Pathfinder 1E Learning Pathfinder: What are the key books to read

[adamc]

I'm trying to figure out whether to switch to pathfinder. Is there one or two key books that would give me the flavor?

I don't really want to start with the rules -- would buy something like the Dummy's guide to D&D for Pathfinder if it was available.

 

[billd91]

I'm trying to figure out whether to switch to pathfinder. Is there one or two key books that would give me the flavor?

I don't really want to start with the rules -- would buy something like the Dummy's guide to D&D for Pathfinder if it was available.

What would you be switching from? The flavor of the rules isn't far removed from 3.0/3.5 and is 90% compatible or so. Much of Paizo's greatest flavor comes from the adventure paths and campaign setting. Rise of the Runelords, Curse of the Crimson Throne, and Kingmaker are particularly good examples of these. Check the Paizo website for some freebie adventures too. They also offer some good flavor.

 

[Kinak]

As far as the rules, there are some resources (like this one) detailing the changes from 3.5 to Pathfinder. Honestly, though, if you're familiar with 3.0 or 3.5 you're most of the way to understanding it already.

If you're switching from 4e, I'd suggest reading the rules as they come up (races, classes, equipment, skills, and combat before starting the game probably). The full rules are available on Paizo's website, including a lot of little editions.

As far as the flavor, if you're switching settings, the Inner Sea Primer is the Dummy's Guide to Golarion. The best free source for setting info is the Pathfinder Wiki.

If you're planning to start GMing in Golarion, I'd peruse the wiki and decide where you're going to set things, then grab the Inner Sea World Guide and/or whatever book covers the nation you're setting the game in.

Cheers!
Kinak

 

[adamc]

Oops, should have mentioned: I'd be switching from 4E. No familiarity with prior editions, so that won't help much.

I'm really looking for something that would give me more of the flavor. I know a lot of people like Pathfinder, but I don't really understand why. (Not looking to debate here, either, please -- just looking for references that might explain why so many folks really like it.)

 

[mach1.9pants]

The easiest (and best) way to get into Pathfinder is to buy the Beginner Box. It is an AWESOME product, not the full rules but most, it teaches well and contains so much. It is cheap enough that I have brought a couple to give away to friends kids to introduce them to DnD

http://www.amazon.com/Paizo-Publish...26946&sr=8-1&keywords=pathfinder+beginner+box

Review: http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/15/15448.phtml
http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?313255-Review-Pathfinder-Beginner-Box

 

[billd91]

Good call with the beginner box, rules though they are. Nice package all around.

 

[adamc]

I guess I should give more details. I'm already running a campaign, and my players are level 9 (almost 10). They _might_ be willing to convert to Pathfinder, but they aren't going to want to start their campaign over... so I don't see much likelihood of going the beginner box route, for good or ill. Maybe I could run a one-shot or something, but I don't think I'd push for that until I knew more about Pathfinder.

Hence, the request. Maybe there isn't such a book (or blog or ...), but I saw a copy of the D&D 4 for dummies book and it wasn't too bad, so I thought I'd ask.

 

[mach1.9pants]

Well the entire rule set is available for free here: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/

 

[edhel]

Read Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition (pocket-sized explorer's edition costs 10 USD), and never look back.

Don't threadcrap. Just don't.

Lwaxy

 

[Evenglare]

Read Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition (pocket-sized explorer's edition costs 10 USD), and never look back.

That's not helpful for the question asked at all. I hate it when people do this.