Pathfinder 2e General Discussion

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SenseiRat@pathfinder.social

Mechanics or flavour first? (aussie.zone)

submitted 1 year ago by Zagorath@aussie.zone to c/pf2general@pathfinder.social

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When you're making a character, do you prefer to start with the mechanics, backstory, or aesthetics first?

(Shamelessly stolen from !dndnext@ttrpg.network.)

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[–] Vorthas@pathfinder.social 4 points 1 year ago

I sort of go with both at the same time, I let the mechanics drive the flavor and flavor drive the mechanics. I usually come up with a concept first, then figure out the mechanics for it, and then further develop the flavor based on mechanics.

For example, my 5e pugilist character that focused on grappling and had a snake theme to her (snake tattoos and moves inspired by snakes like constrictors) was developed in PF2e as an Animal Instinct Barbarian (Snake) with Wrestler archetype for exactly the same flavor but more mechanics better suited for what I was looking for. I didn't want to go monk since the only snake-themed monk stance is more focused on Poison (Cobra Stance) which isn't what I wanted, plus she's more of a rough brawler type than mystical monk type.