D&D 3E/3.5 Pathfinder and 3.5

[Splurch]

I'm thinking about picking up Pathfinder (I usually run 3.5), I was wondering if there is a sticky or web site that runs down the differences between Pathfinder and 3.5? Some of my players don't like change but I thought it would be easier if I could give then a rundown on the changes. I really want to give it a try since I've heard its a good system.

Thanks

 

[DaveMage]

Here's the link to the free conversion guide.

http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy89m6

 

[Henry]

In broad strokes:

• Large reduction in numbers of prestige classes and base classes
• Significant reworking of Barbarian rage and rogue talents to make them more customizable
• Many later classes use a similar class ability customization scheme to what they did with barbarians and rogues. In a way similar to the talents/feats system from d20 modern and Star Wars Saga.
• Promotion of archetypes, which are similar to and edition's kits or 4E's themes (swap out class abilities to better customize your PC to your vision)
• Codifying all transformative (polymorph-type) spells to clearly-defined abilities
• Dialing back some Save-or-die spells (finger of death, et al)
• Fixing the math behind concentration checks and tumble checks to scale better by level
• drastically reduce the penalty for cross-class skill ranks
• adding "capstone" class abilities and feats that encourage you to single-class more

Tons of tweaks, but those are the biggest ones that affect 3E style play. PCs do receive a slight power-up compared to 3.5 class equivalents, but I really don't notice it in play - only in a few more abilities and feats to write on your sheet as levels increase.

 

[Splurch]

Thanks guys that helps a lot!

 

[Wicht]

What I like about most of the changes is that they are fairly intuitive, so that once you use them in play, its hard to go back to not using them.

 

[DaveMage]

While I like the customization aspect, I think my favorite change is the skill system. Removing synergies and cross-class skills was a great idea to reduce the bookkeeping aspect.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

This might help. That was the last time in the thread that guy compiled every little tricky rule that had been noted in the (massive) thread, almost a year ago. And the point of the thread was to find little rules people may not realize, not so much to point out differences between PF and 3.5 rules. It just invariably ended up that way.

 

[IronWolf]

I find this link helpful:

The 3.5/Pathfinder Handbook - Giant in the Playground Forums