The Pathfinder Witch is a spellcaster who draws power from an unknown source, often referred to as a patron. This pact with otherworldly entities grants the witch access to a unique blend of spells and abilities called hexes. Feared and misunderstood, the witch walks a path shrouded in mystery, her magic intertwined with the enigmatic forces that guide her.
A witch often communes with nature and unseen forces.
Understanding the Pathfinder Witch
Witches in Pathfinder are versatile spellcasters capable of filling various roles, from healers to seers, and even combatants. Their spellcasting, combined with their hexes, allows them to adapt to a wide range of situations. Some witches embrace a solitary life on the fringes of society, while others live among the populace, their true nature concealed.
The Witch’s Power Source: Patrons and Familiars
The source of a witch’s power lies in a pact with an otherworldly patron. The nature of these patrons varies greatly, ranging from deities to abstract forces like nature or fate. This connection grants the witch access to unique spells that reflect the patron’s influence.
A witch’s familiar is a constant companion and magical conduit.
Central to the witch’s practice is their familiar, a magical creature that serves as a conduit to their patron and a repository for their spells. The familiar aids the witch in various ways, granting skill bonuses and assisting with certain magical tasks. The daily communion between witch and familiar is essential for preparing spells.
Hexes: The Witch’s Signature Abilities
Hexes are supernatural abilities that grant the witch a diverse array of powers, from inflicting curses on enemies to bolstering allies. These abilities are a defining feature of the witch class, setting them apart from other spellcasters. As the witch gains experience, they learn more potent hexes, further enhancing their versatility.
Progression and Advancement: Major and Grand Hexes
As a witch progresses in power, their connection to their patron deepens, granting access to even more formidable abilities. At 10th level, the witch gains access to major hexes, significantly amplifying their existing powers. At 18th level, the witch unlocks grand hexes, representing the pinnacle of their magical prowess.
The Witch in Pathfinder Society
The witch’s blend of spells and hexes makes them a valuable asset in any adventuring party. Their ability to heal, control the battlefield, and inflict debilitating curses makes them a formidable force. Whether providing support to allies or unleashing devastating hexes upon foes, the Pathfinder witch stands as a testament to the power of the unknown.
Favored Class Bonuses: Racial Advantages
Certain races possess inherent affinities for the witch class, granting them unique bonuses as they gain levels. These favored class bonuses can further specialize a witch’s abilities, enhancing their connection to their patron or bolstering their familiar. These bonuses provide further customization options, reflecting the diverse nature of witches within the Pathfinder world.
Archetypes: Shaping the Witch’s Path
Archetypes offer further specialization options for the witch, modifying or replacing core class features to create unique character concepts. From the alley witch, adept at urban survival, to the hag-bound, drawing upon the power of ancient hags, archetypes provide a rich tapestry of possibilities for players to explore. These archetypes allow for a greater degree of customization, enabling players to tailor their witch to specific roles within their campaigns.
Conclusion: Embracing the Unknown
The Pathfinder witch is a captivating and enigmatic class, offering a unique approach to spellcasting. Their connection to mysterious patrons, their command of hexes, and the versatility afforded by familiars and archetypes make them a compelling choice for players seeking a character steeped in magic and mystery. The witch’s path is one of constant discovery, as they delve deeper into the unknown forces that grant them their power.
