Hey all. Just became interested in Pathfinder having played AD&D 2nd edition in my youth. I think overall the pathfinder system is superb compared to any of the alternatives offered. I have a few complaints regarding some of the WoW like, over-the-top art direction, but overall very well done. However, there are some things that have not translated well from my 2nd edition days, and I was wondering if anyone might explain the reasoning behind these changes. These mostly deal with monsters:
1. Creatures seem to give incredible amounts of experience. Like 10x more than in 2nd Edition. Example, a 2nd Edition Gnoll gave 35 XP points. In Pathfinder, a Gnoll gives 400 XP points. What's was the reasoning behind this huge leap? Did they want Characters to level up after every couple of encounters?
2. What happened to the monster lore or "fluff"? Without actually knowing anything about the monsters prior to reading the Pathfinder Bestiary, you would only know about their combat. I paged through the bestiary and it seems to be mostly Stats, with text describing combat attacks, and a picture taking up half the page. If there is any room left they might add something like: ogres are mean, or bats like to eat insects. The 2nd edition Monster Manual had 1/4 page stats, 1/4 page picture and the rest dedicated to explaining all about the monsters motives, lifestyle, habitat/society & Ecology so they felt more than just combat vehicles. Is there some other reference or book describing these basic monsters in detail? Or did they make a call that lore/fluff wasn't worth the space?
3. Why are weasels in the bestiary so F'n strong? Stronger than Orcs, Humans, Drows, Skeletons and Hawks? ... and don't get me started on the insane killing power of regular wolverines. (this question is a joke).
I still think the pathfinder system is great. I'm just curious about these changes and the rational behind them. Thanks alls!
