What is "Pathfinder" rules? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

What is "Pathfinder" rules?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
jage
May 06, 2008 20:43:06 I'm joining a new game, working on my character concept. I've been told we're using "pathfinder" rules, but the link the DM provided is to purchase a PDF. I assumed I could show up and pick up the variations, but then I saw someone else's post about a floating +2 to ability.... so...

I realized I have no idea what pathfinder is, or whether I need the material to participate.

1) Do I need to get the pathfinder material to play?

2) Does legally getting the pathfinder material require a purchase? PDF or book?
#2
anansi
May 06, 2008 20:52:07 You can download the Alpha 2 release for free here, but you'll need to create an account on the paizo website to download it (Paizo accounts are free as well).

It's an alpha release, they're printing the official rules sometime next year so you can post on their forums with playtesting feedback if you want as well.

A brief rundown of Alpha 2 (this is all my personal opinion, mind you):

Core races have all been given a power boost. Humans still rock the casbah, mind you (+2 to any attribute of your choice, free feat, free weapon proficiency, +1 skill point per level? Sign me up, baby!)

Fighters are better than 3.5, but still behind casters.

Barbarians are a little more complex, but have way more options now so I think that's good.

Paladin's are slightly better, but Paizo still hasn't really fixed some of the mechanical problems with the class.

Sorcerers have some awesome new flavour, but aren't really as good as I was hoping they would be.

Clerics and wizards still pwn everybody else. Turn undead is a lot more useful now.

Druid wildshaping and all shape-shifting spells have been hilariously nerfed. About damn time, I say.

Rogues are joygasmically awesome.

The ranger, bard and monk haven't been released yet.

Anyway, have fun with this!
#3
jage
May 06, 2008 21:01:31 Ah, sounds like Paizo's response to 4.0... sounds fun, except...

It also sounds like there is no way to play without studying the Pathfinder rules. More freaking studying... 3.5 is too much like college...

So, do you think that building a non-core character (half-giant) on top of the Pathfinder rules would be an OK idea, or do the Pathfinder rules juice enough things up that it would be too much?
#4
anansi
May 06, 2008 21:05:31 That's an interesting question. Paizo juiced up all the core races to make them more attractive choices. If you don't mind my asking, what is your character concept specifically?

Also: The floating +2 to any ability score is only available to humans and (I think) half-elves.
#5
jage
May 06, 2008 21:34:03 PM sent

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 jage May 06, 2008 20:43:06	I'm joining a new game, working on my character concept. I've been told we're using "pathfinder" rules, but the link the DM provided is to purchase a PDF. I assumed I could show up and pick up the variations, but then I saw someone else's post about a floating +2 to ability.... so... I realized I have no idea what pathfinder is, or whether I need the material to participate. 1) Do I need to get the pathfinder material to play? 2) Does legally getting the pathfinder material require a purchase? PDF or book?
#2 anansi May 06, 2008 20:52:07	You can download the Alpha 2 release for free here, but you'll need to create an account on the paizo website to download it (Paizo accounts are free as well). It's an alpha release, they're printing the official rules sometime next year so you can post on their forums with playtesting feedback if you want as well. A brief rundown of Alpha 2 (this is all my personal opinion, mind you): Core races have all been given a power boost. Humans still rock the casbah, mind you (+2 to any attribute of your choice, free feat, free weapon proficiency, +1 skill point per level? Sign me up, baby!) Fighters are better than 3.5, but still behind casters. Barbarians are a little more complex, but have way more options now so I think that's good. Paladin's are slightly better, but Paizo still hasn't really fixed some of the mechanical problems with the class. Sorcerers have some awesome new flavour, but aren't really as good as I was hoping they would be. Clerics and wizards still pwn everybody else. Turn undead is a lot more useful now. Druid wildshaping and all shape-shifting spells have been hilariously nerfed. About damn time, I say. Rogues are joygasmically awesome. The ranger, bard and monk haven't been released yet. Anyway, have fun with this!
#3 jage May 06, 2008 21:01:31	Ah, sounds like Paizo's response to 4.0... sounds fun, except... It also sounds like there is no way to play without studying the Pathfinder rules. More freaking studying... 3.5 is too much like college... So, do you think that building a non-core character (half-giant) on top of the Pathfinder rules would be an OK idea, or do the Pathfinder rules juice enough things up that it would be too much?
#4 anansi May 06, 2008 21:05:31	That's an interesting question. Paizo juiced up all the core races to make them more attractive choices. If you don't mind my asking, what is your character concept specifically? Also: The floating +2 to any ability score is only available to humans and (I think) half-elves.
#5 jage May 06, 2008 21:34:03	PM sent