Pathfinder Mystara: Classes
by GiorgioIn this topic I will cover the subject of classes in a PF Mystara campaign. I will be drawing upon the information from the “Core” and “Base” classes from the Pathfinder Core Rulebook, The Advanced Players Guide, and Ultimate Magic.
Instead of focusing on Favored Classes or game math optimization, I will be emphasizing which classes are a good fit for a race or nation due to racial, geographical, technological, social or military reasons.
Most races tend to develop classes that are keyed to that races key racial ability bonuses and tend to avoid those that are keyed to their racial ability penalties (for example elves tend to go for classes that make use of their high dexterity and intelligence, and avoid those that relay on constitution and strength).
There are other class options that are selected due to strong cultural or historical reasons, regardless of their ability score requirements. For example: “Elf cavaliers have a long tradition in the ancient noble houses, pursuing and protecting honor with elegance. Their sleek mounts show both great resilience and devotion.” Math wise a good cavalier should have a good strength and constitution score, both of which the standard elf usually lacks. Narrative wise there are many references to Elven Calvary and their important role in the defense of elven society.
Given the above I will classify each class in one of the following categories:
Recommended: A strong class option for this race or nation
Standard: No particular bonuses or penalties for taking one of these classes.
Not Recommended: A class that is a bad choice for a member of this race or nation.
All races/nations will start with “standard classes” as a baseline, then modified as I learn more about that particular race or nation.
This is now a third draft, comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Pathfinder Mystara Classes
GM Notes:
- As psionics is an optional rules system, I will be indicating psionic classes with a ( ).
DWARVES
Ability Modifier: +2 CON, +2 WIS, -2 CHA
Rockhome
The Dwarves of Rockhome have a strong tradition of military service which has served them well in their endless wars against the goblinoid and giant races that threaten them on a daily basis. All Rockhome dwarves receive military training as part of their early education and it is a honorable thing to serve your nation as part of its armed forces (regardless of the clan, with the Torkrest class traditionally being the pro-military one).
Due to their natural terrain of mountains, hills, underground spaces and their own physiology, they favor axes, hammers, heavy armor and close quarter fighting. They have a strong martial and religious tradition, but they view the arcane arts with deep distrusts and suspicion.
Recommend Classes: Cleric, Fighter, (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, (Soulknife)
Neutral Classes: Alchemist, Barbarians, Bard, Cavalier, Druid, Inquisitor, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), Rogue
Not Recommended Classes: Magus, Monk, Sorcerer, Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
()= Optional class
Note: A similar treatment would be done for the dwarves in Alphatia and the Northern Reaches.
Alphatia (mainland, IoD, Belissaria):
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Cleric
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Northern Reaches:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Barbarian
Standard: Alchemist, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Modrigswerg
[Pending Text]
Recommend:
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
ELVES
Alfheim:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Alphatia (mainland, IoD, Belissaria):
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Glantri:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Minrothad:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Shadow Elf:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Magus, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Wendar:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Magus, Ranger
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Forest Elf
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Belcadiz Elf
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Wood Elf
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Shadowelf
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Cleric, Magus, Oracle [Spirit Shaman or Shaman], Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch,
Not Recommended:
Water Elf
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Shiye-Lawr
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Magus, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Sea Elf
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Magus
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Dark Elves
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger, Magus, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Drow Elf:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter [Male], Cleric [Female]
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
GNOMES
Earth Gnomes
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Alchemist, Bard, Sorcerer, Summoner, (Wilder)
Standard: Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Oracle, (Psion), Ranger, Rogue, Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended: Barbarian, Cavalier, Fighter, Magus, Monk, Paladin, (Psychic Warrior), (Soulknife)
Skygnomes
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Alchemist, Bard, Sorcerer, Summoner, (Wilder)
Standard: Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Oracle, (Psion), Ranger, Rogue, Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended: Barbarian, Cavalier, Fighter, Magus, Monk, Paladin, (Psychic Warrior), (Soulknife)
GOBLINS
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Oracle, (Psion), Ranger, Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended: Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Fighter, Magus, Monk, Paladin, (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder)
HALF-ELVES
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
HALF-ORCS
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Alchemist, Barbarian, Fighter,
Standard: Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
HALFLINGS
The Five Shires
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Bard, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Summoner, (Wilder)
Standard: Alchemist, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Oracle, (Psion), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended: Barbarian, Cavalier, Fighter, Magus, Monk, Paladin, (Psychic Warrior), (Soulknife)
HOBGOBLIN
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Recommend: Barbarian, Cavalier, Fighter, (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, (Soulknife)
Standard: Alchemist, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Wilder),
Not Recommended: Bard, Magus, Sorcerer, Summoner, Witch, Wizard
HUMANS
Alphatia (mainland, IoD, Belissaria):
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Atruaghin:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Barbarian, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Darokin:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Ethengar:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger
Standard: Alchemist, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Karameikos:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Ylaruam:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Glantri:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Wizard
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch
Not Recommended:
Ierendi:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Minrothad:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Northern Reaches:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger
Standard: Alchemist, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Ochalea:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Oracle [Mystic], Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Sind:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Oracle [Mystic], Ranger, Rogue
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Thyatis (mainland, IoD):
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Magus, Ranger, Rogue,
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
HUTAAKANS
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Cleric,
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
KOBOLDS
[Pending Text]
Recommend:
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
LUPINS
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Ranger
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
ORCS
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Barbarian
Standard: Alchemist, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
RAKASTA
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Ochalea:
[Pending Text]
Recommend: Fighter, Oracle [Mystic]
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
SAURIAN
[Pending Text]
Recommend:
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
TORTLE
[Pending Text]
Recommend:
Standard: Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Cavalier, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Paladin, (Psion), (Psychic Warrior), Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, (Soulknife), Summoner, (Wilder), Witch, Wizard
Not Recommended:
Note: Re-edited first and second post.
New Empire (still working on name):
In my campaign on the continent of Davania there is a large empire of LN Hobgoblins that worship the gods of civilization and order¸ with strong military, religious and psionic traditions. I will model them on the Roman Empire at the height of their powers, and have them known as master engineers and professional soldiers. Culturally they despise arcane magic (imprison spellcasters, kill newborns with arcane talents…) are highly religious, and have developed psionics to a degree unseen elsewhere. Their Psi-Warriors, Psions and Soulknives are deadly on the modern battlefield and garner respect from their enemies. They also field independent mercenary companies renowned for their loyalty and incorruptibility.
With racial modifiers of +2 DEX and +2 CON (and no penalties) they can excel in any class they dedicate themselves to. They classes most favored by members of this empire are: Cavalier, Cleric, Fighter, Inquisitor, Paladin, Psions, Psychic Warrior, Ranger, Rogue and Soulknives.