This week we are proud to release the first results of the new bonus system for Pathfinder, which ensures that a large number of bonuses that were previously handled manually will now be added automatically.
The bonus system essentially allows you to define a list of bonuses for such things as feats or racial traits. By default, you assign the target of the bonus such as your Armor Class or your Reflex Save and then set the value and type of the bonus, for example +1 Dodge or +2 Resistance or even a +5 unnamed bonus. Once configured, that bonus will then automatically be applied to characters with this feat or racial trait
As the system distinguishes between regular and conditional bonuses, you also have the option to mark a bonus as being conditional (and write down the conditions that apply), turn the bonus into a penalty (by filling out a negative value) or, in case you are targeting skills, double the bonus if the character has 10 or more ranks, as most of the skill boosting feats do. Besides regular bonuses, it is also possible to apply a bonus based on character level and set a minimum, such as used by the Toughness feat (which adds your level in hit points but always at least 3).
Two things are not covered by the bonus system yet. The first and most obvious is attacks and damage. These will be part of a different update to attack rolls. The other are bonuses to Ability Checks, such as the bonus granted to Constitution checks by the Endurance feat. As it turns out, the character sheet right now does not distinguish between bonuses to abilities and bonuses to ability checks. To prevent problems with the dice roller (not to mention confusion), we want to fix that first.
Also on the agenda for the bonus system is a way to apply it to equipment - which opens the door to covering wondrous items, including Gauntlets of Ogre Power, Cloaks of Resistance and so on. Keep an eye out for that though as we hope to get to it soon!
We have taken the liberty of applying the bonuses from the Core Rulebook, Advanced Players Guide, Advanced Class Guide and Psionics Unleashed to the existing feats, races and traits, while new campaigns will get all the bonuses from the Core Rulebook automatically configured. Unfortunately, it will mean you have to update your character, and remove bonuses you added manually. We’ll reach out to the campaigns we have regular contact with to help them out with this. If you are struggling, be sure to reach out as well, for example on the community forum. While there, be sure to checkout this week’s changelog!