D&D 4E Basic Questions about Pathfinder (4e considering a move)

[darjr]

Paizo is run by some great people who interact well with their customers and the community.

I've recently had an epiphany. I'll use a computer analogy. When someone has to pick a computer it's a good idea to first pick the software they want or need. The software chosen may define the computer needed.

In this case, in my situation, the software is the writing and adventures and ideas that Paizo, their crew and their third party companies have.

Besides the other two generators mentioned there is 3.75 Pathfinder RPG Character Generator

It's Beta and only online and I haven't used it so buyer beware.

 

[ancientvaults]

I love Pathfinder and if I had the time everyday I would write a Pathfinder post on my blog too. Given that I have about twenty minutes per day to write my daily post it just isn't in the cards. I do prefer discussing the game here over their own forum, but that is just a matter of preference.

 

[pawsplay]

I play/DM 4e exclusively. I'm starting to consider making a Pathfinder jump. I'm pretty ignorant about Pathfinder and just started playing 4e after a 25 year rpg absence - the last game I played was AD&D.

Welcome!

Some things you know from 4e are similar, such as unified mechanics, more logical progressions rather than charts, and mix-and-match character options. Other things are more reminiscent of AD&D, such as multiclassing, more open-ended types of spells, combat/noncombat roles (as opposed to 4e which defines combat roles only, for the most part) and more classic representation of monsters and races. At about level 10 and under, the game scales fairly similarly to AD&D, whereas after that it continues at a high rate of advancement whereas AD&D mostly plateaued after "name level" with the exception of establishing strongholds, learning a few high level magics, and the like.

Let us know if you have any questions or comments. Lots of big fans here.

 

[regomar]

Hi, I am also a 4th ed player looking to make the jump to Pathfinder. I was going to start my own thread, but I figured this one would be fine. If I should start a different thread, please let me know.

I've been told that a good deal of Pathfinder releases are PDF only, which is one of the main reasons I resisted it for so long (I have bad eyes, I can't stand PDF only releases) but I've noticed many of the Pathfinder books are available on Amazon in hardcover. So I suppose my main question is: Will I be extremely limited in content for this system if I don't like PDFs?

Also, while I'm asking noob questions, I'm an aspiring module writer and my players (4th ed currently) keep telling me I should try to write professional quality modules to sell. I tried to understand that 4th ed licensing and it seems like kind of a nightmare. What is the process to write and sell adventures under the Pathfinder system? Is there a licensing agreement or faq I could read? Thank you for your time

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

I've been told that a good deal of Pathfinder releases are PDF only, which is one of the main reasons I resisted it for so long (I have bad eyes, I can't stand PDF only releases) but I've noticed many of the Pathfinder books are available on Amazon in hardcover. So I suppose my main question is: Will I be extremely limited in content for this system if I don't like PDFs?

Most of the Pathfinder products are actually available as either print or PDF (though the prices on the PDFs are significantly lower). Pathfinder Society Scenarios are PDF only but I don't recall anything else right off the top of my head that can't be bought in either format.

So you'll hardly be limited at all!

 

[IronWolf]

Hi, I am also a 4th ed player looking to make the jump to Pathfinder.

Welcome! Don't hesitate to ask questions here, there are many of us more than happy to help answer them the best we can.

I've been told that a good deal of Pathfinder releases are PDF only, which is one of the main reasons I resisted it for so long (I have bad eyes, I can't stand PDF only releases) but I've noticed many of the Pathfinder books are available on Amazon in hardcover. So I suppose my main question is: Will I be extremely limited in content for this system if I don't like PDFs?

As Mowgli noted I think some of the only things available in PDF only are the Pathfinder Society Scenarios. The core books, the adventure paths, the supplemental materials to support the campaign world and such are all available in normal book format. One shouldn't have any trouble in being limited with Pathfinder even if you never bought a Pathfinder PDF. Plenty of hardcover and softcover books to keep you going with lots of new content.

Also, while I'm asking noob questions, I'm an aspiring module writer and my players (4th ed currently) keep telling me I should try to write professional quality modules to sell. I tried to understand that 4th ed licensing and it seems like kind of a nightmare. What is the process to write and sell adventures under the Pathfinder system? Is there a licensing agreement or faq I could read? Thank you for your time

If you are interested in writing there are two things I can think of off the top of my head to write directly for Paizo. One is the annual RPG Superstar contest. It is a multi-round contest that goes through an elimination process. Worth reading about and a possible thing for you to try your hand at.

The Pathfinder Society (Paizo's organized play model) also has an Open Call for Pathfinder Scenario submissions.

I could be off on this, but I believe the page you would want to start with if you have interest in writing and selling adventures under the Pathfinder system is the Compatibility License section of the site. There is also the FAQ for that section as well. It might help at least get you started.

Enjoy Pathfinder!

 

[czak]

There is also the Pathfinder Wiki - a good place to learn about the default campaign setting (Run by Yoda8myhead, who has been hired by paizo).

PathfinderWiki


The Paizo staff also tend to show up tuesday evenings at 8pm (pacific) to DM tools irc chat: (It was / is run by Lillith, who also has been hired by paizo).
http://chat.dmtools.org/


I'm trying to remember all the other cool things out there.

James Jacobs will answer your questions here:
http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/community/offTopic/askJamesJacobsAllYourQuestionsHere

 

[James Jacobs]

As mentioned above, while our shorter organized play scenarios (the Pathfinder Society) are PDF only, EVERYTHING else we do is both PDF and print. Which includes about 3 large hardcover rulebooks a year (ranging from 256 to 320 pages long, usually), and about 200 pages of softcover support products (ranging from Adventure Path installments, 32 page adventures, 64-page world guides/supplements, 32 page players' companions, and so on). There's a LOT of print product coming out of Paizo these days, in other words.

Also as mentioned above, RPG Superstar is gearing up!

Hmm... looks like everyone else has things covered. So, yeah! Check out Pathfinder! Rah rah rah!!!! ;-)

 

[Liquidsabre]

Oh and let us not forget the relatively new Pathfinder Tales fiction line for those looking for further inspiration for their gaming in Golarion with some novels to read!

The first two novels are out now: Prince of Wolves by Dave Gross and Winter Witch by Elaine Cunningham.

You can find some free web fiction shorts here, enjoy!

 

[buddhafrog]

Update for those that care:

I finally played, not DM'd, my first game of Pathfinder. I really do like it. I worry that I may have the fortunate problem of liking it even more than 4e (which might mean reorganizing my currently 7 games that I'm DM'ing in 4e).

Particularly, my rogue started with 9 HP - and no healing surges. Now I look at my HP and healing in 4e and it makes me chuckle.

One thing I wish is that there were more PC race options... but I can deal with this.

Any links to find pre-generated optimized characters? I'm far from a min-maxing my character, but I want to more quickly learn how abilities/feats build and support each other in Pathfinder.

Anyway, thanks for your advice so far.