I have no idea what Pathfinder is, but apparently it's on Humble Bundle for $1 today. I bought it. No idea why.....
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/paizo-pathfinder-bundle (https://www.humblebundle.com/books/paizo-pathfinder-bundle)
Pathfinder is D&D 3.75.
After WotC shifted to 4.0, the crew from Paizo decided to make some small changes to 3.5 (remember it was OGL - Open Gaming License) and created Pathfinder. If you liked 3.5, supposedly you'll like Pathfinder.
I've never played it, but that's what I hear. It has a pretty large following. And their minis line is very competitive with the D&D minis.
It's a sweet ass collection. I really like Pathfinder and yes it is a further developed D&D 3.5, but it can be a bit of a numbers game as you go for better stat efficiency through equipment upgrades and spell buffs. The physical beginners box is by far and away the best box set currently on the market for new players. You most likely can find a Pathfinder Society in Vancouver, if you want to get into RPGs. Eventually if you like the series, you'll need to get at a minimum a physical copy of the Core Rule Book. Eventually if you want some variety over the traditional race/class combos, Paizo has release materials some of which you now have that adds a bit of steam punk flair to the game and adds a bunch of new races.
However as much as I like Pathfinder, I'm actually teaching my family how to play the game, I'm very seriously considering getting the D&D 5th ed. I like at least from what I've read and the youtube videos I've watched on how leveling and stat scaling work in it. It's much less about equipment upgrades and adding various bonuses, which may be a nice way to balance out encounters at higher levels. Also there is a couple of local D&D Adventures Leagues that I might look into, because unfortunately there isn't a Pathfinder Society in the area that isn't really an option.
Holy heck, what a bundle!
Good God!
That is an awesome deal. The great thing about starting with the PFBB is that the core book becomes a 'source' reference and you can add as much or little to your campaign as you like. And between the adventures and guide books included (and throw in some online generator sites and a dip in the PRD) and you are set to lose some large chunks of time. I may have to do this just to say thanks.
And they include a digital version of the starter box if I'm reading that right? Yeah, for anyone who ever sat on the fence this is a win/win for both deal and idea for deal.
Thanks for the link...I gotta spread the word on this...:)
I bought mine 2 weeks ago... where the hell have you guys been?
Quote from: Wes on March 03, 2016, 12:53:43 AM
And they include a digital version of the starter box if I'm reading that right? Yeah, for anyone who ever sat on the fence this is a win/win for both deal and idea for deal.
Depending on the level of support you actually get a physical copy of the Beginners Box, which you only pay the for the shipping costs. Right now Paizo is out of PFBB due to the bundle deal, so it might be away before you'd get a copy. I'm still waiting on them to have the Beastary Pawn Box back in stock. :(
I've got my Dungeon Crawl Classic Kickstarter set on the way and will probably never play this but it's just too good to pass up!
Quote from: Bison on March 03, 2016, 09:41:12 AMI'm still waiting on them to have the Beastary Pawn Box back in stock. :(
You're welcome
http://www.gamersarmory.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=54_59&products_id=1566
http://www.gamersarmory.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=54_59&products_id=2088
Nice!
Very tempted to get it but I have no reason to buy it, even for a dollar.
I did play it back a while ago once or twice...both it and Palladium.
Yeah, me neither. I haven't played an RPG in 20 years and doubt I ever will again but for $1? I figured it might be interesting just to read through the books. Then again, there is that group of regulars Pathfinder players at my FLGS with the two hot Asian chicks who dress all slutty...
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on March 03, 2016, 10:53:26 AM
Very tempted to get it but I have no reason to buy it, even for a dollar.
I did play it back a while ago once or twice...both it and Palladium.
It's digital so it's much easier to hide from the wife? :)
Well...you can't deny that.
It's more about having time to read through them. I'm out of town for business for a good part of next week, then the week after I'm on a cruise for a week...
Though I bet those books are PDFs and they'd fit on my Kindle Fire...hmm... :D
No, no, no...the main reason I won't get it is it'll just depress me. If it's a good system and I'm enjoying reading it, it'll depress me because I won't have a chance to play it. Sort of like reading the rules to an awesome game and not getting to try it out...doesn't make much sense to me. :(
It's one of the free game systems on fantasy grounds, well at least the basic rules are for sure so perhaps it does have a place in your future.
Perhaps. I do have a lot of RPG stuff on my hard drive, most of which I'll probably never read. My inner game hoarder is happy but the rest of me is frustrated.
I really like my Kindle Fire, but it doesn't hold a charge worth a crap - one of the reasons I'm hesitant.
Another reason is I know a few places to go where I could probably find any RPG I want (not to mention e-books or other stuff), but I specifically don't because I'm a bit older and wiser and supportive of people that actually do the work.
Goddamit. Bought. Though I didn't go in for the physical copy. :-[
Holy schnikes, what the hell did I get myself into? There must be 50 books in that deal... :buck2:
I'm confused you don't go to places you support to show your support?
The physical beginners box is a sweet deal and the map pawns adventure are all good for D&D too.
Of course I'm typing this as I sit reading a copy of 5 ed. D&D at Hastings. I have a RPG problem, but there are worse additions or problems I could have.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on March 03, 2016, 12:24:44 PM
Holy schnikes, what the hell did I get myself into? There must be 50 books in that deal... :buck2:
Many of them are adventure packs and campaign guides. The DM guides is particularly useful just as a guide to how to be an effective game master.
Lalalalalalalala! Not listening!!!
Quote from: Bison on March 03, 2016, 12:26:19 PM
I'm confused you don't go to places you support to show your support?
I was trying not to say it, but why not - I meant torrent sites.
I know of one or two that pretty much offers any and all RPG books but downloading stuff for free lost its appeal for me a long, long time ago. I never got the full enjoyment out of something downloading it for free. Guilt from those few times I actually did partake drives me to support this stuff now, even though I could go out of my way down the dark side path to avoid doing so. That's not right, though.
Quote from: Bison on March 03, 2016, 12:27:43 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on March 03, 2016, 12:24:44 PM
Holy schnikes, what the hell did I get myself into? There must be 50 books in that deal... :buck2:
Many of them are adventure packs and campaign guides. The DM guides is particularly useful just as a guide to how to be an effective game master.
So I should probably just start with the Core Rules then, I take it? Dumb question but it's been a while since I've cracked any of these open.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on March 03, 2016, 12:38:06 PM
Quote from: Bison on March 03, 2016, 12:27:43 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on March 03, 2016, 12:24:44 PM
Holy schnikes, what the hell did I get myself into? There must be 50 books in that deal... :buck2:
Many of them are adventure packs and campaign guides. The DM guides is particularly useful just as a guide to how to be an effective game master.
So I should probably just start with the Core Rules then, I take it? Dumb question but it's been a while since I've cracked any of these open.
No. Start with the beginners box. It's very much like the old D&D red box. Players guide, game master guide and adventure. The physical copy comes with a reusable map that can be marked using wet erase markers and over 70 pawns for heroes and monsters. Anyway it teaches you the games basics as you play the adventure and hand walks you through character creation. And just like the old red box is good for 1-5 level adventures with a decent little monster and magical item sections. After that you move on to the core rule book that is an expansive elaboration on character details and DM details. The only other book really required if you game master is the Beastary which is the primary monster manual. After that just go where you want. More character stuff? Advanced players guide or race guide. Campaign world? The inner sea guides. Ect...
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on March 03, 2016, 12:38:42 PM
Quote from: mirth on March 03, 2016, 12:31:12 PM
Lalalalalalalala! Not listening!!!
DO EET
Well I just did the Bundle for all the digital stuff. Then I went online and found a physical copy of the beginner's box and ordered that :crazy2:
I feel so dirty.
I will make one caveat that maybe a detractor for some from the system is that it can get hellishly complex once you move past the core rule book. The game has a number of additive stats from various sources like equipment , skills, feats, and spells that need to be managed. It sounds bad but once you get used to the system it gets easier. But if you were to a pathfinder society league they are pretty restrictive of the additional material and use just the core book classes/prestige classes. But like with any RPG you can house rule or home brew your world to best suit your needs. At the end of the day it will provide years of adventuring content.
Thanks for the feedback, Bison. I'm not too worried about it. I've house ruled pretty much every RPG I've ever owned.
I bought the hard copy of the beginners box because it looked like a good way to introduce the kids to some role-playing and I found it for $24.
Quote from: mirth on March 03, 2016, 01:17:39 PM
Thanks for the feedback, Bison. I'm not too worried about it. I've house ruled pretty much every RPG I've ever owned.
I bought the hard copy of the beginner's box because it looked like a good way to introduce the kids to some role-playing and I found it for $24.
The PFBB is awesome. I'd just have them use the pregenerated characters first to learn the system and download the additional PFBB from Paizo that are follow on adventures to the one in the box. Then let them generate their own character. Lots of great possibilities for character customization. I'm really only looking at 5ed D&D because it simplifies the need to track all the dice modifiers and character creation is at least from what I've read much less complex and maybe more intuitive for a younger audience. Pathfinder is a great tactical system if you choose to focus on that aspect, but the choosing of skills and feats can be overwhelming if you aren't used to that type of character development. The typical I want an arcane archer so I *have* to have certain abilities can be confusing for new or younger gamers. It pretty old hat if you've played RPGs before though.
Between the PFBB and all the digital stuff from the HB, it was too good a deal to pass up. I now have enough RPG materials to last the rest of my life ;)
Enjoy! Once I get back up on the computer front I'm going to look at fantasy grounds and the pathfinder materials. It maybe a cheap and common system for a grog heads online campaign group.
Quote from: Bison on March 03, 2016, 01:34:43 PM
Enjoy! Once I get back up on the computer front I'm going to look at fantasy grounds and the pathfinder materials. It maybe a cheap and common system for a grog heads online campaign group.
That is a very good idea O0
I looked at Pathfinder a while back, several times actually, but I kept getting reminded why I eventually abandoned HarnMaster and Rolemaster. Too much detail and customization where you eventually need spreadsheets or tools like HeroLab to build a 'system legal' character.
It's a fair criticism and the reason why I've never really ventured past the core rule book, but I'll admit some of the add on stuff is very conceptually cool. However the core rule book is no more unmanageable than 3.5 D&D.
This is pretty much the first full set of RPG materials I've invested in since FASA's Star Trek role-playing game, so we'll see how it goes :P
It'll totally be worth it if your kids get into the game. Better start brushing up on your game master skills!
FWIW - the beginner box can be easily had at almost any FLGS, and for the shipping cost, it's almost a wash for a lot of people. Support your FLGS if you want a hard copy! :D
True enough Brant. I think shipping will be around $14 for me. I'm going to use the extra copy as a gift in the future.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on March 03, 2016, 02:04:15 PM
FWIW - the beginner box can be easily had at almost any FLGS, and for the shipping cost, it's almost a wash for a lot of people. Support your FLGS if you want a hard copy! :D
My FLGS is 35 minutes outside of town and I doubt they have it in stock. I found it for $23.24 for on the Target website. Threw in a box of the pawn bases for $8.99 and qualified for free shipping.
Wow...well this might be a moot point for the moment, anyway. I can't download any of the content; it keeps timing out. Damned RPG nerds and their overcrowding the site! :knuppel2:
It does say they're experiencing heavy traffic, which is understandable. I'll just keep trying every so often.
Thanks for the recommend for the Beginner Box, Bison. I'll start there.
Wow! That's one of the reasons I love you guys! :smitten: :smitten: Bought! ka-chinggg!
We need to stop encouraging each other like this. We've become some sick game buying cult.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on March 03, 2016, 02:23:58 PM
Wow...well this might be a moot point for the moment, anyway. I can't download any of the content; it keeps timing out. Damned RPG nerds and their overcrowding the site! :knuppel2:
It does say they're experiencing heavy traffic, which is understandable. I'll just keep trying every so often.
Yeah. It took about 10 minutes for the 5 second counter to respond and start each download for me. I stopped with the basic box and core rulebook. I can grab the rest later once the nerd rush subsides.
Hehe. I had similar issues downloading the inner seas campaign guide and a few modules.
NERDS!!!
Quote from: mirth on March 03, 2016, 02:36:26 PM
We need to stop encouraging each other like this. We've become some sick game buying cult.
I've managed to resist.
Probably because I still have numerous D&D 3rd edition manuals packed away somewhere. If I felt like playing this system, I already have a slightly earlier iteration of the same rule set plus Forgotten Realms stuff for it.
Quote from: mirth on March 03, 2016, 03:18:09 PM
NERDS!!!
I laugh at the Nerddiction! :))
In my defense, this is the first D&D type rule set I've invested in since 1st Edition AD&D. And I still have those manuals :P
Quote from: mirth on March 03, 2016, 03:39:43 PM
In my defense, this is the first D&D type rule set I've invested in since 1st Edition AD&D. And I still have those manuals :P
Whatever nerd!
Quote from: Bison on March 03, 2016, 04:22:35 PM
Quote from: mirth on March 03, 2016, 03:39:43 PM
In my defense, this is the first D&D type rule set I've invested in since 1st Edition AD&D. And I still have those manuals :P
Whatever nerd!
But, but....aw screw it. I'm a nerd.
Hahahahaha...well Paizo is now "temporarily down."
THE NERDS HAVE CRASHED THE SERVER! :)
(https://orgtheory.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/geek.jpg)
Quote from: mirth on March 03, 2016, 04:25:22 PM
But, but....aw screw it. I'm a nerd.
Mirth starting IT school
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweknowmemes.com%2Fgenerator%2Fuploads%2Fgenerated%2Fg1325911142703189353.jpg&hash=2c885cb5d208d1a7b5e14d5cc6aee6ce5c4fcf48)
My glasses aren't round.
Mine were. :-[
Ah, this is why I love Grogheads! That wargame stuff is just secondary to all this babble. ;D
Grogheads is an equal opportunity nerd hang out.
I reserve the right to deride and ridicule LARPers.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 03, 2016, 07:38:03 PM
I reserve the right to deride and ridicule LARPers.
They tend to have that department covered all on their own...
I for one in all my years of following the way of the nerd have never LARPed.
Do not mock Maggot the Squirming, former Warlord of Something-or-Other
She's carrying a magical plunger.
Okay...anyone who has actually managed to successfully get their purchases, can you tell me how the hell this download process works?
I'm starting to get a little miffed. It's the same crap every time I try to download anything...first I get the "Personalizing... Click link again in 60 seconds to download" message after I click on an item. Every time I click it, I see that it's trying to connect...there's a "Your download will start in 5 seconds" message, and then, it goes to a "This Page Cannot Be Displayed."
I'm using Chrome, which usually just pops up downloads into the bottom bar. Is this supposed to do the same thing?
Nevermind, I saw the message that says Chrome is screwing up downloads and timing them out (but of course it is). Tried with Firefox and it's going, though a 70MB download says it's going to take another 45 minutes. Wow.
I've not had that issue, but I've downloaded using safari. Maybe the download is timing out?
Their site is being hammered. I tried several time today but it just times out. I've decided to wait a few days, weeks, months, etc.
I guess I've just been lucky then because I've downloaded 5 products over the last couple of days.
Taking forever for me too. I got one file, but it took multiple tries over 15 minutes.
Yeah, I just saw the message that says they're getting reports that Chrome is timing out downloads.
Just switched to Firefox and the download started (trying to get the Beginner Box downloaded first). It's only 70MB, but it's going to take a while, almost 40 more minutes. :buck2:
Damn! I'd be interested to hear how the pawns look if they are included.
Guess I'll be waiting until tomorrow to find out. The download took 30 minutes then went to Failed status when it was about 2/3 of the way done. :(
I'll be at my desk at 0530 tomorrow. I'm assuming most of the users downloading this will be in a Mountain Dew and Cheetos inspired coma at that hour.
LMFAO! Classic!
Now this is more like it...and many seem to forget: RPGs came from wargamers...these babies are ours...as for LARPing, check out the damn crazy Russian LARPers...that's the real deal...good lord...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvIKR-gCd-s
(tried to find the one with all the blood...had to settle for the bashing)
Here we go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDdTB1GzHJw
Welp it's close to 0530 here my time and stuff's actually downloading. I want to look at a couple of things but am afraid if I stop to smell the roses and nerdiness, they'll flock back and jam up the servers.
It's still kinda being a pain in the butt, though...I can download two files before it signs me out without notice, so I need to sign back in, download two things, it signs me out...sigh. #firstworldproblems
QuoteI'd be interested to hear how the pawns look if they are included.
There's a PDF in the Beginner Box ZIP file called "Token Sheets." Looks like it's six pages long, though it's front-to-back, so it's actually three pages of content. There's characters (different races and classes) and monsters. If printed double-sided, you'll have two-sided pawns...if that's what you're meaning.
There aren't any standees to add, so I suppose you'd have to print these on decently thick stock, cut a slot in the bottom, and create your own cross-bits to stick in there so they can stand up.
The artwork on them is pretty fantastic, though.
Thanks. That's exactly what I was wondering without having to go through all of the strenuous work of downloading the FPBB myself. :) I might have to now and look to see if they have any other printout versions, which with some decent card stock will work just fine with the stands I have already.
My physical copy of the PFBB shipped. I'll probably have that before I've finished downloading all the files from Paizo.
Quote from: mirth on March 04, 2016, 09:36:20 AM
My physical copy of the PFBB shipped. I'll probably have that before I've finished downloading all the files from Paizo.
Most likely. There are several free materials that add on to the PFBB, which I'd encourage you to download and look at too. It'll expand the amount of time you can use the PFBB before moving onto the Core Rule Book and other accessories.
Should be interesting with the kids. If they don't take to it, I'll be crushed.
D'oh. I'm typing things into the wrong window :uglystupid2:
I'm sure that they will unless you've done something to them to make them hate rolling dice and killing monsters with magic and swords.
Back in town after some out-of-state time and glad to see this bundle is still available :))
The Pathfinder Begginer Box I ordered came today. Damn, that's a lot of game for $24. Even if I had paid full retail, it would have been worth it!
I knew you'd like what came in the beginner's box Mirth. It really is the best RPG starters kit on the market.
The kids were psyched when I showed them.
Awesome. The beginner's adventure is actually quite fun IMHO.
Quote from: mirth on March 14, 2016, 06:16:27 PM
The kids were psyched when I showed them.
Don't forget to grab the freebies for the PFBB out at Paizo. This guy has some of it listed plus fan conversions:
https://guildberkeley.wordpress.com/resources/beginner-box-resources/
This might prove useful:
http://www.pfbeginner.com/
And I just spotted this one for the first time:
http://beginnerboxadventures.com/
That's what I love about d20 stuff and Paizo...there is TONS of material around and it all generally fits together with a bit of wrangling :)
Thanks, Wes! O0
Quote from: mirth on March 16, 2016, 07:53:03 AM
Thanks, Wes! O0
And I would be remiss if I didn't share four of the best friends a game master can have:
Generators:
http://www.random-generator.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
http://www.apolitical.info/webgame/?mode=7 (with special emphasis on this page http://www.apolitical.info/webgame/tables )
http://donjon.bin.sh/
And for just all around good ideas:
http://www.campaignmastery.com/blog/
There are tons more and for PFBB this guy took a beating for IP issues but I guess they straightened it out:
https://edowarsblog.wordpress.com/
God, now I'm hitting up the old favorites...damn you Paizo and Humble Bundle!
+1, thanks, Wes! O0
The donjon is really nice especially if you just want to do some dungeon delving hack and slashing, but don't want to spend the time creating map levels.
Ugh. Still downloading files from Paizo.
Quote from: Bison on March 17, 2016, 11:05:49 AM
The donjon is really nice especially if you just want to do some dungeon delving hack and slashing, but don't want to spend the time creating map levels.
One of the best parts is when you generate the dungeon and then click on the numbered space of the map it takes you directly to the entry below with all the details for that location.
I was glad when they added Microlite20 support.
Yeah. I like to just sit there and make random dungeons. Sometimes it makes some really interesting choices...