Hmm if this is part of the sub then I'll have to think who I want to pass it on to.
Also, having it be E6 (rather than E5) would be more important if there were a sorcerer class in the set, for instance. Out of the cleric, rogue, fighter and wizard, only the fighter gets something particularly interesting at level 6.
Depending on how elegant those rules simplifications are, this might be the beginning of an E5 campaign for me.
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Also, having it be E6 (rather than E5) would be more important if there were a sorcerer class in the set, for instance. Out of the cleric, rogue, fighter and wizard, only the fighter gets something particularly interesting at level 6.Depending on how elegant those rules simplifications are, this might be the beginning of an E5 campaign for me.
Ryan Stoughton? The author of the E6 system himself? Coolio! First time I've seen you on the boards. Welcome!
You can't hurt me! I am apparently a 3-foot tall shaved badger who folds pennies with her fingers....sweetly, kind, snuggly mama duck of evil.You will pay for that.....
Jason
XD This reminds me of some reincarnated PCs I heard about back in 1st and 2nd editions.
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@ hogarth,
I don't see a reason why E5 Pathfinder wouldn't work. As was discussed in the long product pitch thread about the idea of a "basic" game 5th level in Pathfinder is a fairly good place to stop for most classes now. Don't forget that character bonus feats also run Odd levels now, so you get the character feat at 5th and not 6th.
Why is this cool? Isn't it just a dumb down version of the main game?Even if this was just "a dumbed down version of the main game," which it isn't, this is a cool product because you can hand it to a beginner and say, "here's *everything* you need to get started playing Pathfinder." And they won't boggle at having to read the 576-page Core Rulebook just to "get started"... and won't also have to buy a flip-mat, dice, and miniatures.
It'll be a great product for teenagers. Or college students. Anyone you know who *could* be a gamer, but doesn't have an all-in-one-box game to hook them.
OK I'll give you that. But as for my experience with other "boxed games", they tend to have the cheapest, and worst dice I have ever seen. I'm hoping you all step up and at least put in there something a play might actually want to keep.
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OK I'll give you that. But as for my experience with other "boxed games", they tend to have the cheapest, and worst dice I have ever seen. I'm hoping you all step up and at least put in there something a play might actually want to keep.Why is this cool? Isn't it just a dumb down version of the main game?Even if this was just "a dumbed down version of the main game," which it isn't, this is a cool product because you can hand it to a beginner and say, "here's *everything* you need to get started playing Pathfinder." And they won't boggle at having to read the 576-page Core Rulebook just to "get started"... and won't also have to buy a flip-mat, dice, and miniatures.
It'll be a great product for teenagers. Or college students. Anyone you know who *could* be a gamer, but doesn't have an all-in-one-box game to hook them.
I guess my only comment here is ... I think it's reasonable to have faith and trust in Paizo to do this in a high quality, classy way.
There is a reason Paizo has earned a reputation for top quality products, after all!
A question the answer to which I hope isn't locked down: will the simplified rules variants be considered open content?
All of Paizo's rules content up to this point has been open, there's no reason to assume this will be any different. Especially if 90% is already open via Core.
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I really like the cover art of this black dragon and am really hoping the people at reaper make a model of this dragon like the one they did for the core book.
Only issue I have about this item is having to wait until October
.. But if it is to refine the product I am all for that.
I just request an easy to read character sheet
(Only 12 boxes one base attribute for each and one box for each modifier)
Up to 5th level means about 5 lines for feats, and 5 line for class features
I just want something that won't confuse people, is easy to read, IS EASY TO FILL OUT, and is attractive.
I'm talking about a character sheet like the one on the basic 3.0 box
But why am I throwing out request PAIZO never fails to deliver
Ryan Stoughton? The author of the E6 system himself? Coolio! First time I've seen you on the boards. Welcome!
Yep. I'm more of a lurker these days.
The thing I'm hoping for most for from the Beginner Box is monster stat blocks with the bare essentials.
Ryan Stoughton? The author of the E6 system himself? Coolio! First time I've seen you on the boards. Welcome!Yep. I'm more of a lurker these days.
The thing I'm hoping for most for from the Beginner Box is monster stat blocks with the bare essentials.
I'm leery of asking due to a fear of being scorned, but what exactly is this E5 E6 etc. thing that people keep referencing?
I get the impression that it's a cut down system with a 5 (or 6) level cap ... is there a description of it somewhere?
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I get the impression that it's a cut down system with a 5 (or 6) level cap ... is there a description of it somewhere?
it's in the discription above
..First off, this box is designed to contain everything that a new gamer needs to begin playing the Pathfinder RPG, from dice and pawns to a simplified rules set and an exciting starter adventure. There are enough rules in this box to take characters all the way up to 5th level, and plenty of tools for the GM to create countless hours of play...
Ryan Stoughton? The author of the E6 system himself? Coolio! First time I've seen you on the boards. Welcome!Yep. I'm more of a lurker these days.
The thing I'm hoping for most for from the Beginner Box is monster stat blocks with the bare essentials.
I'm leery of asking due to a fear of being scorned, but what exactly is this E5 E6 etc. thing that people keep referencing?
I get the impression that it's a cut down system with a 5 (or 6) level cap ... is there a description of it somewhere?
I'm sure Ryan can give you the best or most "official" place to find the rules, but you can try here:
http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/206323-e6-game-inside-d -d.html
I get the impression that it's a cut down system with a 5 (or 6) level cap ... is there a description of it somewhere?it's in the discription above
..First off, this box is designed to contain everything that a new gamer needs to begin playing the Pathfinder RPG, from dice and pawns to a simplified rules set and an exciting starter adventure. There are enough rules in this box to take characters all the way up to 5th level, and plenty of tools for the GM to create countless hours of play...
No, not that. I understand that the Pathfinder Beginner Box covers levels 1-5 for four of the core classes.
I'm asking about this E5/E6 thing people keep referring to (I've actually heard a lot of other numbers thrown in there too) ... I'm asking what an E[number] campaign is.
Edit: Ninja'ed by hogarth. Thanks! And I'll try to stop thinking of the Iron Giant every time I see your name :)
For E#, after you hit the cap, you can still take more feats. Feats are awesome, bite-sized rules exceptions, so they're great for this.
Feats that you need > # for don't exist.
Works pretty well for keeping the feeling of advancement but not stretching the power level too much. Nice for long campaigns where the hero goes back to his home village and he's badass, but not The Incredible Hulk. Likewise you're not constantly leveling up villains to catch the players.
A question the answer to which I hope isn't locked down: will the simplified rules variants be considered open content?All of Paizo's rules content up to this point has been open, there's no reason to assume this will be any different. Especially if 90% is already open via Core.
It is a valid question, and either way, closed or open, it may lead to a variant system, whether it is true pathfinder (next generation) or third party.
Hmm if this is part of the sub then I'll have to think who I want to pass it on to.If all else fails, donate it to a local school?
Easier said than done..in order to donate to a school I would first have to be vetted by the local council..a procedure that would cost me £75.00..for each school I approached (crazy but true, Scotland takes child safety to extremes.)
If the October release date stays true, this will be awesome for Christmas presents.
It is a valid question, and either way, closed or open, it may lead to a variant system, whether it is true pathfinder (next generation) or third party.A question the answer to which I hope isn't locked down: will the simplified rules variants be considered open content?All of Paizo's rules content up to this point has been open, there's no reason to assume this will be any different. Especially if 90% is already open via Core.
I'm mainly asking because this is a product that I would definitely buy as a gift for others, but it would be unlikely that I'd get one for myself (though I'm considering keeping one shrink-wrapped copy and vowing not to crack it open until Pathfinder reaches its second edition). I do like rules-light systems, though, and would like to incorporate any variants introduced in the BB into my own game, if they're compatible with higher-level play and help speed up things at the table.
Easier said than done..in order to donate to a school I would first have to be vetted by the local council..a procedure that would cost me £75.00..for each school I approached (crazy but true, Scotland takes child safety to extremes.)Hmm if this is part of the sub then I'll have to think who I want to pass it on to.If all else fails, donate it to a local school?
If you knew a teacher, you could donate it to the teacher instead of to the school :)
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I do like rules-light systems, though, and would like to incorporate any variants introduced in the BB into my own game, if they're compatible with higher-level play and help speed up things at the table.
People keep saying "rules light", when from everything I've seen, the intention is "option light" rather than rules light. Same rules, just less feats, less spells, less defined combat manouvers etc etc. Easier for a beginner, but completely compatable with the full game.
This also answers the openness Q above, i.e it's already 100% open...
In my opinion, the whole E6 variant is one of the wisest analyses of 3.x mechanics I have yet seen.
The idea of acknowledging the levels at which the game "changes gears" has really helped me in GMing past 6th level, even though the rule doesn't much cover that.
Insofar as the Beginner Box looks like a good jumping-off point for an E5 type game, I think it has incredible potential.
More generally, I would like to see more products from Paizo in the future that acknowledge the "gear-shifts" — both in terms of mechanics (like a High-Level Campaign Guide maybe?) and in modules (which should contain spell sidebars and similar material for higher level adventures).
Easier said than done..in order to donate to a school I would first have to be vetted by the local council..a procedure that would cost me £75.00..for each school I approached (crazy but true, Scotland takes child safety to extremes.)Hmm if this is part of the sub then I'll have to think who I want to pass it on to.If all else fails, donate it to a local school?
Sounds like the better/saner approach is to donate it to a local child attending the local school and let him/her share it with his/her classmates.
There must be some kid you can find who'd like it as a Christmas present.
More generally, I would like to see more products from Paizo in the future that acknowledge the "gear-shifts" — both in terms of mechanics (like a High-Level Campaign Guide maybe?) and in modules (which should contain spell sidebars and similar material for higher level adventures).
This is sort of a threadjack, but I would also like to see this. An optimum situation would be have a high level guide with the specific situations/scenarios associated with this level of play addressed, then modules/APs could reference the guide.
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This is sort of a threadjack, but I would also like to see this. An optimum situation would be have a high level guide with the specific situations/scenarios associated with this level of play addressed, then modules/APs could reference the guide.
More generally, I would like to see more products from Paizo in the future that acknowledge the "gear-shifts" — both in terms of mechanics (like a High-Level Campaign Guide maybe?) and in modules (which should contain spell sidebars and similar material for higher level adventures).
This would be a great adjunct in 3PP-mods.
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I wonder if this will be compatible with Pathfinder Society Scenarios? I hope so, as this plus PFS scenarios for several games seems like a magical combination for entry level players.
Also, I wonder if this is just stripping down the rules, as opposed to simplifying them? For example, would the character sheets still work with Herolab?
I'm sure PaizoCon will answer these questions though...
This could be the golden opportunity to officially publish a sort of E5 game.
I can even see the "Beginners Book of Epic Feats" and the "Beginners Book of Epic Monsters" seemlessy taking up where P:TBB ends.
The only question is: does Paizo want to compete against themselves?
This could be the golden opportunity to officially publish a sort of E5 game.
I can even see the "Beginners Book of Epic Feats" and the "Beginners Book of Epic Monsters" seemlessy taking up where P:TBB ends.
Just please, please, please don't use those names.
"Epic" is already overloaded enough, and the formal use of the word "epic" in 3.5e (and in Pathfinder) is for "level 21+," though Pathfinder also uses "epic" for "weapons with a +6 enhancement bonus or higher (though you have to look hard to find that reference).
It'd be like coming out with a book called "The Book of Prestige Classes" and having it be about nobility and heraldry instead of non-base classes.
This could be the golden opportunity to officially publish a sort of E5 game.
I can even see the "Beginners Book of Epic Feats" and the "Beginners Book of Epic Monsters" seemlessy taking up where P:TBB ends.
To me, the whole point of E6 (or E5 or E8 or whatever) is that it's just a subset of the regular d20 rules with very few additions. Creating a special monster book for E6 (that wouldn't work with regular d20) would sort of defeat the purpose.
I know you said you won't be answering any more questions about the box, so let me phrase this as an hope instead, or as a question about your policies. :p
Paizo's books and APs can generally all be found in french pretty shortly after they are released, and I hope this will be the same for the begginer's box.
I'm wondering about this because it appears that often in the industry the translations are not made by the producing company directly, but rather outsourced, and while a translated version of the books themselves is readily available, other products such as cards and boxed sets are not translated.
It would be a shame really, since for regions where english is not the first language, the language barrier is one of the main things that prevent using such boxed sets to get new people, espacially kids, in the hobby. And Pathfinder would make such a wonderful christmas present for my nephews!
I must admit I am a fan of simpler rules, and have lost faith in some respects that 4E knows where it is headed. I am leary about investing in any game for a while, so if it went in the direction of OGL, at least that is something to start with, and avoid the complexity of standard pathfinder. Only time will tell.
Chief Technical Officer
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I know you said you won't be answering any more questions about the box, so let me phrase this as an hope instead, or as a question about your policies. :p
Paizo's books and APs can generally all be found in french pretty shortly after they are released, and I hope this will be the same for the begginer's box.
I'm wondering about this because it appears that often in the industry the translations are not made by the producing company directly, but rather outsourced, and while a translated version of the books themselves is readily available, other products such as cards and boxed sets are not translated.
It would be a shame really, since for regions where english is not the first language, the language barrier is one of the main things that prevent using such boxed sets to get new people, espacially kids, in the hobby. And Pathfinder would make such a wonderful christmas present for my nephews!
Like any product in the line, if our licensees think it makes sense to publish the Beginner's Box in their language, they can do that.
I kinda agree with those that don't think this should be part of the subscription, in fact it's products like this that keep me from buying the subscription (that, and not being able to afford to buy every book as soon as it comes out, I need to plan my RPG purchases). I think this product looks really cool for new gamers, but as I only play with seasoned gamers that played AD&D 2nd edition back in the day, a beginner box set won't do me or any of my friends much good.
Now again, from what I have read, I think it looks great! Including dice is something an RPG hasn't done in a long time, just don't think it should be in the subscription cause it's not for everyone like adventures and such are.
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I kinda agree with those that don't think this should be part of the subscription, in fact it's products like this that keep me from buying the subscription (that, and not being able to afford to buy every book as soon as it comes out, I need to plan my RPG purchases). I think this product looks really cool for new gamers, but as I only play with seasoned gamers that played AD&D 2nd edition back in the day, a beginner box set won't do me or any of my friends much good.
Now again, from what I have read, I think it looks great! Including dice is something an RPG hasn't done in a long time, just don't think it should be in the subscription cause it's not for everyone like adventures and such are.
I also agree that this product should not be in the subscription, as it brings nothing new to the rules system nor to the play experience by itself, as opposed to all the previous products in this subscription.
If I already have the CRB, the APG, the GMG, the Screen, the Bestiaries and the Ultimate books, what does this product add ?
I personnaly think that this product, by itself, is very good and I would likely have bought it on its own.
However, and I am greatly sorry to say so considering the very high quality of what Paizo offers, this feels like forcing the hand of the subscribers.
After all, many of them might feel that this product does not in any real way help them to "Stay on top of new rules developments, exciting new classes and character abilities, and great game mastering tools with hardcover rulebooks, monster books, and rules-focused accessories aimed at giving you the best possible Pathfinder RPG experience!"
More generally, I would like to see more products from Paizo in the future that acknowledge the "gear-shifts" — both in terms of mechanics (like a High-Level Campaign Guide maybe?) and in modules (which should contain spell sidebars and similar material for higher level adventures).
There has been discussion about doing books about "how to play" in certain level ranges. The ones mentioned were 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, and 16-20. This doesn't fit that entirely, but the 1-5 range is probably the one that least needs a special "how to" book (past the GMG already put out).
I kinda agree with those that don't think this should be part of the subscription
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I also agree that this product should not be in the subscription
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As a subscriber I disagree and look forward to receiving The Beginner Box as soon as it's published, along with the PDF...
It has a different utility from the "main-line" books. I'm thinking this would be handy for pickup games with folks new to RPG's in general...
My 2 cp...
I for one am glad to get in the subscription. If you really don't want it, unsubscribe and resubscribe after it ships. It's not like it costs you more than a few minutes of internet time. These aren't pre-paid subscriptions where you have to get a years worth at a time.
Even though I have all the rules, this will be handy as a place to start at the beginning of most campaigns. Giving this to a new player is way easier than overwhelming them with Core + APG + UM + UC. Or even just Core. Giving them Beginner Book + Inner Sea Primer + AP Player's Guide is a lot easier to chew.
Of course, I also plan on creating a PDF to supplement the box and turn it into E5.
I kinda agree with those that don't think this should be part of the subscription
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I also agree that this product should not be in the subscription
[...]
As a subscriber I disagree and look forward to receiving The Beginner Box as soon as it's published, along with the PDF...
It has a different utility from the "main-line" books. I'm thinking this would be handy for pickup games with folks new to RPG's in general...
My 2 cp...
If you have players new to RPGs, yes it's great. However, if you don't then it's not adding anything to your campaign. I just think that for this box set alone, there should be an opt-out for those that truly feel they don't need it.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
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If you have players new to RPGs, yes it's great. However, if you don't then it's not adding anything to your campaign. I just think that for this box set alone, there should be an opt-out for those that truly feel they don't need it.
You're getting an extra flip-mat and 80 full color pawns, that's pretty cool, right?
You're getting an extra flip-mat and 80 full color pawns, that's pretty cool, right?
If you have players new to RPGs, yes it's great. However, if you don't then it's not adding anything to your campaign. I just think that for this box set alone, there should be an opt-out for those that truly feel they don't need it.
Yes, if I used mats and miniatures.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
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Yes, if I used mats and miniatures.You're getting an extra flip-mat and 80 full color pawns, that's pretty cool, right?
If you have players new to RPGs, yes it's great. However, if you don't then it's not adding anything to your campaign. I just think that for this box set alone, there should be an opt-out for those that truly feel they don't need it.
Well with the Beginner's Box, you've got a great chance to start!
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Chief Technical Officer
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Well with the Beginner's Box, you've got a great chance to start!Yes, if I used mats and miniatures.You're getting an extra flip-mat and 80 full color pawns, that's pretty cool, right?
If you have players new to RPGs, yes it's great. However, if you don't then it's not adding anything to your campaign. I just think that for this box set alone, there should be an opt-out for those that truly feel they don't need it.
I like the cut of your jib, good sir!
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We all know paizo likes to use Icons on the covers they use in products. Based off the four lined up icons on the side of the box we are getting: Mage,Rogue,Cleric and fighter and Human and elf as races at lest.
That was like the third thing I thought when I saw this.
The first was.. didn't Paizo say no more boxes?
The seconds was.. wait, where's Seoni!?!
The third was.. oh the classic 4 classes. ;)