Witches in Pathfinder have a wide range of spellcasting options that allow them to customize their abilities and playstyle. One of the key features of a witch is their ability to use spells from a diverse spell list, which includes both arcane and divine spells. This gives them a unique flexibility in casting spells that other spellcasting classes may not have. Witches also have the ability to cast spells spontaneously, similar to sorcerers. This means that they do not need to prepare spells in advance but can cast any spell from their spell list as long as they have an available spell slot of the appropriate level. This allows witches to switch up their spell choices on the fly, adapting to different situations and opponents.
But the similarities end there. Witches use Intelligence while warlocks use Charisma. Witch spellcasting is basically the same as a wizard’s, just with the familiar storing spells instead of a book, and of course a somewhat different spell list. That means preparing spells—more onerous in Pathfinder than 5e—and recovering them on a “long rest,” which is the only rest Pathfinder has. It means you have more spell slots to worry about, and they come at different levels.
As mentioned, Pathfinder doesn t have short rests, or much in the way of equivalent mechanics that one could leverage to produce anything similar to 5e Pact Magic. As mentioned, Pathfinder doesn t have short rests, or much in the way of equivalent mechanics that one could leverage to produce anything similar to 5e Pact Magic.
This allows witches to switch up their spell choices on the fly, adapting to different situations and opponents. In addition to their spontaneous casting abilities, witches have a special feature called hexes. Hexes are unique magical abilities that witches can use to enhance their spellcasting or hinder their enemies.
D&D 5E Witches, Familiars, and Invocation of Spirits
So, I’m working on a Witch class that is a bit different from what I normally see from such classes. It’s more an alt wizard (kiiind of), with spellbook (grimoire). with a little less direct casting power due to no Arcane recovery, fewer spell slots possibly, uses primal spells, has a familiar that is central to the class, chooses a Vocation based on expertise in a tool and special use of said tool, and Malisons which are curses, bindings, and invocations (calling power into yourself or into a space).
There is also an alt Warlock that stands a bit as a foil to the witch, called the Anathemir, who has pact casting, specializes in ritual tools called implements, and is like a ritualist Witcher. Currently the Anathemir also has a spellbook and a familiar, but I might ditch the familiar focus so the witch can lean harder into it.
There is a lot of Int based ritual magic in the project they are part of.
Anyway, the Malisons are meant to be things the witch can do via sympathetic magic that can be a curse, a binding (physical, mental, or spiritual), or an invocation (the more powerful, because it calls power, often a being, into a place under the witches will).
And that’s kind of all I have at the moment, so I’m curious if anyone has any thoughts? Does this inspire anything for anyone?
Basically the witch is a bridge between spirits and mortals that is steeped in mundane crafts, ritual magic, and spirit calling, and can use those skills to lay doom upon someone, maybe for good or ill, all assisted by the familiar. They will also be tied into the cosmology and especially the links between the celestial houses and the types of magic.
So, I’m working on a Witch class that is a bit different from what I normally see from such classes. It’s more an alt wizard (kiiind of), with spellbook (grimoire). with a little less direct casting power due to no Arcane recovery, fewer spell slots possibly, uses primal spells, has a familiar that is central to the class, chooses a Vocation based on expertise in a tool and special use of said tool, and Malisons which are curses, bindings, and invocations (calling power into yourself or into a space).
Hexes can take many forms, such as causing damage over time, cursing enemies, or granting beneficial effects to allies. Witches can choose different hexes as they level up, allowing them to tailor their abilities to their desired playstyle. Furthermore, witches have access to a class feature called patron. A patron represents a powerful supernatural being or force that grants the witch additional spells and abilities. Each patron has its own unique spell list and patron spells that the witch can choose from. This adds further customization options for witches, allowing them to specialize in a specific type of magic or theme. Lastly, witches have the option of using familiars. Familiars are magical creatures that serve as companions and allies to witches. These familiars can provide various benefits, such as delivering touch spells, granting skill bonuses, or providing additional senses. Familiars can also be used as an additional spellcaster, allowing the witch to deliver spells through their familiar. Overall, witches in Pathfinder have a diverse set of spellcasting options that allow them to be highly adaptable in any situation. From their diverse spell list and spontaneous casting abilities to their hexes, patrons, and familiars, witches have countless ways to customize their abilities to fit their playstyle and preferences..
Reviews for "Spellcasting and Spell Selection Tips for Pathfinder Witches"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the spellcasting options for witches in Pathfinder. The spells were extremely limited and I felt like I had no flexibility in my gameplay. There weren't enough offensive spells to choose from, and the ones that were available didn't have much impact. The lack of diversity in spell options made the game feel repetitive and boring. I wish there were more exciting and powerful spells to choose from as a witch, but unfortunately, that was not the case.
2. Mark - 1 star - I found the spellcasting options for witches in Pathfinder to be underwhelming and unbalanced. The spells available to witches were too niche and situational, making them nearly useless in many encounters. It was frustrating to see other spellcasting classes with a wide range of powerful spells while witches were stuck with lackluster options. Additionally, the spell progression felt slow and unsatisfying. Overall, I was highly disappointed with the spellcasting options for witches and would not recommend playing as one in Pathfinder.
3. Emily - 2 stars - As someone who enjoys playing spellcasting characters, I was very disappointed with the spellcasting options for witches in Pathfinder. The spell list felt limited and lacked versatility. I found myself relying on the same few spells throughout the game, which made the gameplay feel repetitive and dull. Additionally, the spells available didn't seem to scale well in power as I leveled up, making me feel underpowered compared to other spellcasting classes. I was expecting more exciting and impactful spells, but unfortunately, that was not the case for witches in Pathfinder.
4. Michael - 1 star - The spellcasting options for witches in Pathfinder were a major letdown. The spells available to witches were often underwhelming and didn't provide much utility in combat or roleplaying scenarios. The lack of offensive spells made it difficult to be an effective damage dealer, and the defensive spells didn't offer enough protection to make up for it. In comparison to other spellcasting classes, the spell list for witches felt lacking and unbalanced. Overall, I was highly disappointed with the spellcasting options for witches and would not recommend playing as one in Pathfinder.