General Combat Tips
What is DC? (Difficulty Class)
DC is the target number you need to meet or beat with your roll. It represents how hard something is to do.
| DC | Difficulty | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Easy | Climb a ladder |
| 15 | Medium | Pick a simple lock |
| 20 | Hard | Identify a rare creature |
| 25 | Very Hard | Disarm a complex trap |
| 30+ | Extreme | Legendary feats |
Formula: Roll
d20 + your modifier → compare to DC → if result ≥ DC, you succeed!
Degrees of Success
Every check in PF2E has 4 possible outcomes:
| Result | How to Get It | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Success | Beat DC by 10+ OR natural 20 upgrades success | Extra good effect (double damage, better outcome) |
| Success | Meet or beat DC | You succeed as expected |
| Failure | Below DC | You fail, usually no effect |
| Critical Failure | Fail DC by 10+ OR natural 1 downgrades failure | Extra bad effect (backfire, worse outcome) |
Natural 1 and Natural 20
- Natural 20: Your degree of success improves by one step (failure → success, success → critical success)
- Natural 1: Your degree of success worsens by one step (success → failure, failure → critical failure)
Important: Nat 20 is NOT automatic success! If you roll 20 but still don't meet DC, you only get regular success (upgraded from failure). Against very high DCs, even nat 20 might just be "success" not "critical success".
Example: Making a Check
Scenario: Aisa wants to Pick a Lock (DC 20). Her Thievery is +12.
- Rolls 3: 3 + 12 = 15. Below DC by 5 → Failure
- Rolls 8: 8 + 12 = 20. Meets DC → Success
- Rolls 18: 18 + 12 = 30. Beats DC by 10 → Critical Success (opens faster!)
- Rolls 1: 1 + 12 = 13. Below DC, AND nat 1 → Critical Failure (jams lock!)
The Rule of 10 (Why Debuffs Matter!)
- Beat DC by 10+ = Critical Success
- Fail DC by 10+ = Critical Failure
- Debuffing enemies increases your crit chance!
Example: Enemy has AC 22. You attack with +12. You need to roll 10+ to hit, 20 to crit.
Elira casts Frightened 2 on enemy → their AC drops to 20.
Now you need 8+ to hit, 18+ to crit. Your crit chance doubled!
Elira casts Frightened 2 on enemy → their AC drops to 20.
Now you need 8+ to hit, 18+ to crit. Your crit chance doubled!
Action Economy
Every character has 3 actions per turn. Use them wisely:
- Multiple Attack Penalty: -5 second attack, -10 third attack
- Better pattern:
Attack → Skill Action → Move - Use Aid action to give allies +1 to +4 bonus
Powerful Skill Actions
| Action | Skill | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Demoralize | Intimidation | Frightened (debuff everything) |
| Trip | Athletics | Prone + Flat-footed |
| Feint | Deception | Flat-footed for your attacks |
| Recall Knowledge | Various | Learn enemy weaknesses |
| Create Diversion | Deception | Become Hidden mid-combat |
Demoralize - Intimidation in Combat
Demoralize (1 action) is one of the best skill actions in the game. Roll Intimidation vs target's Will DC:
| Result | Effect |
|---|---|
| Critical Success | Frightened 2 |
| Success | Frightened 1 |
| Failure | No effect |
| Critical Failure | No effect, +4 bonus to target for 1 min |
Limit: Same target only once per 10 minutes! Demoralize different enemies.
Why Demoralize is So Good
Frightened reduces ALL checks and DCs by its value - attacks, AC, saves, skills, spell DCs:
- Enemy AC drops = easier to hit (helps Miyako, Aisa, Shtar)
- Enemy saves drop = easier to land spells (helps Elira, Ash)
- Enemy attack drops = less damage to the party
- No MAP penalty - perfect as 1st or 3rd action
Best opener: Demoralize (1 action) then cast a save spell (2 actions). Enemy has penalty to the save!
Party Intimidation Ranking
| # | Character | Intimidation | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elira | +13 | Expert |
| 2 | Ash | +11 | Trained |
| 3 | Miyako | +10 | Trained |
| 4 | Shtar | +10 | Trained |
| 5 | Aisa | +1 | Untrained |
Demoralize Tactics
- Elira (+13 Expert) - best in the party. Demoralize + spell in the same turn
- Ash (+11) - Demoralize when not healing. Ashes curse synergizes with fear
- Miyako (+10) - Demoralize instead of 3rd attack (avoid MAP -10)
- Shtar (+10) - Demoralize while reloading (Reload + Demoralize + Strike)
- Aisa (+1) - better off using Feint than Demoralize
Requirements: Target must see or hear you. Needs shared language (unless you have Intimidating Glare feat - then works on anything).
Focus Fire
✓ DO: Focus all attacks on one enemy until it's down. A dead enemy deals 0 damage.
✗ DON'T: Spread damage across multiple enemies. Five enemies at 50% HP still deal 100% damage.
Hero Points (non-mythic)
Standard PF2E characters get Hero Points for rerolls. GM awards 1-2 per session per player.
Note: This party uses Mythic Points instead (see below).
Quick Reference Tables
Conditions
| Condition | Effect | How to Remove |
|---|---|---|
| Frightened X | -X to all checks and DCs | Reduces by 1 at end of turn |
| Sickened X | -X to all checks and DCs | Fortitude save as 1 action |
| Flat-footed | -2 AC | Depends on source |
| Prone | -2 Attack, Flat-footed vs melee, +2 AC vs ranged | Stand up (1 action) |
| Stunned X | Lose X actions | Automatically expires |
| Slowed X | Have X fewer actions | Depends on source |
| Enfeebled X | -X to STR attacks and damage | Depends on source |
| Clumsy X | -X to AC, Reflex, DEX attacks | Depends on source |
| Dazzled | All creatures are concealed (DC 5 flat check) | Depends on source |
| Blinded | All terrain is difficult, all creatures hidden | Depends on source |
| Grabbed | Immobilized + Flat-footed | Escape action (Athletics/Acrobatics) |
| Restrained | Immobilized + Flat-footed + -2 Attack | Escape action (harder DC) |
Basic Actions
| Action | Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Strike | 1 action | Make a weapon attack |
| Stride | 1 action | Move up to your Speed |
| Step | 1 action | Move 5 ft without triggering reactions |
| Raise Shield | 1 action | +2 AC until next turn |
| Stand | 1 action | Get up from Prone |
| Take Cover | 1 action | Improve cover by one step |
| Crawl | 1 action | Move 5 ft while Prone |
| Escape | 1 action | Break free from Grabbed/Restrained |
| Ready | 2 actions | Prepare action for a trigger |
| Delay | Free | Delay your turn in initiative |
Multiple Attack Penalty (MAP)
| Attack # | Standard | Agile Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| First | +0 | +0 |
| Second | -5 | -4 |
| Third+ | -10 | -8 |
Tip: MAP resets at the start of your turn. Use skill actions between attacks to avoid stacking penalties!
Attack of Opportunity (AoO)
Important: NOT every creature has Attack of Opportunity! Only some fighters, champions, and monsters have it. Ask GM or Recall Knowledge to find out.
| Triggers AoO | Doesn't Trigger AoO |
|---|---|
| Stride (moving out of reach) | Step (5 ft careful move) |
| Stand up from Prone | Crawl while Prone |
| Manipulate actions (drink potion, reload) | Concentrate actions (most spells) |
| Ranged Strike in melee | Cast spell without Manipulate trait |
Common Reactions
| Reaction | Who Has It | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Attack of Opportunity | Fighters, some champions, monsters | Manipulate/Move in reach |
| Shield Block | Anyone with raised shield | Take physical damage |
| Champion's Reaction | Champions (Miyako) | Ally takes damage nearby |
| Reactive Strike | Some monsters | Same as AoO |
Damage Types
| Category | Types |
|---|---|
| Physical | Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing |
| Energy | Fire, Cold, Electricity, Acid, Sonic |
| Alignment | Spirit (holy/unholy), Vitality, Void |
| Other | Mental, Poison, Bleed, Precision |
Resistances: Reduce damage by X. Weaknesses: Increase damage by X. Immunities: Take no damage.
Cover
| Cover Type | AC Bonus | Reflex Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Lesser Cover | +1 | — |
| Standard Cover | +2 | +2 |
| Greater Cover | +4 | +4 |
Visibility & Detection
| State | Effect | To Hit |
|---|---|---|
| Observed | Enemy sees you normally | Normal attack |
| Concealed | Fog, dim light, blur | DC 5 flat check or miss |
| Hidden | Enemy knows your square but can't see you | DC 11 flat check or miss |
| Undetected | Enemy doesn't know where you are | DC 11 + guess correct square |
| Invisible | Can't be seen at all | Hidden (DC 11) + no AoO |
Rest & Recovery
| Activity | Time | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Treat Wounds | 10 min | DC 15 = 2d8, DC 20 = 2d8+10, DC 30 = 2d8+30 |
| Refocus | 10 min | Regain 1 Focus Point |
| Short Rest | 10 min | Treat Wounds + Refocus |
| Long Rest | 8 hours | Full HP, reset spell slots, remove fatigued |
Party Tip: After combat, have Ash or anyone with Medicine use Treat Wounds to save spell slots for the next fight!
Mythic Points & Rewrite Fate
What are Mythic Points?
Mythic Points (MP) are a special power pool for mythic characters. They replace Hero Points - if you have MP, you don't get HP.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pool per session | 3 MP |
| Maximum | 3 MP (you can't have more) |
| Reset | At the start of each session |
Rewrite Fate - Reroll with Mythic Proficiency
The main ability of mythic characters. Allows you to reroll a failed check with a better bonus.
Trigger: You roll a skill check or saving throw and don't like the result.
Cost: 1 Mythic Point
Effect: Reroll with mythic proficiency (10 + character level)
Cost: 1 Mythic Point
Effect: Reroll with mythic proficiency (10 + character level)
Example: Rewrite Fate in Action
Scenario: Ash (level 5) must make a Will save against a Fear spell. DC = 22.
Step 1 - Normal roll:
Will save = d20 + proficiency + character level + WIS = d20 + 4 + 5 + 3 = d20 + 12
Ash rolls d20 and gets 3. Result: 3 + 12 = 15. Failure!
Step 2 - Rewrite Fate (cost 1 MP):
Reroll = d20 + mythic proficiency = d20 + 10 + 5 (character level) = d20 + 15
Ash rolls d20 again and gets 8. Result: 8 + 15 = 23. Success!
Key difference: Rewrite Fate uses 10 + character level instead of your normal bonus. At level 5, it's always +15, regardless of skill or save!
Mythic Proficiency by Level
| Character Level | Mythic Proficiency |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10 + 1 = +11 |
| 5 | 10 + 5 = +15 |
| 10 | 10 + 10 = +20 |
| 15 | 10 + 15 = +25 |
| 20 | 10 + 20 = +30 |
Recovering Mythic Points
| Action | MP Recovered |
|---|---|
| Killing a mythic enemy (you deal the final blow) | +2 MP |
| Killing a mythic enemy (rest of the party) | +1 MP |
| Completing a mythic deed | +3 MP |
| Acting in line with your Calling (edicts) | +1 MP |
| Legendary accomplishment | +1+ MP (GM decision) |
Other Uses of Mythic Points
- Prescience (1 MP) - Initiative = 10 + character level, +1 AC/saves 1st turn
- Mythic Spells - Enhanced versions of spells
- Mythic Feats - Special abilities
- Mythic Items - Artifact activation
When to Use Rewrite Fate?
✓ USE when:
- Failure means death or serious consequences
- Your normal bonus is low (e.g., weak save)
- You rolled very low (1-5 on d20)
✗ SAVE when:
- Failure has minor consequences
- Your normal bonus is already high
- You only have 1 MP left and might need it later
Miyako Nakamura
Tanuki Nephilim Champion - Tank & Protector
Your Primary Role
You are the party's shield. Your job is NOT just to deal damage, but to:
- Position yourself between enemies and squishies (Elira, Shtar)
- Use Champion's Reaction to protect allies
- Control space and draw enemy attention
Champion's Reaction
This is your most important ability. Depending on your cause:
- Liberator: Ally can Step away when damaged
- Paladin: Reduce damage + strike the enemy
- Redeemer: Reduce damage + enfeeble enemy
Pro tip: Stay within 15 feet of your squishies so your reaction can reach them!
Reactive Shield
Use this when YOU are attacked. Raise Shield as a reaction for +2 AC before the attack resolves.
Positioning Guide
- Start combat by moving to the front line
- Create a "wall" between enemies and casters
- Don't chase enemies - let them come to you
- Stay mobile enough to intercept flankers
Action Economy
| Turn Type | Action Pattern |
|---|---|
| Opening | Stride → Raise Shield → Strike (or Demoralize) |
| Engaged | Strike → Strike → Raise Shield |
| Protecting | Stride to ally → Raise Shield → Ready action |
Synergy with Party
- Aisa: Set up flanking positions together
- Elira/Ash: Stay close enough for your Champion Reaction
- Shtar: Draw enemies away from his position
Aisa
Elf Nephilim Rogue - Striker & Skill Monkey
Sneak Attack is Everything
You deal bonus precision damage when target is flat-footed to you. Get flat-footed by:
- Flanking - You and ally on opposite sides
- Feint - Deception check, flat-footed until end of your next turn
- Hidden/Invisible - Create Diversion or magic
- Prone enemies - After Trip or knockdown
- Ally debuffs - Elira's spells, Shtar's maneuvers
Racket Matters
Your Rogue's Racket defines your playstyle:
- Thief: DEX to damage, high mobility
- Ruffian: Medium armor, bigger weapons
- Scoundrel: Feint master, CHA-based
Flanking 101
How to flank: You and an ally must be on opposite sides of the enemy (draw a line through the enemy between you two). Both of you get flat-footed against that enemy.
Skill Actions in Combat
| Action | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Feint | Can't get flanking, need flat-footed |
| Create Diversion | Need to Hide, escape, or reposition |
| Tumble Through | Get past enemies to flank |
| Demoralize | If you have good Intimidation |
Action Economy
| Situation | Best Pattern |
|---|---|
| Have flanking | Strike → Strike → Step/Hide |
| No flanking | Feint → Strike → Step |
| Need to reposition | Tumble Through → Strike → Strike |
| Multiple enemies | Strike → Move to new flank → Strike |
Survival Tips
- You're squishy - don't tank hits
- Step (1 action, no AoO) is your friend
- Use Nimble Dodge reaction if you have it
- Stay next to Miyako when possible for protection
Synergy with Party
- Miyako: Best flanking buddy, follow her into position
- Elira: Ask for Invisibility for guaranteed sneak attack
- Ash: Her debuffs can make enemies flat-footed
- Shtar: He can Trip at range with certain weapons
Elira Drakar
Elf Nephilim Sorcerer - Blaster & Controller
Spell Slot Management
Your slots are limited. Don't burn everything on the first fight!
| Situation | What to Use |
|---|---|
| Weak enemies | Cantrips (unlimited!) |
| Medium encounters | Low-level slots |
| Boss fights | Highest slots |
| Emergency | Save 1-2 top slots always |
Buff vs Blast
Often better: One Haste on Miyako = +3-4 attacks over the fight = more damage than one Fireball
When to blast:
- 3+ enemies grouped (AoE value)
- Enemy has weakness to your element
- Low HP enemies - finish them off
Top Spells by Role
Buffs (cast on allies):
- Haste - Extra action, amazing on martials
- Heroism - +1/+2/+3 to everything
- Invisibility - Give Aisa free sneak attacks
Debuffs (cast on enemies):
- Slow - Remove enemy actions, huge impact
- Fear - Frightened AoE, scales well
- Synesthesia - Devastating single-target
Damage:
- Fireball - Classic AoE
- Lightning Bolt - Line AoE, good damage
- Magic Missile - Guaranteed damage, no save
Cantrips - Your Bread & Butter
| Cantrip | Best Use |
|---|---|
| Electric Arc | 2 targets, basic Reflex save |
| Produce Flame | Single target ranged attack |
| Daze | Weak enemies, chance to stun |
| Shield | When not casting - +1 AC, can block |
Positioning
Stay BACK! You have d6 HP. Stay 30+ feet behind Miyako. Use cover when available (+2 AC).
- Never be the closest target to enemies
- Have an escape plan (Dimension Door, Fly, Invisibility)
- If enemy reaches you: Step away (no AoO) + defensive spell
Signature Spells
Choose versatile spells as Signature - you can cast them at any level:
- Fireball - Scales damage with level
- Fear - Affects more targets at higher levels
- Invisibility - Longer duration at higher levels
Synergy with Party
- Miyako: Haste, Heroism, Enlarge for reach
- Aisa: Invisibility, Glitterdust reveals hidden enemies
- Ash: Coordinate buffs - don't duplicate
- Shtar: Illuminate dark areas for his shots
Ashccara Sanicri
Elf Nephilim Oracle - Healer & Support
Curse Management
Your Oracle curse is a double-edged sword:
- Minor Curse: Small penalty, safe to use
- Moderate Curse: Bigger penalty, bigger benefit
- Major Curse: Powerful but risky - save for emergencies
Track your curse level! You can't reduce it until 10-minute rest.
Healing Strategy
Heal spell modes:
| Actions | Effect | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 action | Touch, one ally | Adjacent ally needs healing |
| 2 actions | 30 ft range, one ally OR harm undead | Standard healing |
| 3 actions | 30 ft emanation, ALL allies | Multiple allies hurt, best efficiency |
Pro tip: 3-action Heal is usually best value. Position yourself centrally to reach everyone.
When to Heal vs When to Act
- Don't heal chip damage - wait until someone is below 50%
- Heal downed allies immediately - they might die
- In-combat buffs/debuffs often better than small heals
- After combat: Use Medicine (Treat Wounds) to save spell slots
Beyond Healing
You're NOT just a healbot! Oracle spells include:
- Bless - +1 attack for whole party (concentration)
- Command - Make enemy drop weapon or flee
- Sanctuary - Protect the squishy caster
- Spirit Link - Constant healing trickle
Mystery Spells
Your mystery grants unique focus spells. Use them! They refill on 10-min rest.
Positioning
- Stay in the middle-back of the party
- Be within 30 feet of everyone for 3-action Heal
- Don't be so far back you can't reach the front
- Stay near Elira - you can protect each other
Action Economy
| Situation | Action Pattern |
|---|---|
| Start of combat | Bless (2 actions) → Move to position |
| Ally badly hurt | Heal 2-action → Cantrip or Move |
| Multiple hurt | Heal 3-action |
| No healing needed | Buff/Debuff spell → Cantrip damage |
Synergy with Party
- Miyako: She'll take the most damage - prioritize her
- Aisa: If she goes down in melee, heal her fast
- Elira: Coordinate buffs - you do divine, he does arcane
- Shtar: He's usually safe at range, lower heal priority
Jakub Shtar
Skeleton Nephilim Gunslinger - Ranged DPS
Reload Management
Firearms need reloading. Your action economy depends on your weapon:
- Reload 1: One action to reload
- Reload 2: Two actions to reload (!)
Pattern: Reload → Strike → [Third action: Move/Skill/Strike with sidearm]
Gunslinger Ways
Your Way determines your special abilities:
- Way of the Drifter: Melee + ranged hybrid
- Way of the Pistolero: Pistol specialist, quick draw
- Way of the Sniper: Long range, big damage
- Way of the Vanguard: Shotgun/scatter specialist
Cover is Your Friend
| Cover Type | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Lesser Cover | +1 AC |
| Standard Cover | +2 AC |
| Greater Cover | +4 AC |
Use Take Cover action to improve cover by one step!
Positioning
- Stay at maximum range - your weapon has reach, use it
- Find cover or elevation when possible
- Keep Miyako between you and enemies
- Don't cluster with Elira - AoE will hit you both
Handling Melee Enemies
If an enemy reaches you:
- Step away (1 action, no AoO)
- Reload if needed
- Fire at point-blank (no penalty for most guns)
Or switch to backup melee weapon if you have one.
Called Shots & Tricks
Gunslingers often get special abilities:
- Risky Reload: Reload + Strike in one action (varies by feat)
- Running Reload: Move + Reload
- Paired Shots: Two attacks for one MAP increase
Action Economy
| Situation | Action Pattern |
|---|---|
| Standard turn | Reload → Strike → Take Cover/Move |
| Special reload feat | Risky Reload → Strike → Strike |
| Enemy approaching | Strike → Reload → Step back |
| Sniping | Aim (if available) → Strike → Reload |
Synergy with Party
- Miyako: She keeps them away from you - support her focus target
- Aisa: Attack the same target she's flanking
- Elira: He can illuminate dark areas for you
- Ash: You're usually low priority for heals - stay safe
Party Synergy & Coordination
Optimal Battle Formation
Turn Order Priorities
- Miyako - Establish position, Demoralize, draw attention
- Ash - Bless or buff before others attack
- Elira - Debuff enemy (Slow/Fear) or buff ally (Haste)
- Aisa - Get flanking, Strike with sneak attack
- Shtar - Finish off weakened enemies, focus fire
Communication Calls
| Call | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Going for flank!" | Aisa moving to flank position |
| "Need heal!" | Below 50% HP, Ash prioritize |
| "Focus [target]!" | Everyone attack this enemy |
| "Weak to [X]!" | Recall Knowledge result, exploit it |
| "Incoming!" | New enemies approaching backline |
| "Covering [name]" | Miyako positioning to protect |
Combo Setups
- Elira → Aisa: Invisibility + Sneak Attack = massive damage
- Miyako → Aisa: Flanking = consistent sneak attack
- Ash → Everyone: Bless first turn = +1 to all attacks
- Anyone → Shtar: Trip enemy = +2 to Shtar's ranged attack
- Elira → Miyako: Haste = extra attack per turn
Emergency Protocols
If someone goes down (0 HP):
- Ash: Heal them immediately (2-action Heal)
- Miyako: Move to protect their body
- Others: Focus fire on the threat that downed them
If Ash goes down:
- Elira: Use any healing items or scrolls
- Miyako: Protect Ash's body, Battle Medicine if trained
- Aisa/Shtar: Eliminate the threat FAST
If surrounded/ambushed:
- Miyako: Move to most threatened ally
- Elira: AoE control spell (Fear, Grease)
- Aisa: Tumble Through to escape
- Shtar: Fighting retreat, Step + Reload + Fire
- Ash: 3-action Heal to keep everyone up