Question for Jason: Extent of Changes Still Possible

[Roman]

To be more precise, I have two somewhat related questions:

1) What extent of changes is still possible and feasible in the Pathfinder RPG rules until the release of the Beta and then until the release of the final product?

2) Alpha 3 has not really seen major changes from Alpha 2. To clarify my statement, there have been major new additions, of course, but few changes to the things that already appeared in Alpha 2, which contrasts with the change between Alpha 1 and Alpha 2. Is this the case on the account of the fact that the rules are now stabilizing and there were not many new good ideas for improvement of the rules generated at Paizo or on the message boards, or is this because the priority was getting the Alpha 3 out as quickly as possible to enable us to playtest with all classes?

[Roman]

Just a little bump so that the thread does not fall off the radar.

[Roman]

I believe this question is relevant again with the upcoming Beta release.

[Lisa Stevens]

I'm not Jason, but from my point of view, any changes that make the game better, fix problems, and yet retain backward compatibility are possible. In some ways, I think that the Beta playtest period has the chance to see some of the biggest changes, since there will be more time to playtest. I would like to see us, as a community, tackle some of the largest problem areas in our playtesting and come up with solutions that make the 3.5 rules set better.

-Lisa

[Roman]

Thank you Lisa!

So that means that significant changes are still possible if they meet the criteria.

BTW: Addressing the question to Jason seems to be the standard on these boards when looking for an official response, as he is the lead developer of the Pathfinder RPG. Of course, the fact that you are not Jason does not make your reply any less valid.

[Jason Bulmahn]

Hey there Everybody,

Sorry this one slipped under my radar, its been a bit crazy lately.

As to your question, changes are still quite possible and in all frankness, likely. The Beta stage is going to be a big gear shift for this process. We are going to be looking at various systems in detail to ensure they are going in the right direction. Although some of the rules stabilized a bit throughout the Alphas, but that does not mean they are set in stone.

More to come on the Beta process soon.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

[mindgamez]

Jason Bulmahn wrote:

but that does not mean they are set in stone

Please don't, I don't think my bank account or my floors could handle a Pathfinder RPG: Stone Tablet Edition. :)

[Saurstalk]

Although a stone tablet sure would put those leather bound WotC 3.5 editions to shame. Question - granite or something easier to work?

[mindgamez]

Saurstalk wrote:

Although a stone tablet sure would put those leather bound WotC 3.5 editions to shame. Question - granite or something easier to work?

Gotta be granite. Otherwise the dwarves will just snicker at it behind their hands.

[Roman]

Thank you for the answers Lisa and Jason!