Pathfinder 1E Pathfinder questions

[Feeroper]

Hey everyone.

Im interested in Pathfinder, but dont really know too mucha bout it other than the fact that it is basically a spiritual successor to 3.5. I know the Core Rulebook is not out until August, but will there also be a seperate DM-like guide and Monster Manual?

Also, Ive seen in my FLGS alot of small paperback Pathfinder books, what are these exactly? They are pretty pricey considering their size, are they modules or something?

Also, for anyone who has played Pathfinder, how is it? i know they have the free beta pdf's and I downloaded some, but I dont know anyone in my area to play with for Pathfinder (we are all currently playing 4e).

I was thinking of picking up the Core Rulebook when it comes out to have another option available for play, does anyone know if it has been recieved well thus far?

Is it going to be directly backwards compatable with 3.5 stuff? Or is it planned to really be its own line?

 

[mach1.9pants]

Hey everyone.

Im interested in Pathfinder, but dont really know too mucha bout it other than the fact that it is basically a spiritual successor to 3.5.

nah, 4E is the successor to 3E, pathfinder is a house ruled version of 3.5 . Professionally done, hopefully some of the worst bits of 3E removed, extensively playtested, commercially supported and available in full print, but still a house ruled version

I know the Core Rulebook is not out until August, but will there also be a seperate DM-like guide and Monster Manual?

The core book is PHB&DMG, a MM will be available later

Also, Ive seen in my FLGS alot of small paperback Pathfinder books, what are these exactly? They are pretty pricey considering their size, are they modules or something?

I guess you are talking about the modules, which are adventure path style. One a month in 6 adventure series, they are pretty good. I picked up a PDF to convert to 4E.. which has stopped since someone else is doing it and putting it online.. and I am lazy

Is it going to be directly backwards compatable with 3.5 stuff? Or is it planned to really be its own line?

Yes Paizo have stated it is backwards compatible. But you hit the nail on the head.. a major reason why they are releasing it is because they need an in print rule book so they can get shelf space to sell their Pathfinder AP in stores, which was very honest of them! I will reserve judgement on how compatible until I have read the final rules, but hopefully it should run pretty easy.
I haven't played it but I am going to get it and will run some one shots to see if we stick with 4E or try this, mainly cos (from what I have seen) the APs are excellent.... and you can get PDFS!

 

[Feeroper]

Interesting. I am currently DMing a 4E game (I love 4E for the record)

I am also a player in a 3.5 game (I am also quite fond of 3.5) So I thought the next logical step would be to check out Pathfinder. Im currently trying to see if there is any interest in it with my 3.5 group (at least to try a one shot or 2). I just wanted to see what people thought of it, from those that have been playing with the beta rules.

 

[Hunter In Darkness]

You could try over at paizo site for answers as well. But I myself have used the beta to run 3.5 games. Savage tide and curse of the crimson throne and now legacy of fire. I find it pretty compatible with me doing conversions on the fly YMMV.


Now as for the other stuff they make. What you have most likely seen is the adventure paths. They are 94 pages each, have a 45-55 or so page adventure. Normality a small beastry and a short story as well as an article and sometimes an add adventurer spot to throw in if ya like.
They run in 6 part arcs normally going from 1st-15th level or so. They do 2 per year. The current one is legacy of fire and will end in July I believe. Council of thieves which starts in augest will be the first under the new pathfinder rpg rules set.

They also ever other month put out a free standing adventure mod. And a bi-monthly chronicles book for the pathfinder setting. Mostly fluff good for ideals

IMHO the AP's are well worth the money. As I have Pathfinder 19: Howl of the Carrion King handy I'll brake down the tabel of contents

Forward......Page 4
Howl of the Carrion King By Erik Mona...... Page 6
Gnolls of the Brazen Peaks by Eric Haddock......page 56
Set piece:Refuge of Nethys by James MacKenzie...page 62
Pathfinders journal : Dark tapestry part 1 of 6 by Elaine Cunningham....Page 70
Bestiary by Adam Daigle,James Jacobs and F. Wesley Schneider.....page 76
Legacy of fire outline By the Pathfinder staff ...page 88
Pregenrated charater ....Page 90
Previews Page 92


Hope that helps some

 

[Nikosandros]

I guess you are talking about the modules, which are adventure path style. One a month in 6 adventure series, they are pretty good.!

Paizo publishes both a line of stand alone 32 pages modules and a monthly installment for an adventure path.

 

[Monkey Boy]

To clarify the PHB and the DMG are combined into the single mammoth Pathfinder release. The Monster Manual is a separate book.

 

[Papa-DRB]

Head over to Paizo and download the Beta rules for free. Whilst the final rule set in August will be different, this should give you the flavor of the types of changes.

 

[Starbuck_II]

Head over to Paizo and download the Beta rules for free. Whilst the final rule set in August will be different, this should give you the flavor of the types of changes.

Agreed, although, they changed much in the final: no more Rage points, feats got changed again (according to previews), Sorceror got buffed even more, etc..

 

[ruemere]

1. Pathfinder is compatible with 3.5. It's different enough to be exciting, however a GM can easily adjust creatures on the fly.

2. Final version is different from both 3.5 and BETA. It's probably closer to BETA than to 3.5. It pays to read the stuff since many changes are small and subtle.

3. The preview can give you good idea of what you should expect. The most visible differences would be:
- skill compression and skill system simplification (major improvement)
- more options and feats for characters
- new advancement rules, new xp rules
- change to combat maneuver system

4. Stuff confirmed to be in the final.
- fighter role is still limited to whacking things with things - they got better at this, but their role did not expand to encompass new ways of doing things
- monks were fixed somehow (details unknown)
- spellcasters still rock, but many spells changed a bit (and some changed a lot) and their abilities may be not as overwhelming as before

Regards,
Ruemere

 

[Feeroper]

I assume then, if one were so inclined, they could pick up the PF Core Rulebook and the Beastiary, and just run games using that? As in, they are not expecting everyone to mainly use the old 3.5 stuff to pad it out, it is a full game on its own that has the potential for further growth?