ISO: Advice

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

LilMissTrouble

Apr 17, 2015 14:46:48

Four new players are preparing to begin their first journey into vast territories unexplored. 

 

I will be the DM and my main question, before I start planning too much, is what version we should use? Be it Pathfinder or the new 5 rules or 3.5. I have some experience with 3.5 rules. 

 

Merci!

#2

BoldItalic

Apr 17, 2015 15:33:52

LilMissTrouble wrote:
#3

Krusk

Apr 17, 2015 16:06:34

I'd tell you to use 3.5 because its the best. 

 

I'd also tell you thats an opinion. 

 

What are your criteria for "The best" and what are you looking for out of a game? Pathfinder and 5e both have the advantage in that they are currently publishing new books. If your group owns no books, this is a big advantage. 

#4

Kentus

Apr 17, 2015 16:22:04

LilMissTrouble wrote:
(Reply to #3)

LilMissTrouble

Krusk wrote:
#6

SterlingRat

Apr 17, 2015 17:19:02

Here are my opinions... 

 

3.5 - cheapest option due to published free SRD. Medium complexity and can be frustrating for a lot of classes after Level 8 or so... but up until level 8-10, it's just fine. Try not to mix player skill levels... an optimized character built by someone that knows the system is 98,642,429 times better than someone who makes a character based on what they like and sounds cool.

 

Pathfinder - Most expensive and complex option; they took a lot of the 3.5 complaints and did a fine job or resolving them - less late level frustration and "dead" levels. The published adventures are excellent and their support of the players is top-notch. 

 

5e - Fewer free material published than 3.5e, with only 4 races in the "SRD" plus 4 in the free Elemental Evil PDF and only 4 classes. There is also a very limited spell list available for free. However, it is possible to play for free - all the rules are free for players, but there will be at least a few people who will need to buy the books. It's a lot less complex than the other two options, which is a plus for new players. There aren't a lot of published adventures, but the ones they have put out are very good quality. If the adventure league support continues on the path it has been on, it will be better than Pathfinder... but the system is still shiny and new, and there's no guarantee they will have longevity.

 

Overall, I would say 5e. It's harder to make a bad character, easier to pick up for a new player, and Lost Mines of Phandelver is probably one of the best introductions to a tabletop roleplaying game that's been put out.