Pathfinder 1E Pathfinder Setting as Selling Point?

[smug]

As for Paizo being the king of fluff, I definitely agree, but I'll also add that they often go overboard and put in detailed descriptions and backstories that the PCs will never learn about. That does make the modules more interesting for the DM to read, though.

I agree that it makes it more interesting to read, but I've also found that sometimes these things do surface. They also help me structure things better (including deciding how to play NPCs).

 

[Wicht]

As for Paizo being the king of fluff, I definitely agree, but I'll also add that they often go overboard and put in detailed descriptions and backstories that the PCs will never learn about. That does make the modules more interesting for the DM to read, though.

One of the truths of RPG material/books is that DMs often buy books just to read them, knowing full well they will never run them. James Jacobs acknowledged this on their boards in the context of talking about why he didn't like using the delve format. He understood that if he made his adventures both interesting to read and fun to play then it would do better and be more appealing to more people.

I've said it before... a LARGE number of people do indeed simply read adventures for entertainment; they never run them (or if they DO run them, they might do so months or years or even decades later). As a result, keeping adventures fun to read is something that I'm trying to maintain for Paizo's adventures. Which is why we'll not be switching our adventure format anytime soon.

 

[Vurt]

As for Paizo being the king of fluff, I definitely agree, but I'll also add that they often go overboard and put in detailed descriptions and backstories that the PCs will never learn about. That does make the modules more interesting for the DM to read, though.

It can be fun to turn the just-captured nameless monster or NPC into a babbling idiot when given the opportunity to win its freedom. Sometimes those background details come in real handy!

 

[ggroy]

It can be fun to turn the just-captured nameless monster or NPC into a babbling idiot when given the opportunity to win its freedom. Sometimes those background details come in real handy!

Such as Splug in "Keep on the Shadowfell"?

 

[johnnype]

Personally the Pathfinder setting is a significant influence but not the deciding factor in my decision to continue buying 3.x material. In all fairness I see myself diving into 4E in time but for now my shelves creak from the sheer size of my 3.x collection so I'm not going to give up on it overnight.

The Pathfinder setting is an interesting place. Upon first look it bored me to tears simply because of the authors decision to make it all inclusive. Another kitchen sink setting. The book covers an extremely large area with many nations, city states, and regions each with their own idiosyncrasies. It reflects the authors desire to please everyone and we know how difficult that can be.

Upon closer examination and after buying a number of supplements one finds very interesting and adventure filled areas to explore. Every city and country has its own color and flavor. Cheliax is my current favorite; a country ruled by devils.

I'll keep buying supplements but I'm a setting whore so that should be no surprise.