paizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deckpaizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck2019-04-04T22:11:07Z2019-04-04T22:11:07ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Great resource for CRB and APG buffs (5 stars)Swashbuckleshttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2019-04-04T22:07:33Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>I really like this deck, it helps when I'm GMing for new players at cons, but also to remind my veteran players in home games (and to remind me what certain NPCs are able to do).</p>
<p>It would be great to see more in this vein, perhaps covering spells/new class abilities from the ACG, and Ultimate Combat/Magic?</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>I really like this deck, it helps when I'm GMing for new players at cons, but also to remind my veteran players in home games (and to remind me what certain NPCs are able to do).</p>
<p>It would be great to see more in this vein, perhaps covering spells/new class abilities from the ACG, and Ultimate Combat/Magic?</p>Swashbuckles2019-04-04T22:07:33ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Make Those Buffs Count (5 stars)Jhaemanhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2017-06-14T07:05:41Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>The Buff Deck for Pathfinder is a cheap but extremely handy way to remember all of those temporary little bonuses that are otherwise easy to forget about during an encounter. The deck consists of 54 cards, 49 of which each contain the effects of a spell, ability, or action that gives a character a benefit to attacks, AC, or saves. All of the usual buffs from the Core Rulebook are represented (like haste, bless, inspire courage, total defense, barbarian rage, etc.) but there are also several buffs from the Advanced Player's Guide (like alchemist's mutagen, cavalier's banner, etc.). The face of each card is divided into six sections: the title of the buff, its duration, its source (including book and page number), a list of effects, a table showing the type and extent of bonus to attacks and AC, and a table showing the type and extent of bonus to saves. It was an excellent choice by the designers to include the type of bonus (e.g., morale, deflection, enhancement, etc.) so that it's easy to see which buffs do and do not stack with each other. The presentation is attractive and easy to read even across the table. In addition to the 49 pre-made cards, there are 5 cards with the same formatting but no content so that a GM or Player can add a buff commonly used that isn't in the deck—for example, I added a card about the effects of a ranger's favored terrain when I regularly had a ranger PC at the table. This might seem like a little thing, but it adds to the deck's longevity given the vast number of spells and abilities that come out every year for Pathfinder.</p>
<p>As for downsides, I don't have much. Each card has the same artwork on the back, and it's kinda cartoony. Some of the buff cards aren't precisely accurate: the card for protection from evil doesn't mention the added defence against mind-control effects or versus summoned creatures, the prayer card leaves out the fact that it imposes a penalty on enemies (which is technically a debuff, I guess), the invisibility card doesn't mention the 50% miss chance or +2 bonus on attacks, etc. Still, the vast majority of cards accurately summarize the effects of a given buff.</p>
<p>I've used the Buff Deck for several years now, propping up a card in effect so that everyone at the table can see it. Although not foolproof (even the cards can be forgotten when encounters get harry), they are quite useful and speed up game play. What more could you want?</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>The Buff Deck for Pathfinder is a cheap but extremely handy way to remember all of those temporary little bonuses that are otherwise easy to forget about during an encounter. The deck consists of 54 cards, 49 of which each contain the effects of a spell, ability, or action that gives a character a benefit to attacks, AC, or saves. All of the usual buffs from the Core Rulebook are represented (like haste, bless, inspire courage, total defense, barbarian rage, etc.) but there are also several buffs from the Advanced Player's Guide (like alchemist's mutagen, cavalier's banner, etc.). The face of each card is divided into six sections: the title of the buff, its duration, its source (including book and page number), a list of effects, a table showing the type and extent of bonus to attacks and AC, and a table showing the type and extent of bonus to saves. It was an excellent choice by the designers to include the type of bonus (e.g., morale, deflection, enhancement, etc.) so that it's easy to see which buffs do and do not stack with each other. The presentation is attractive and easy to read even across the table. In addition to the 49 pre-made cards, there are 5 cards with the same formatting but no content so that a GM or Player can add a buff commonly used that isn't in the deck—for example, I added a card about the effects of a ranger's favored terrain when I regularly had a ranger PC at the table. This might seem like a little thing, but it adds to the deck's longevity given the vast number of spells and abilities that come out every year for Pathfinder.</p>
<p>As for downsides, I don't have much. Each card has the same artwork on the back, and it's kinda cartoony. Some of the buff cards aren't precisely accurate: the card for protection from evil doesn't mention the added defence against mind-control effects or versus summoned creatures, the prayer card leaves out the fact that it imposes a penalty on enemies (which is technically a debuff, I guess), the invisibility card doesn't mention the 50% miss chance or +2 bonus on attacks, etc. Still, the vast majority of cards accurately summarize the effects of a given buff.</p>
<p>I've used the Buff Deck for several years now, propping up a card in effect so that everyone at the table can see it. Although not foolproof (even the cards can be forgotten when encounters get harry), they are quite useful and speed up game play. What more could you want?</p>Jhaeman2017-06-14T07:05:41ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: A Handy Game Aid (5 stars)Leahcimhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2015-04-20T23:04:24Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>I saw these in play at Who's Yer Con 2015 this weekend, and I realized immediately I wanted to add this game aid to my arsenal. One quick trip to the vendor hall, and I was sporting my own buff deck.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>I saw these in play at Who's Yer Con 2015 this weekend, and I realized immediately I wanted to add this game aid to my arsenal. One quick trip to the vendor hall, and I was sporting my own buff deck.</p>Leahcim2015-04-20T23:04:24ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: First Revsion needs redone (2 stars)Esreyrhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2015-01-10T16:39:09Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>This has good potential. As a first go at this these cards are alright. Paizo should learn from all the other comments made about this deck and try again. I'll not reiterate the other complaints.</p>
<p>If the cards were not limited to single side only maybe some more information about buffs could be added. For example "Enlarge Person" doesn't mention CMB or CMB modifications, skill adjustments. Fighting Defensively or Total Defense makes no mention of a bonus if you have 3 ranks of Acrobatics. etc.</p>
<p>Another option for the flip side of cards could be De-Buff effects like Bane (printed opposite of Bless).</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>This has good potential. As a first go at this these cards are alright. Paizo should learn from all the other comments made about this deck and try again. I'll not reiterate the other complaints.</p>
<p>If the cards were not limited to single side only maybe some more information about buffs could be added. For example "Enlarge Person" doesn't mention CMB or CMB modifications, skill adjustments. Fighting Defensively or Total Defense makes no mention of a bonus if you have 3 ranks of Acrobatics. etc.</p>
<p>Another option for the flip side of cards could be De-Buff effects like Bane (printed opposite of Bless).</p>Esreyr2015-01-10T16:39:09ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: A good start (4 stars)closetgamerhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2013-03-27T02:16:26Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>First, I got these cards 1/2 off, so no complaints here. If I were to criticize anything, it would be that there should be additional Buff decks. This first deck is good for low levels, but it won't get much use at higher levels I'm afraid.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>First, I got these cards 1/2 off, so no complaints here. If I were to criticize anything, it would be that there should be additional Buff decks. This first deck is good for low levels, but it won't get much use at higher levels I'm afraid.</p>closetgamer2013-03-27T02:16:26ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: disappointing (1 star)James Krolakhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-10-05T14:56:11Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>I gotta agree with the other poor reviews here. If you compare it to the Condition Cards deck, this is like comparing Colt 45 to champagne. These are not double sided, the format isn't all that helpful, there is information missing from some of them, there aren't even some of the most common buffs in the deck, and there are no duplicates. It's sad all around. I wish I'd read some of these reviews before ordering it. I'd rather just write down the effects onto an index card and fold it and put it in the middle of the table 'cuz that works more effectively.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>I gotta agree with the other poor reviews here. If you compare it to the Condition Cards deck, this is like comparing Colt 45 to champagne. These are not double sided, the format isn't all that helpful, there is information missing from some of them, there aren't even some of the most common buffs in the deck, and there are no duplicates. It's sad all around. I wish I'd read some of these reviews before ordering it. I'd rather just write down the effects onto an index card and fold it and put it in the middle of the table 'cuz that works more effectively.</p>James Krolak2012-10-05T14:56:11ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Complete Disappoinment (1 star)Grollochttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-08-15T08:10:07Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>After being completely thrilled with the Condition Cards, I was totally appalled by this deck.</p>
<p>1) <b>Single sided with no duplicate copies for group spells.</b> So I need 3-5 copies of the deck every time I cast a haste/bless/aid/mass anything, but I have cards for instant actions like charge, total defense, and fighting defensively, which are done by the time I can find the cards in the deck. I could live with single copies if they could be read from across the table, or at least the player next to you but....</p>
<p>2) <b>Small Fonts due to wasted space and layout.</b> The type of bonus, probably the most important info when stacking buffs, is the smallest font on the card. Do we really need a miniaturized picture of the source book wasting space that could be used to flesh out the spells? How hard would it have been to make the reference CRB p. 316 at the top near the name of the effect? 1/3 of each card is the stacking bonuses summary, an over-sized stat box for att/dmg, range, AC and 3 saves meant to let you tally up all of your bonuses for easy math, but....</p>
<p>3) <b>The Stacking feature is broken.</b> Duration is at the top of the cards instead of with the bonuses. If you are stacking them to line up your bonuses/penalties you can't see when each one fades, but you can see the page reference. But you can't really use the layout for stacking anyways, because of.....</p>
<p>4) <b>Inconsistent/broken mechanics.</b> Rage cards calculate your bonuses to hit/dmg but Mutagen does not. Protection from Evil lists its save bonuses vs evil, but Inspire courage doesn't list its bonus on saves vs fear at all. Bonus types are listed incorrectly such as Bull's Strength listed as an Enhancement bonus to Attack and damage, and you can't see the main text which might clarify that while stacking. So you still have to full-spread layout the cards to read the whole effect anyways, to get your whole buff info, right? WRONG, because of....</p>
<p>5) <b>Gross oversights and errors.</b> Common buffs are just missing or have incomplete info and you have to look them up anyways. Where are the Resist and Protection from Energy cards? Why does the Invisibility card make no mention of ending when you attack, and the bonuses you get on that attack? I know they can't put everything on every card, but Mage Armor doesn't mention it works on incorporeal attacks, and the card is almost totally empty!</p>
<p>So to sum up: You can't use it for stacking, you can't use it to let your group know what's on them, the effects on the cards are misleading, and you are missing info and common buffs.</p>
<p>Useful only as an expensive bookmark set with cartoony Kyra and Seoni reminding me of a terrible purchase.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>After being completely thrilled with the Condition Cards, I was totally appalled by this deck.</p>
<p>1) <b>Single sided with no duplicate copies for group spells.</b> So I need 3-5 copies of the deck every time I cast a haste/bless/aid/mass anything, but I have cards for instant actions like charge, total defense, and fighting defensively, which are done by the time I can find the cards in the deck. I could live with single copies if they could be read from across the table, or at least the player next to you but....</p>
<p>2) <b>Small Fonts due to wasted space and layout.</b> The type of bonus, probably the most important info when stacking buffs, is the smallest font on the card. Do we really need a miniaturized picture of the source book wasting space that could be used to flesh out the spells? How hard would it have been to make the reference CRB p. 316 at the top near the name of the effect? 1/3 of each card is the stacking bonuses summary, an over-sized stat box for att/dmg, range, AC and 3 saves meant to let you tally up all of your bonuses for easy math, but....</p>
<p>3) <b>The Stacking feature is broken.</b> Duration is at the top of the cards instead of with the bonuses. If you are stacking them to line up your bonuses/penalties you can't see when each one fades, but you can see the page reference. But you can't really use the layout for stacking anyways, because of.....</p>
<p>4) <b>Inconsistent/broken mechanics.</b> Rage cards calculate your bonuses to hit/dmg but Mutagen does not. Protection from Evil lists its save bonuses vs evil, but Inspire courage doesn't list its bonus on saves vs fear at all. Bonus types are listed incorrectly such as Bull's Strength listed as an Enhancement bonus to Attack and damage, and you can't see the main text which might clarify that while stacking. So you still have to full-spread layout the cards to read the whole effect anyways, to get your whole buff info, right? WRONG, because of....</p>
<p>5) <b>Gross oversights and errors.</b> Common buffs are just missing or have incomplete info and you have to look them up anyways. Where are the Resist and Protection from Energy cards? Why does the Invisibility card make no mention of ending when you attack, and the bonuses you get on that attack? I know they can't put everything on every card, but Mage Armor doesn't mention it works on incorporeal attacks, and the card is almost totally empty!</p>
<p>So to sum up: You can't use it for stacking, you can't use it to let your group know what's on them, the effects on the cards are misleading, and you are missing info and common buffs.</p>
<p>Useful only as an expensive bookmark set with cartoony Kyra and Seoni reminding me of a terrible purchase.</p>Grolloc2012-08-15T08:10:07ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Cards... (2 stars)Red-Assassinhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-06-08T02:17:44Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>These cards are no were close to the Condition deck.</p>
<p>First they are single sided... why </p>
<p>So you are stuck with all the same art.... Which isnt to good, a cartooney cleric and oracle.</p>
<p>The cards themselves are very standard, something players usually use with note cards.</p>
<p>These cards could of used cartooney funny goblin art. as well as advanced uses many of these cards. fighting defensivly etcs, sourrces to expand on aid.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>These cards are no were close to the Condition deck.</p>
<p>First they are single sided... why </p>
<p>So you are stuck with all the same art.... Which isnt to good, a cartooney cleric and oracle.</p>
<p>The cards themselves are very standard, something players usually use with note cards.</p>
<p>These cards could of used cartooney funny goblin art. as well as advanced uses many of these cards. fighting defensivly etcs, sourrces to expand on aid.</p>Red-Assassin2012-06-08T02:17:44ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Good stuff (4 stars)Lady Opheliahttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-06-02T22:45:56Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>So for the most part this deck is awesome. I just wish we could have doubles of a few bit it is still great for helping new players and bets better understand their buffs.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>So for the most part this deck is awesome. I just wish we could have doubles of a few bit it is still great for helping new players and bets better understand their buffs.</p>Lady Ophelia2012-06-02T22:45:56ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Oops they missed one . . . at least (4 stars)Todd Lowerhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-06-02T17:14:24Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>On my first look through Blessing of Ferver is missing. Too bad too, it is one of my most used buffs when I play a cleric. All of the rest look to be well done though. And there are blank cards so I can make up a card for that.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>On my first look through Blessing of Ferver is missing. Too bad too, it is one of my most used buffs when I play a cleric. All of the rest look to be well done though. And there are blank cards so I can make up a card for that.</p>Todd Lower2012-06-02T17:14:24ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Excellent player and gm resource (5 stars)Magical_Beasthttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-05-26T02:38:47Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>These are long overdue. As someone who regularly plays buff characters, I am excited to not have to make my own out of index cards anymore.</p>
<p>I miss the goblin art from the condition cards, but the cards are well-laid out and easy to read.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>These are long overdue. As someone who regularly plays buff characters, I am excited to not have to make my own out of index cards anymore.</p>
<p>I miss the goblin art from the condition cards, but the cards are well-laid out and easy to read.</p>Magical_Beast2012-05-26T02:38:47ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: Great resource (5 stars)Eric Clingenpeelhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-05-21T18:57:25Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>The cards look great. They're clear and easy to read. Red for class ability, green for general combat tactics(?), and yellow for spells. I'm looking forward to using them in our PFS game tonight. :D Thanks once again Paizo for an excellent product.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>The cards look great. They're clear and easy to read. Red for class ability, green for general combat tactics(?), and yellow for spells. I'm looking forward to using them in our PFS game tonight. :D Thanks once again Paizo for an excellent product.</p>Eric Clingenpeel2012-05-21T18:57:25ZPathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck: 52 buffs and no place to go. (4 stars)Bog97thhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9z?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Buff-Deck2012-05-19T19:07:30Z<p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>It's a good deck and a good idea but I think it could have been a double sized deck. Also the cards need a bit of art work on the working side of the card IMHO.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Buff Deck</b></p><p>It's a good deck and a good idea but I think it could have been a double sized deck. Also the cards need a bit of art work on the working side of the card IMHO.</p>Bog97th2012-05-19T19:07:30Z