Wrayden's page

While I understand Kolokotroni's statement regarding Paizo may not want to split their audience into a Basic and Core camps, but I can't help but think they created a product that seems to be having that audience for more. You can't ignore that.

Maybe another boxed set doesn't make sense, but a beginner's book that carries the rest of the game to level 10 or 20 might fit the bill. You can jump into the ocre rules at anytime. You can also have a small chapter for DM's that suggests a list of core rules to introduce to players based on the their level. Or just keep to the basic rules. It would be up to the DM and the players.

Avalon Hill used to have a great system to introduce players to their complex wargames by introducing new elements of gameplay with each advancing sceanrio. No reason a RPG game can't do the same. Normally it is done with progressive adventures, but after the first advenure, most modules tend to leave you on your own.

I seriously think Paizo and players can have it all. Some cake quote cliche comes to mind.

It appears that there is growing demand for the BB rule set to expand its product. I have posted the following in another thread that fits here as well as my thoughts on the matter:

I understand that Paizo wants this box set to be a beginner game that leads players to the main game; however, after listening to WotC plans for 5th edition, I wonder if Paizo should rethink their approach and change the beginner box into the part of the basic rules line.

5th edition is supposed to be modular in nature. Make the game as simple or complex as you like.

I think Paizo should address this early. Jump in and make a basic set of rules and support it with adventures, etc. Perhaps the next set should be levels 5 - 10 and introduce optional rules like AOO, etc. Rules that can be ignored or used to bring players close to the core rulebook. Players can jump up to the full rule-set at anytime or stay with the basic system. I can only think this as a win-win for Paizo.

I got the Beginner Box a few weeks back. I like it.

Then I got the Pathfinder Core book because I wanted to compare, and I keep getting invited to actually play in a game of it.

While Pathfinder is pretty much v3.5 D&D with all the house-rules I used already in it and a few new features, it is still v3.5 in essence, which still means it has all the issues I had with v3.5.

Mostly related to complexity and game-prep time issues. For fairness and full disclosure, I don't even do a lot of 4e anymore because now it has too many books and is more complex than I bought into it for. My current games of choice are Savage Worlds (Necessary Evil, Slipstream, and Weited War II), BRP, and nWoD: Mage.

But I really do like the Beginner Box. It's what Essentials could have been if they had not screwed up the marketing and product packaging (in short, they really should have had one big Player Book for Essentials instead of 2), and actually made them a good introduction to the game.

What I'm asking, or suggesting, is that maybe the 'Beginner' line should continue. Maybe offer a second beginner book with levels 6-20 of the 4 in the box. Another book with Beginner style versions of the other classes and races, levels 1-20. And a Beginner Bestiary. All with the pared down lists of feats, spells, and the like, and the fewer combat options (but point out the golden rule, or that you can adapt rules as desired from the Core Rulebook).

Or, same concept, but keep the Beginner lines levels 1-5 only. Or maybe levels 1-10.

I'd just like to see more like this. I think that the Beginner Box is the optimal level of complexity for the v3.5 rules. Enough options to do most character ideas, but not so many that a guy with limited time to prep and run could miss vital things that could break a game.

Just my two cents.

KT

I have to agree. I understand that Paizo wants this box set to be a beginner game that leads players to the main game; however, after listening to WotC plans for 5th edition, I wonder if Paizo should rethink their approach and change the beginner box into the part of the basic rules line.

5th edition is supposed to be modular in nature. Make the game as simple or complex as you like.

I think Paizo should address this early. Jump in and make a basic set of rules and support it with adventures, etc. Perhaps the next set should be levels 5 - 10 and introduce optional rules like AOO, etc. Rules that can be ignored or used to bring players close to the core rulebook. Players can jump up to the full rule-set at anytime or stay with the basic system. I can only think this as a win-win for Paizo.

P.S. I like the formatting of the beginning books. Perhaps something they can adapt to the next printings of the core rulebooks (not promoting new edition here, just perhaps, reformatting)

Just checked my E-mail inbox to find the new errata for the 5th-printing of the core rulebook (apparently released two days ago, so apologies if there are other threads). I can't believe how many long term problems they fixed this time round!

In my opinion it is by far the best one yet in terms of its coverage and overall positive impact to the game. It clears up SO MANY issues that have been plaguing these forums, such as what it means to "wield" a weapon, or "can you really wield a double weapon in one hand?" It also answers several questions that my group has had for YEARS, such as "do you lose the scroll or waste a charge when you fail a Use Magic Device check?"

That being said, I'm not too keen on needing to know the spell when brewing a potion (now the only people who will take the feat are those who get it for free) or that my +5 sword can now be sundered by a mundane club (remote, but no longer impossible).

What do you think?

I thought they were done with errata? I thought I had a completely errata free 5th printing book! LOL, I guess there no such animal.

Is this new errata or options?

I am planning a game for an entire group of first time RPG players using the Beginner Box, so I was digging out my various tools that I bought and found that the box fits my Pathfinder GM shield, the GameMastery Combat Pad, and Critical Fumble / Condition Cards packs easily.

Coincidence? I think not.