Ghost Template Pathfinder to Improve Your Pathfinder Setup

The Ghost Template in Pathfinder lets you transform ordinary creatures or characters into eerie ghost-like entities with unique abilities and quirks. Slapping this template onto a character can shake up gameplay and unlock fresh strategic angles while adding a new layer of depth to roleplaying scenes.

This article takes you by the hand and walks you through the ins and outs of the ghost template. It shows you how to weave it into your characters and helps you level up your Pathfinder gameplay step by step

So, What’s the Deal with the Ghost Template in Pathfinder?

The ghost template is a nifty acquired template you can slap onto living or dead creatures. It transforms them into incorporeal spirits fluttering about with ghostly powers. It tweaks a creature's physical form granting them abilities like invisibility and phase shifting and changes the way they mingle with the physical world.

• The ghost turns incorporeal and slips right through solid objects like they’re mist.
• On top of that it picks up some spooky spectral powers, including bone-chilling wails and the knack for possessing others.
• This template offers resistance and sometimes even immunity to physical types of damage, which definitely comes in handy.
• Every silver lining has a cloud: these ghosts have a few restrictions like being vulnerable to magic that targets spirits.
• Ghosts often run into trouble using regular weapons because they don’t work the same on something not fully there.

Ghost templates often get a bad rap for turning characters into instant powerhouses. If you dig a little deeper you will find they come with some clear strings attached like limited ability to physically interact with objects and a few pesky vulnerabilities to spiritual or magical attacks.

Why Slipping the Ghost Template into Your Pathfinder Setup Can Really Work in Your Favor

Using the ghost template really cranks up a character's versatility by introducing unique survival tricks and fresh tactical options. On top of that, it opens the door to fantastic roleplaying moments and allows characters to slip into an in-between spiritual state.

• Ghosts can slip right through walls and traps like they were nothing, making them perfect for those who love a stealthy sneak-around style.
• They shrug off most physical attacks as if swatting flies so you’ll need specific magic up your sleeve to make a dent.
• Their unique abilities often turn the tide of battle in ways you don’t see coming.
• The ghost template adds a spooky supernatural twist to characters' backstories and motivations giving them an extra edge.
• It also sprinkles a bit of horror and mystery into the game, pulling you deeper into the world like a good ghost story on a dark night.

A rogue character using the ghost template often turns heads by slipping past enemy defenses and traps like they’re barely there. It’s almost as if they’ve got the whole place memorized. Meanwhile, a wizard-ghost might quietly tinker with all sorts of ethereal spells, careful not to make a fuss or draw unwanted attention.

Step-by-Step Guide on Applying the Ghost Template to Your Pathfinder Characters (Because Every Hero Needs a Haunting Twist)

Before you dive into applying the ghost template, take a moment to consider the story context and where your character stands skill-wise. It’s always wise to have a quick chat with your game master to make sure adding it won’t throw off the campaign’s vibe or balance.

Try using custom character sheets or digital tools like Hero Lab to keep a tidy track of those ghost template effects.

Example of a Pathfinder character sheet modified with the ghost template, highlighting unique ghost traits

How to Get the Most Out of Your Pathfinder Setup Using the Ghost Template (without Breaking a Sweat)

To really make the most of the ghost template it is best to pair it with classes and archetypes that lean into stealth or magic or battlefield control. Picking feats and spells that boost incorporeal movement and ethereal resistances goes a long way.

• Classes like Investigator, Rogue or Wizard often make a surprisingly good match with ghost traits. They blend stealth and spellcasting in a way that just clicks.
• Archetypes leaning into ethereal or spiritual vibes seem to naturally mesh with the ghost template. They feel like they were made for each other.
• Feats such as Improved Initiative and Weapon Finesse can help smooth out some of the combat hurdles ghosts typically face and give you an edge.
• Gear that boosts Will saves and spell penetration can make a noticeable difference in a ghost's staying power. Think of it as the difference between barely hanging on and sticking around for the encore.
• Spells like Mage Armor and Dimension Door amp up your ghost’s defense and crank up slippery, ethereal mobility that keeps you one step ahead.
• Sending your ghost to scout ahead or set up favorable combat situations usually pays off handsomely. It is like having your own supernatural scout and strategist rolled into one.

Players often hit a snag when dealing with ghost template limits such as having less physical interaction and being more vulnerable to spiritual magic. But fear not—you can tackle these hiccups by teaming up with your party members for physical backup, picking spells and items tailored to patch up those weak spots, and really leaning into evasion and control tactics.

Tailoring the Ghost Template to Fit Your Campaign Like a Glove

Work hand in hand with your game master to tailor the ghost template’s powers and weaknesses so they really click with your campaign’s setting and vibe. Feel free to tinker with abilities to keep the story flowing naturally and maintain balanced gameplay.

• Tweak incorporeality levels so ghosts can physically interact in small meaningful ways or nudge objects around—enough to feel spooky but not break immersion.
• Strike a careful balance between resistances and vulnerabilities to keep the challenge exciting without frustration.
• Bring in ghost abilities that are one-of-a-kind for your campaign and tied closely to the world’s lore or supernatural vibe to make each specter memorable.
• Seamlessly weave narrative threads like unfinished business or deep emotional bonds that influence a ghost’s powers and add storytelling magic.

Examples include ghost templates that bring more muscle to possession abilities and are perfect for spine-chilling horror campaigns. Other variants have a more substantial presence tailored for groups diving into mystery-solving adventures. These little tweaks to the ghost template Pathfinder offers can really shake up gameplay by adding new mechanics and fresh reasons to roleplay.