The Classes

This entry indicates which of the six ability scores is most important for this class—that ability is your key ability score. To be most effective, you should usually make your key ability score your highest ability score. Unless otherwise noted, the saving throw DC for foes to resist your class features (if appropriate) is equal to 10 + half your class level + your key ability score modifier. This entry also notes one or two other ability scores that are important for this class but are not vital.

This entry notes the number of skill ranks you gain at each level; regardless of any penalties to this number, you always gain at least 1 skill rank per level. This entry also lists your class skills, which are those skills a member of your class is usually particularly good at—if you put at least 1 rank in a class skill, you gain a +3 bonus to skill checks with that skill.

This entry lists the armor types with which you are proficient (meaning you automatically know how to use them). See Armor Proficiency in Chapter 8: Tactical Rules for more information on how proficiency affects you.

This entry lists the weapon types with which you are proficient. See Weapon Proficiency in Chapter 8: Tactical Rules for more information on how proficiency affects you. When you reach 3rd level in that class, you also gain Weapon Specialization (as per the feat) in those weapons, which allows you to add your class level to your damage rolls with those weapons (see Weapon Specialization on page 163 for more information). Grenades, missiles, and other consumable weapons never add specialization damage, even when you’re using weapons like a cyberbow or grenade launcher.

Each of your class features is detailed in the remainder of the class description. If a class feature ever requires a calculation or produces a numerical result that would include a fraction, always round down unless otherwise stated. This follows the normal rule for rounding (see page 243).

Class features may reference different types of levels, such as character level, class level, and caster level (if you’re a spellcaster). For a character with only one class, these are all the same thing. If you decide to take multiple classes, when a class feature has an effect or prerequisite based on your level, it always means your level in that class, not your total character level (which is the sum of all your different class levels). If a class feature or spell mentions your caster level, that refers to your combined levels in all spellcasting classes (though the number of spells you can cast per day and the number you know at each level are still based on just the level of the class granting them).

Class features usually fall into one of three categories: extraordinary abilities, spell-like abilities, and supernatural abilities. You may gain these abilities through one or more of a variety of means, including advanced meditative techniques, athletic training, biological stimulants, cutting-edge technological devices, experimental cybernetic enhancements, mysterious alien technology, or state-of-the-art biotech. The specific source of these abilities is up to you, as a way to add flavor to your character. Regardless of the source, these abilities are class features and cannot be taken away from you, though they may be suppressed or negated by other effects (see below).

Extraordinary Abilities (Ex): Extraordinary abilities are nonmagical, despite the fact that they’re not something just anyone can do, or even learn without extensive training. Effects or areas that suppress or negate magic have no effect on extraordinary abilities.
Spell-Like Abilities (Sp): Spell-like abilities are magical abilities similar to spells. Spell-like abilities are subject to spell resistance (see page 265) and do not function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated. Spell-like abilities can be dispelled.
Supernatural Abilities (Su): Supernatural abilities are magical but not spell-like. Supernatural abilities are not subject to spell resistance, but they don’t function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated. A supernatural ability’s effect cannot be dispelled.

Each class description contains a table that summarizes the various features of the class at each level.

Class Level: This is the class level at which your character receives the benefits listed in the line.

Base Attack Bonus: This is the total base attack bonus at that level, which is used to calculate your melee and ranged attack bonuses.

Fort Save Bonus, Ref Save Bonus, Will Save Bonus: These entries list your base save bonus for Fortitude, Reflex, and Will saving throws at that level. You add your Constitution modifier to Fortitude saves, your Dexterity modifier to Reflex saves, and your Wisdom modifier to Will saves.

Class Features: This lists the class features gained at that level, which are described in detail later in the class description.

Spells per Day: For a class that can cast spells, the table lists the number of spells per day you can cast at each class level (known as your “spell slots”). You may be able to cast additional spells based on your key ability score, as indicated in a separate table in the class entry. If an entry is marked with a dash (—), you can’t cast spells of that level yet.

Other Entries: If the class grants different features that depend on your level, they are listed here. For instance, the solarian’s armor bonus and weapon damage by level can be found under Solar Manifestation. These abilities are described in detail later in the class description.

Following the explanation of a class’s features are four examples of ways to build the class. These are examples of some of the choices you could make to create a specific kind of character, designed to help you think about different ways of playing the same class.

Theme: This is an appropriate theme for the class build.

Ability Scores: This entry notes which ability scores are most important for the build.

Class Choices: Many classes offer multiple choices within certain class features (such as envoy improvisations and mechanic tricks). These entries list some appropriate choices for the build, ordered by the earliest level at which you can take each option.

Spells: Choices of spells that are particularly suited to the build are listed by spell level.

Feats: Useful feats are listed alphabetically.

Skills: These are the skills that best complement the build.