Pathfinder 1E Are there any plans for a Pathfinder "basic"?

[pawsplay]

I definitely would NOT advocate a MERP approach. I see no reason why a 100% compatible version of the game can't be squeezed into a smaller size. Go look at the Two Worlds RPG (available as a free download) for an idea how much game you fit into a small book. To clarify, it's okay for the Basic game to use simpler resolution systems (more general skill DC charts etc), but I would not like it if it if the game were presented in a substantially altered form.

I say, take the game, break it down to levels 1-3, with some 3rd level spells for NPCs, excise the less vital stuff, writeup up a small bestiary with random encounters, and add art, wit, and good writing. Presto! Think about how many pages you can cut out just by removing all high level spells, any other spells you feel like removing, advanced feats, all prestige classes, all artifacts, most magic items, etc. Divide it up into two softback books, sandwich it in with a couple of Map Packs, some PC and NPC tokens, some combat tracking sheets, and a DM screen.

 

[IronWolf]

I definitely would NOT advocate a MERP approach. I see no reason why a 100% compatible version of the game can't be squeezed into a smaller size. Go look at the Two Worlds RPG (available as a free download) for an idea how much game you fit into a small book. To clarify, it's okay for the Basic game to use simpler resolution systems (more general skill DC charts etc), but I would not like it if it if the game were presented in a substantially altered form.

I say, take the game, break it down to levels 1-3, with some 3rd level spells for NPCs, excise the less vital stuff, writeup up a small bestiary with random encounters, and add art, wit, and good writing. Presto! Think about how many pages you can cut out just by removing all high level spells, any other spells you feel like removing, advanced feats, all prestige classes, all artifacts, most magic items, etc. Divide it up into two softback books, sandwich it in with a couple of Map Packs, some PC and NPC tokens, some combat tracking sheets, and a DM screen.

I agree, I would much rather a Pathfinder Basic set be a slimmed down version of the main set of rules. It would be great if they set could take you all the way up to level 5 with this trimmed down ruleset. But as you have said a lot of what I would do to condense the rules without losing their 100% compatibility is remove the high level spells, possibly even trim down on spell choices for the lower levels, strip it down to just a core set of classes and even trim down the available feats. A flipmat with some PC and NP tokens would be icing on the cake!

Then people that start out with this Pathfinder Basic game can look at the main core rulebook as the its APG and the actual APG as APGII. Each containing more options to expand your gaming as you are ready for it.

 

[Votan]

I cannot tell all of you how much I too, want to do this product. Just waiting for the green light.

Goes back to scribbling down ideas...

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer

I'd be delighted by such a development as well.

No real expectations except that anything that makes it easier to introduce players to the hobby is extremely worthwhile!

 

[TheAuldGrump]

...

You make a good point.


Jeff

P.S. I love hospitals! "No, you don't! You love Taco Bell!"

Du-uu-uu-ude!

Oh, and add me to those who would prefer a slimmed down Pathfinder, maybe to levels 1-3, than a MERPed version.

The Auld Grump, who has been rereading Get Medieval.

 

[Philosopher]

Please don't imitate the past 10 years of WotC starter sets. Please.

Please make it work flawlessly with the greater rules. Please.

Agreed.

It would be nice if you could take inspiration from the Mentzer Basic Set, but if you do, please take that inspiration from the contents of the set, and not just from what the box looks like on the outside.

 

[Jason Bulmahn]

Thanks for the ideas folks. I have been doing a lot of thinking about this sort of project lately and have some good ideas about what it needs to be. All details aside, in my opinion, a basic game needs to do more than just teach you how to play the game, it needs to hook you into what makes pen and paper RPGs great.

I'll leave it at that, but that is where my thoughts lead.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer

 

[GlassEye]

I think levels one through five or six would be great. Pared down but with plenty of coolness factor to keep people interested. And a section at the end that deals with 'What to do after you reach level five/six' that includes an E6 style option.

 

[dm4hire]

I'd like to see a 9x6 book similar to, but more comprehensive than, D&D Essentials as far as having everything to play in one book by including GM stuff and about 50 monsters or so. A unique twist that might make the book more interesting to both new and existing players would be to follow another concept in Essentials by presenting alternate builds for each class of the four primary classes and having them go to level 10 for more playability. Limit the spell lists for space as mentioned.

Here's an interesting idea, but it may not fit the basic concept. What if you only presented one class fully stated out to level 20, that class being the bard. Then include character build options from the APG or similar to it, allowing for more roguish, magically inclined, fighter, or healing focused bards. That would really cut down on space since you'd only be showcasing one class, but still allow for a full party of characters for a group of players to play.

 

[gamerprinter]

I'd like to see a 9x6 book similar to, but more comprehensive than, D&D Essentials as far as having everything to play in one book by including GM stuff and about 50 monsters or so. A unique twist that might make the book more interesting to both new and existing players would be to follow another concept in Essentials by presenting alternate builds for each class of the four primary classes and having them go to level 10 for more playability. Limit the spell lists for space as mentioned.

Here's an interesting idea, but it may not fit the basic concept. What if you only presented one class fully stated out to level 20, that class being the bard. Then include character build options from the APG or similar to it, allowing for more roguish, magically inclined, fighter, or healing focused bards. That would really cut down on space since you'd only be showcasing one class, but still allow for a full party of characters for a group of players to play.

Yeah, but why Bard? I know very few people who ever want to play a bard in any edition, let alone PF. I don't like the 20th level idea either.

Someone said up to 3rd level, which is not enough, I'd say go to 5th level in four APG builds of the four classic classes - wizard, fighter, cleric, rogue.

And 50 monsters, that's a lot too, I'd say 20 - 25 monsters at tops.

GP

 

[Mr Baron]

Pathfinder Light

Glad to see Erik & Jason taking a hard look at this. I would love to see a Pathfinder light/basic version which is a step closer to the earlier editions of D&D.