I'm brand new to the Pathfinder experience, having decided to 'let go' of my love of FR finally and try new things. I want to know more about the setting before I "take the plunge", so what should I be looking out to give me a basic overview of the world and it's premise?
Is there something I can see for FREE, like an synopsis of the upcoming campaign guide, or perhaps some descriptive text here on the site. I just want to know what the 'theme' is really, and maybe a couple of facts, nothing too extensive.
As it is now, I know absolutely nothing beyond the fact that I was exremely happy with Paizo's run with both Dungeon and Dragon magazines, and I miss them very much.
So, what would you guys recommend for a total newb as a 'primer'?
Director of Brand Strategy
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You can get the free player's guides for both existing Adventure Paths, as well as D0: Hollow's Last Hope, which was a prequel to the first adventure Module. If you're interested in the world first and foremost, the Gazetteer is the way to go in terms of purchasable products.
Rise of the Runelords Player's Guide
Curse of the Crimson Throne Player's Guide
Do: Hollow's Last Hope
The Paizo Blog is also a great sneak peak at some of the products set in the world and the upcoming and current Adventure Paths.
Markus, first and foremost, get your hands on either the print edition or the PDF of the Pathfinder Chronicles Gazetteer. This is the first comprehensive look at Golarion (our world) and its denizens.
You can find it here.
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I'm brand new to the Pathfinder experience, having decided to 'let go' of my love of FR finally and try new things.
Welcome! You're not the only Realms Refugee around here. The Gazateer is definitely your best way to get a look at the world.
D0 is a good first step, but keep in mind that aside from 3 other adventures, there aren't any products focused on that area (yet.) If you can take a peak at Pathfinder 1, 7, or the Guide to Korvosa then you'll get a good idea of what you're in for currently.
If you can wait until August, the Campaign Setting hardcover comes out with contributions from Ed Greenwood. Elaine Cunningham will be doing something for either the third (starting at PF13 or 19.) The Gazateer is a good look at what'll be expanded on in the setting book.
Welcome! You're not the only Realms Refugee around here. The Gazateer is definitely your best way to get a look at the world.
Definetly not. I'm another of those. But with Pathfinder, I didn't have to mourn the death (and subsequent raising as an abominable undead) of my previously favourite campaign setting for long.
Since we're talking free, get your hands on the two Player's Guides for the two adventure paths. They have a lot of nice information. Though mostly it is tailored for the respective Adventure Path, it's not all limited to the paths and the areas they play in. There's some feats in there, as well as a bit of new equipment (including several cool new weapons, like the starknife). There's info on how to fit the races and classes in, and you get the short info about the 20 main deities of Golarion. It will also give you an insight about Pathfinder Art. There's even a couple of maps in there!
Beyond that, you'll simply have to read the whole weblog. They put a lot of previews in there, and other information. That includes stuff text put into the books, some text that hasn't found its way into any books yet, and lots and lots of art! And no small tumbnails, either. In there are also the background stories of all the iconic characters that show up as pre-generated characters in their modules, as cover models, and in lots of the art.
Some of said art linked here:
Leaving Korvosa. Fellowship of the Crimson Throne ;-)
Will assassinate for food.
Millitant Green Party
Forgot to get the pig out of the leather
Cleric of Asmodeus having fun
Goblin Fire Brigade (Unclear on the concept)
Daemon!
Dance Macabre
Wake of the Direption
Think elephants are big?
That's only a small part of the art you can get in the weblog!
Definetly not. I'm another of those.
Welcome! You're not the only Realms Refugee around here. The Gazateer is definitely your best way to get a look at the world.
Another here. I've been DMing and playing in the FR since the original grey box. I'm sure I'll play FR again in the future, but right now I'm a bit smitten with Pathfinder - I've got the same feeling of wonder I had when I was first bouncing around Faerun in the late 80's. Golarion seems to be a comfortable place for the old-time FR players.
Funny how many of us have ended up here.
One thing that Kae's post brings home is that, unlike recent WOTC efforts with the Realms, there is actually not only a written continuity within the Pathfinder line, but actually some artistic direction to help reinforce the setting's feel as well.
Its something I always wished would have been done with the Realms, and the closest I think I ever got to feeling like there was a consistent artistic feel in the Realms was when Valerie Valusek was doing in black and white interior illustrations for most of the setting books.
FR refugee present and accounted for.
I think you'll enjoy the Pathfinder Chronicles setting---it is grimmer than the Realms (IMO) but every product radiates with the passion that the designers have for the setting. One of the main points that I love so far is that there's a home for all of the classic genres of D&D adventure from gothic horror to science fantasy.
And, of course, you have the real selling point for me--the knowledge that Paizo won't foist thinly-disguised reboots upon you.
I think you'll enjoy the Pathfinder Chronicles setting---it is grimmer than the Realms (IMO) but every product radiates with the passion that the designers have for the setting. One of the main points that I love so far is that there's a home for all of the classic genres of D&D adventure from gothic horror to science fantasy.
Not that the Realms were different in that manner, but it's true.
Enough cities for urban intrigue, wildernesses for some frontiers-style adventuring, dungeons for good old dungeon crawling, locales where you can hunt demons in the comfort of your own plane (well, mostly, the Worldwound warps reality, but what can you expect from an abyssal cyst?), jungles, deserts, strange exotic paradises, bazaars of the bizarre (well, one at least). No matter what your favourite style of play is (including really grim and gritty), you'll find a home on Golarion. And if you're looking for something to scare you, Paizo has proven that they can creep you out and horrify you. Fear the grim reaper? It will turn out he's your best friend. At least compared to some of the alternatives out there...
And, of course, you have the real selling point for me--the knowledge that Paizo won't foist thinly-disguised reboots upon you.
Absolutely. I think that has two reasons:
1. Paizo seems genuinely interested in making its products exciting for us. They listen to misgivings and suggestions, and try to incorporate them. That the two top answers to suggestions for future stuff are "that's awesome, we have to find a place for this" and "that's what I want, too. We're already working on it" certainly helps.For Paizo, listening to us is part of their job, not just something they do for their own amusement when they can justify it to their bosses. That the bosses themselves are regulars on the boards is a huge plus.
2. Golarion's creators are at the helm. They call the shots, they don't have to answer to a huge, faceless corporation, or some beancounters who tell them to cash in on the current fad or something. I think a lot of the problems the FR have right now stem from the fact that Ed Greenwood's just an employee who is told the new ideas someone else came up with and has to incorporate them.
In Golarion, you won't see the Big Magic Plague because someone who has no idea about D&D and listened to some forum trolls who hate Golarion and want it to be different told them that they better write some bestselling fiction about it right now, the fans who don't like it be damned.
....you won't see the Big Magic Plague because someone who has no idea about D&D....
Perhaps it says something that I misread the above as Big Mac Plague....
Long live Golarion! Long live Paizo! Long live her fans!
Peace,
tfad
Perhaps it says something that I misread the above as Big Mac Plague....
That did actually happen. Sentient hamburgers invaded Golarion shortly after the Earthfall. They fought the aboleths with laser beams coming out of their sesame seeds. It was really them who forced them back down. Everyone rejoiced, because they hated the aboleths. But then the horror started.
They never said what happened. They just said that they gave a short version of this to Nick Logue to write it up, and he ran off, screaming and puking at the same time.
Thanks for all the help guys, especially KaeYoss with that list.
I feel like I've come home.
So far, I love everything I've read - its everything I've been wanting in a setting.
I think one of the main selling points of this setting is it's fans - everyone's so upbeat and helpful. I officially stopped posting in the WotC forums today (they took down the FR forums), and it was beginning to get me really down with all the negativity. This is the first time in a long time I'm excited about gaming again.
Thank You, Paizo.
They fought the aboleths with laser beams coming out of their sesame seeds.
That's got to be one of the weirdest euphemisms I've ever heard. Oh wait, wha- You're serious? Okay.... ;P
I think one of the main selling points of this setting is it's fans - everyone's so upbeat and helpful. I officially stopped posting in the WotC forums today (they took down the FR forums), and it was beginning to get me really down with all the negativity. This is the first time in a long time I'm excited about gaming again.
Thank You, Paizo.
Indeed, that's the reason I love this place. Great people, all fans of a great company that cares about said people. What's going on here is unique.
Thanks to all!
tfad
Well, long-time lurker, 1st time poster, also a FR refugee. Anyway you look at it, I definitely like how Paizo is refining the 3.5 rules set, even if I do not end up converting to the Pathfinder CS, I will probably convert to the Pathfinder rules. And they really seem to like, value, and care about their customers. Something I don't feel with WotC anymore. Sad, I liked them as a company for so long, and now I will most likely no longer be their customer. Sorry, mini-rant, if you know me from the Candlekeep forums, then you are probably used to them.
And MT, thanks for starting this thread.
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I'll echo what Joshua Frost and yoda said: download the free player's guides, and consider purchasing the Gazetteer. Mine arrived yesterday. Every spare moment I've had since then, I've been reading snippets, connecting things in the text to the beautiful map... it's outstanding. Golarion is a fine blend of the familiar and the fantastic.
Thanks for all the help guys, especially KaeYoss with that list.
I feel like I've come home.
So far, I love everything I've read - its everything I've been wanting in a setting.
I think one of the main selling points of this setting is it's fans - everyone's so upbeat and helpful. I officially stopped posting in the WotC forums today (they took down the FR forums), and it was beginning to get me really down with all the negativity. This is the first time in a long time I'm excited about gaming again.
Thank You, Paizo.
Welcome to the Nuthouse. Your padded room is over there. Be careful with your white jacket. ~grins~
*offers fresh cookies to the newcomers*
Thanks for all the help guys, especially KaeYoss with that list.
I feel like I've come home.
So far, I love everything I've read - its everything I've been wanting in a setting.
I think one of the main selling points of this setting is it's fans - everyone's so upbeat and helpful. I officially stopped posting in the WotC forums today (they took down the FR forums), and it was beginning to get me really down with all the negativity. This is the first time in a long time I'm excited about gaming again.
Thank You, Paizo.
No problem. Always looking for converts. :D It's like a pyramid scheme, but instead of money, you send around awesome.
They took down the FR forums? Let me guess: War between those who ate the new Realms with a spoon and the old fans who love the Realms as they were and were appalled when it was torn down?
I agree with you that the fans are a big selling point. Another is the Paizo staff. They're actually part of the fans, they're here all the time, and not just like some Ivory Tower Herald or something like that - they're among us. They answer our questions, they listen to us, they make jokes, they let us vote who to cannibalise when they're snowed in (actually happened once - the voting, not necessarily the eating, though a certain someone does seem to have a zombielike endurance ever since ;-)).
If you get company feedback like that, you can't help but be positive about the game yourself.
Anyway, welcome home. You'll fit right in.
*offers fresh cookies to the newcomers*
I'm new here, too. Honest. May I have some of those cookies?
I'm new here, too. Honest. May I have some of those cookies?
Sure! They're snickerdoodles today (a Paizo staff favorite, or so I've heard).
I'm new here, too. Honest. May I have some of those cookies?Sure! They're snickerdoodles today (a Paizo staff favorite, or so I've heard).
Great, thanks!
*grabs a cookie and scurries away, snickering at the success of his demonic plan to weasel Lilith out of a cookie*
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They took down the FR forums? Let me guess: War between those who ate the new Realms with a spoon and the old fans who love the Realms as they were and were appalled when it was torn down?
That or they figure that since they're not releasing supplements after year 1 of 4E the Realms don't need so many forums and consume so much bandwidth.. since.. after all, novel discussion is still forbidden there.
If you want to talk uncensored, unadulterated Realms, Candlekeep.com is always been the place. A lot of the old school authors and creators keep an eye on that site's forums too. :)
... even if I do not end up converting to the Pathfinder CS...Oh... You will...
One of us... One of uuuusssss...-cosmo
Paizo Customer Service** spoiler omitted **
Lol. No, I meant the Pathfinder Campaign Setting. Sorry for the apparently confusing acronym.
They took down the FR forums? Let me guess: War between those who ate the new Realms with a spoon and the old fans who love the Realms as they were and were appalled when it was torn down?That or they figure that since they're not releasing supplements after year 1 of 4E the Realms don't need so many forums and consume so much bandwidth.. since.. after all, novel discussion is still forbidden there.
If you want to talk uncensored, unadulterated Realms, Candlekeep.com is always been the place. A lot of the old school authors and creators keep an eye on that site's forums too. :)
Yes, Candlekeep is one of my favoritest places to visit regularly.
And MT, thanks for starting this thread.
No problem,
us 'Realms Refugees' have to stick together, you know?
And Candlekeep isn't the only 'alternate site' I've been preaching the Pathfinder way on... I get around. ;)
In a sad way, I feel like the girl at the end of Titanic, when she had to pry Leonardo DiCaprio's "cold dead fingers" from her raft...
When something's dead, you need to let it go...
Loved that scene BTW... something about watching him sink fills me with hellish glee.
And to continue that analogy, I guess that GIANT DIAMOND she later discovered in her pocket is Pathfinder.
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Welcome to the boards, its always nice have new people. As far as Pathfinder goes, check out the free downloads, the blog, and the Pathfinder RPG Alpha rules. If you are willing to spend some money get the Gazetteer and I would recommend either Pathfinder 1 or 7 and see what you think.
The blog is a great way to get some previews on what's to come and just watch the boards.
Welcome to the community.
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I still haven't abandoned the Realms and fully embraced Golarion as its replacement. (In part because I'm still running FR-based campaigns and no Golarion campaigns . . . although I am running a d20 Modern campaign using Rise of the Runelords.) In time, I may let go of FR fully, but until I start actually running campaigns in Golarion, as opposed to just reading my Golarion-based adventures, there's no rush.
Plan to keep playing Realms myself while adding Golarion as a second world. Will just be using the Pathfinder RPG for further Realms campaigns. Love Realms as a setting, especially once you get into the Unapproachable East, Shining South and Old Empires regions. THose areas were so rarely touched on in the novels that they dont carry the character baggage associated with campaigns in the North and the Heartlands. In a campaign my roommate ran in the Unapproachable East, the characters knew of Elminster only as The Symbul's consort and thought the Zhentarim were a minor threat compared to Thay.
-Weylin Stormcrowe
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I'm brand new to the Pathfinder experience, having decided to 'let go' of my love of FR finally and try new things. I want to know more about the setting before I "take the plunge", so what should I be looking out to give me a basic overview of the world and it's premise?
Is there something I can see for FREE, like an synopsis of the upcoming campaign guide, or perhaps some descriptive text here on the site. I just want to know what the 'theme' is really, and maybe a couple of facts, nothing too extensive.
As it is now, I know absolutely nothing beyond the fact that I was exremely happy with Paizo's run with both Dungeon and Dragon magazines, and I miss them very much.
So, what would you guys recommend for a total newb as a 'primer'?
-Whats up Markus!!! Good to see you around, even if its not the WotC FR Forums, or well whats left of it anyways. Lots of good posts, with lots of good info. Yeah download the Freebies's, and the by hook or crook get the Gazetter! ASAP! Yeah as a Forgotten Realms fan I was really turned off by what WotC did to the Realms. But hey I am going to look at it maybe run some 4E games in it. But any and all 3.5E or is it 3P now, games I run shall now and forever be in THE ALMIGHTY PATHFINDER!!!
18D If only I could find me some smillies around here!
Did I 'ear me name?
We got ourselves 'nother clan member or two I see.
Welcome!
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I've seen a number of cool fantasy settings over the years for a number of systems(FR, Iron Kingdoms, Ravenloft, Greyhawk, Planescape, Yrth, The Mad Lands, Rokugan, Eberron, Ptolus, Ghostwalk, Dragonlance, the implied setting in Book of the Righteous, and the Scarred Lands off the top of my head. And that's not counting the ones I looked at and said "eh.") The only one that's made me think "You know, I'd actually be willing to run a game in this over something I made myself" is Golarion. Yes, I'm serious. If you're anything like me, the more you learn about Golarion, the more you'll want to learn about it. That said, the places everyone else has mentioned, the campaign guides, blog, and gazetteer are a great place to start. Once your appetite has been whetted, you'll want to start looking in the back of Pathfinder issues. There's precious little to be found in anything tied to Golarion that isn't pure genius.
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Plan to keep playing Realms myself while adding Golarion as a second world. Will just be using the Pathfinder RPG for further Realms campaigns. Love Realms as a setting, especially once you get into the Unapproachable East, Shining South and Old Empires regions. THose areas were so rarely touched on in the novels that they dont carry the character baggage associated with campaigns in the North and the Heartlands. In a campaign my roommate ran in the Unapproachable East, the characters knew of Elminster only as The Symbul's consort and thought the Zhentarim were a minor threat compared to Thay.
-Weylin Stormcrowe
Oh definitely, I always loved the way the realms had portals to everywhere else...what better way to introduce players to Golarion than have them step through a portal into a world where the rules aren't quite the same, Why are these wizards we're fighting a little different? Where's his familiar? Why is that rogue using magic? Why are these goblins singing about killing horses and dogs?
Blah Blah Blah Ghostwalk Blah Blah Blah
I love this book! It's always great when I'm reminded that I'm not the only one who bought it.... ;)
Did I 'ear me name?
Ya 'id! Thanks for the shout on your profile! ;)
Peace,
tfad
Well, I will definitely check out the free stuff, I will have to wait until I have money to get a hold of the Gazetteer though.
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-I went by the FLGS acouple of days ago and picked up the first adventure path. Wow those Runelords were some bad dudes. I realy liked the flavor of the setting. The artwork is incredible, that is what I call Fantastic Locations! Xin-Shalast I am looking at you when I say that. August needs to hurry on up and get here so Paizo can Steal WotC's thunder at GenCon!
18D
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I think that vibe of liking Leonardo DiCaprio sink to the bottom of the Atlantic (with a hellish glee) describes just about everything that Paizo is and what it's membership loves so much about them. We all loved D&D, but we had to ask ourselves if it's message was worth living out or dying with. I cannot deny that WotC's staff is top notch. They are passionate about what they are doing and very much love the game they are crafting. I wish them well as I push their dead body away as it deep sixes into the Atlantic. Such a waste.
As for what I like about Paizo, where the hell do I buy stock? This company is D&D, and I won't look back at anyone who is rich enough to buy the license.
Cheers,
Zux
