Bibliomane74's page

So, as I continue to reacquaint myself to RGPs (specifically for Pathfinder) after 20 years, I have one overwhelming observation. It can be really stressful making a character. I was used to picking a class and rolling someone up. But now... It's a very involved process. There are decisions to be made that affect the rest of the character's life profoundly. And, figuring out the best ways to stack bonuses... I'm definitely no powergamer. But I still find it scary. Reading the forums doesn't always help. Half of the time, I can barely understand what people are talking about. Reading build discussions makes me wish I had paid more attention in stats class.

Now, understand, that I don't mean to suggest that this is a bad thing. Just different. But, I am going to play PF this weekend for the first time in a Society game. I'm looking upon this as a great intro to the game. A way to learn the mechanics, and enjoy. I'm really looking forward to it. But, as I sit and try to make a character, I feel partially paralyzed. I mean, I had a similar feeling when I tried to play some LFR at a local game store. When I went there I had people giving me a really hard time about my proposed character. How I had assigned my ability scores wrong. Picked the wrong skills. Etc. Now some people were simply teaching me, and that's what I desperately need and look forward to. But a few others were... How to say..

Anyway, just an old gamer, learning to be a new gamer... But figured I'd put my thoughts out there.

Excited to be learning PFRPG though. I'm literally carrying the book with me everywhere I go and reading it during breaks at work and everything... As you can see, I got addicted fast and am subscribed to almost everything.

Well, I look forward to reading your thoughts...

I just wanted to throw this out there, and, while showing my age, I wanted to add a plea for the continued development of free-standing RPG for computers and consoles. While I understand the communal fun of MMORPGs, they're just not my things. My RPG computer gaming harkens back to the days of Dungeon Master on the Atari ST, the Bard's Tale series on my Tandy, and all of the TSR D&D games. I had so much fin, and so many hours with those games, that I think about them often.

But where are the immersive RPGs for Mac and PC now? I know about the graphic intensive monsters that are out there - I just want to create party and scour some dungeons...

Anyone?

Ok, so, I saw a post on another site discussing the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, and it got me thinking. I'm a big reader, as most gamers are, and am always looking for good books as well as thinking about what it is that I like in fantasy fiction. Now, I read all kinds of things. And am not even against reading fine literature periodically; even enjoying it sometimes. But I read fantasy because I'm looking for certain things. Because I'm in a certain mood. But, I must be honest - I don't always get into the same books that everyone raves about.

There are a lot of great writers in the fantasy genre. Some writing new and exciting things, and others treading over old ground. I'll give my thoughts about a few, but I'm sure I'll get flamed for some of this:

George R. R. Martin... Great writer. Built an incredible word with awesome characters. Complicated but believable political factions and intrigue. But I petered out after three books. You see, I got excited about Jon Snow and what was going on beyond the wall. The mysterious creatures, etc. But that was such a small part of the books. I found myself wishing for more monsters and magic. You know the cliched stuff.

Stephen Erikson... The Malazan Book of the Fallen Series. Read two of them. A lot going on. A great writer. Another very creative guy. But too convoluted for me.

Robert Jordan... Actually, the Wheel of Time stuff had more of what I was looking for, but it was quite voluminous. I think I got through 3 of them. But I may get back and try it again...

So, what I really wanted to get to was a few general thoughts about fantasy fiction. I think a lot of the writers spend a lot of time trying to write themselves out of the cliches and reputation of the fantasy genre.

But I really like that stuff. I don't need high literature. I want heroes and evil. Demons and dungeons. Cool magic spells and cooler magic items. Things that make me think about my games. I like the other stuff too, and will be reading all of the above, I'm sure. But what are the best dungeon delve books? The ones that have a linear plot. A book about killing a lich? A book about exploring an old keep. You know, the fictionalized books about things that the modules are all about.

So I'm starting to re-read the Icewind Dale trilogy and thinking of some others.

Any thoughts anyone...? Please.

Ok, so, the deal is this...

I am getting back into RPGs after some time off (15 years). And Pathfinder is the reason. I've been wanting to get back to gaming, and following the lead up to PF has just gotten me so excited that I'm taking the plunge. So, as I search for players, and get to know the game and read my brains out, I have this plea for advice:

Locating players is always hard - but I have ben able to get some folks willing to play, and I think I can get a couple more. Meaning - I'm the one starting to organize play... Meaning, I'm going to be the GM...

Ok, I'm not only fine with that, but I like the idea. And I've been telling all the players that they will need to be somewhat patient in the beginning. But I thought that it may be a good idea for a thread - as I know I have a lot to learn

What are some core pieces of advice for someone not only new to PF, but also getting started back up in RPGs altogether??? Is such a thing possible????

I was scanning around the forums, but I didn't see a place to try and hook up with other local gamers. There was a section under the Society message board, but not for other gaming that I saw.

I'm near Hartford, CT - so anybody nearby? I'm new to PF, but not gaming. I'd be willing to get into GM'ing if necessary.

Hope to hear from some locals.

Hey...

I'm new to Pathfinder, but not new to gaming - but getting back into it after about 15 years out. Would love to get into some existing Society gaming here - or I'd be willing to start a home game...

Let me know if anyone's around.

Hello all...

I'm new to Pathfinder. Just getting started reading the book and loving everything I read. As an old-school D&D gamer from about 15 years ago - I'm now getting back into gaming, and Pathfinder is definitely the way I'm going... Now just to find some other players here in surrounding Hartford, CT.

Anyway, I did want to ask a few questions being new to the whole thing, and I don't want to purchase confusing combinations of materials. I am interested in subscribing to some of the book releases, however, I want to make sure that I'm getting the right things.

First of all, I want to become acquainted with Golarion and I have none of the 3.5 stuff. So, since I'm starting with the PF RPG, should I get the 3.5 Golarion book? Or will there be something different I should start with for the PF RPG? I know there are some other things forthcoming, but I didn't see anything about a new general setting book.

I guess I can also turn this thread into an even more general question:

As someone totally starting with the new Pathfinder RPG, and no background in the 3.5 stuff... What else do I need? And in what order would you suggest I pick them up?

Thanks for all the help. I'm very excited to be getting back into gaming, 15 years is too long to wait. And I'm sure I'll end up having to run the game so I'll probably start a thread on new GM'ing advice as well... (now to find those players...)