass market outlets like Amazon on August 20.

 

[Erdric Dragin]

Pathfinder was far better back in 1st Edition. So sad every TTRPG I latch on to, they end up disappointing me years later. First WotC with axing 3E and bringing us 4e and 5e garbage, and then Paizo ruining Pathfinder with PF2e and now this 2.5e

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Pathfinder was far better back in 1st Edition. So sad every TTRPG I latch on to, they end up disappointing me years later. First WotC with axing 3E and bringing us 4e and 5e garbage, and then Paizo ruining Pathfinder with PF2e and now this 2.5e

Mod Note:

This is textbook threadcrapping. Don’t.

 

[Erdric Dragin]

Mod Note:

This is textbook threadcrapping. Don’t.

Telling the truth isn't threadcrapping but ok.

 

[Eric V]

Telling the truth isn't threadcrapping but ok.

You did not tell the truth.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Telling the truth isn't threadcrapping but ok.

Mod Note:

Your account was created in 2014. You should be aware that moderation posts are not an invitation to further discussion.

As a reminder of this, you’re booted from this thread, and getting another WP.

 

[Incenjucar]

So anyway, this update is getting folks excited. The improved flexibility from removing alignment restrictions should be interesting, and folks seem especially interested in how this might expand the deities the champions can follow.

 

[Deaconhux]

So anyway, this update is getting folks excited. The improved flexibility from removing alignment restrictions should be interesting, and folks seem especially interested in how this might expand the deities the champions can follow.

I didn't know Champions had a limit on what deities they could follow until now.

 

[Thomas Shey]

I didn't know Champions had a limit on what deities they could follow until now.

They don't in the sense you probably think, but only some alignments go with some deities (there was usually a range), and since PF2e has never been big on evil PCs, and the neutral Champion versions came out after the corebook, there were some practical limits.

 

[Aldarc]

So anyway, this update is getting folks excited. The improved flexibility from removing alignment restrictions should be interesting, and folks seem especially interested in how this might expand the deities the champions can follow.

There are likely edicts and anathemas associated with each deity, much like with the cleric.