Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Perram" data-source="post: 5061562" data-attributes="member: 84740">I would give Pathfinder a serious look, if you enjoyed the 3.5 era.  You don't need to buy the print version of the core rules to do this, either, as there are two easy ways to check the game out first:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The Pathfinder Reference Document available <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/" target="_blank">here on Paizo's site</a> and also available at <a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/" target="_blank">d20pfsrd</a>.  This is similar to the SRD for 3.5, but even more complete.  It lacks the art of the book, but is a good way to just check it out, and an EXCELLENT resource when preparing your games as a GM.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You can also order the PDF of the main rule book (which includes the errata and bookmarks and other neat features, as well as all the excellent art) for only <a href="http://paizo.com/store/downloads/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy88yj&source=top" target="_blank">$10 from Paizo's site</a>.</li> </ul>But there are some things to keep in mind about Pathfinder:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Pathfinder is an OGL product.  Because of its success, licensing, and support, a lot of 3rd parties are supporting it.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">One of its main purposes is to continue the style of gaming of 3.5, and while it has several great improvements on those rules, it isn't trying to reinvent the wheel.  Maintaining Backwards Compatibility with 3.5 was a chief design goal of the product.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Some of the classes did indeed receive a power boost, and every class got changed a bit.  The races were changed as well.  This was mainly so that it would be more balanced with the later classes power levels in 3.5 which had some power creep.</li> </ul>Why I like it:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">While a lot of the changes were small changes, they really went a long way in letting you customize your character without needing to multi-class or go into prestige classes.  A good example of this is the Sorcerer's bloodlines, the Thief abilities, Wizard specialist powers, and the Barbarian's new Rage Powers.  Going 20 straight levels in a base class is now a very attractive option.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The CMB/CMD mechanic.  Combat Maneuvers is a brilliant idea that both makes some of the common optional actions in combat A LOT easier (Disarm, Grapple, Fient, etc) as well as making it really easy to adjudicate stunts in combat like dropping a chandelier on the guards or trying to swing on a rope and knock an ogre into a lake.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Simplifying the Skill System makes life easier on both the players (especially those who multi-class) and the GM (who has to make a bunch of NPCs.)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A lot of the more obvious balance and rules issues with 3.5 were corrected in PF.  It isn't a perfect product, by any means, but in my opinion it is a more polished product than just using 3.5 on its own.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The new rules for the encounter budget and XP make building encounters really easy, and removing a lot of the more fiddly work for the GM.  Also, the rules for building NPCs and Monsters have received a lot of work that produce more balanced an better, in my opinion, results.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">While this isn't really a rules issue, the book is beautiful and excellently organized.  This is ESPECIALLY true for the Bestiary.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Paizo's support products are even better than just the rules system on its own.  The value of Pathfinder should also include Paizo's other Pathfinder products which are some of the best and most polished Adventures / Campaign Setting pieces being produced right now.  I would take a good look at this material even if you may not use them with the Pathfinder rules.  People have been converting their world and adventures over to several other systems just due to their excellent quality.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A personal favorite of mine: Halflings.  A more traditional, yet fresh, approach to my favorite race.</li> </ul></blockquote>

Verification