Pathfinder 1E Pathfinder, where to start?

[Splurch]

So Ive decided to give Pathfinder a try, what sugestions does everyone have on how to start, what books to get, and what would be a good adventure path to go with? We primarily play 3.5 right now so I would like my group to give Patfinder a shot so what sugestions do you all have to get them into Pathfinder? We are all expierenced role players and most of them are on the more narrative/ simulist style (a couple are LARP players).

Thanks for any suggestions

Mel

 

[Dark Mistress]

All you really need is the core rule book which if you don't mind a PDF is 10 bucks or you can even use the PRD for free.(the rules with no fluff text)

As for which AP, I would say it depends on what you guys like. More ubran, more sandbox, pirates etc. Rise of the Runelords to me is the most that is closest to classic DnD in feel and they just came out with a collected special edition of the book. All 6 adventures for like 50-60 bucks forget exactly how much off the top of my head.

 

[Feeroper]

Yeah the Core Rulebook to start is perfect, but id also suggest the Bestiary 1. If your group likes what they see, and wants to continue then the Advanced Players Guide should be your next step (along with the other Bestiaries). From there anything is game depending on your groups flavor preferences, but if they like the world of Golarion there is a ton of stuff to choose from, alot of it is great for non Golarion use as well like Blood of Fiends and Inner Sea Magic.

As for AP, I would second Rise of the Runelords since you can get the entire AP in the Anniversary Edition. It's also considered a classic for PF. If you want something more open and sandbox like then check out Kingmaker.

Hope this helps.

 

[BriarMonkey]

I third those.

The Pathfinder Core Rulebook is the place to start. It is a combination of the Player's Handbook and the Dungeon Masters Guide, which is why it's as large as it is and the price tag is what it is.

Similarly, for the GM you will need the equivilant of the Monster Manual, which is the Beastiary. Of which, there are currently three out there (the Beastiary, the Beastiary 2, and the Beastiary 3).

Game play will be quite similar to 3.x as that is the core engine Pathfinder is built upon. There are some differences, so be sure to go through the books first so you don't get caught wondering why something doesn't seem to fit.

Otherwise, have fun!

 

[Tovec]

I would start here:

http://paizo.com/store/downloads/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy89m6

I'm surprised no one has posted it yet.

Start with the conversion document to see WHAT is different. It doesn't give all the changes but it gives a good sense of what they tried to change overall.
Then get access to the Core book and a good adventure path (assuming that's your thing).

After that it really comes down to style and what you need or look for in the books.

Pathfinder is remarkably able to use 3.5 material with very little conversion so a lot of your existing books will still have material you can use. Or if you want to go the Pathfinder only route then pick up a Bestiary (I recommend 1) for monsters. I would also recommend the GameMasters Guide as it has a large section in it of premade NPCs. Once you and your players are familiar with the core rules I of course would recommend the Advanced Players Guide which is stocked with a bunch of new options that allow players to play what they want right out of the gate - instead of having to multiclass into it or prestige into it like a lot of 3.5 builds.

If your favourite books in 3.5 were the monster manuals then there are lots of Bestiarys (and other lesser known monster books). If you liked the completes then check out the Ultimate Combat and Ultimate Magic.

That is about it as far as where to start. You will learn things as you get going but it really really just comes down to style and what you need or want from the product line.

 

[Razjah]

Conversion documents are nice, get them.

Then go here. I highly recommend books, but for trying the system a free srd is excellent. Plus if you have laptops, tabs are a gamer's best friend.

 

[Jester David]

If you want a test drive you can try the rules online with a free adventure, such as We Be Goblins
http://paizo.com/pathfinder/v5748btpy8ilz

There's also the Know Direction podcast (episode 0) offering advice on just this sort of thing:
Know Direction 0 - Episode Zero

 

[amethal]

For narrative style players, the best adventure path would be Curse of the Crimson Throne, in my opinion. It starts off as urban adventure, and has a growing level of intrigue. It is also an adventure where the players get more out of it the more they put into it - there is potential for some extremely memorable achievements if the party truly become invested in the city of Korvosa.

The potential downside is that it does tend to better suit players who buy into the "adventure path concept" and don't mind a bit of what some might see as railroading. For instance (without wishing to give any spoilers) one part involves trying to win the favour of a significant group of people. To me, it is a great opportunity for role-playing, and for having the characters attempt things they wouldn't normally be called on to do. Some other people see it as "Do A,B,C and D, in order, no more and no less" and reply "no thanks, let's play something else".

 

[Jester David]

Coincidentally, Paizo just started its 10th anniversary sale:
http://paizo.com/store/sale/paizo10thAnniversarySale

Cheap PDFs and reasonably priced books. A good time to snag an entire adventure path.

 

[Splurch]

Just getting into the books and one of my players asked if there are extra rules for stuff in combat such as being able to parry and riposte, so I thought I'd ask you guys. Thanks

And thanks again you all have been a big help!!