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Admittedly most of us are fond of the Pathfinder line of products (be it the Adventure Paths, the setting, or the RPG), however, there has to be something that makes us like them so much.
That's what this thread is for. What about the Pathfinder line has truly drawn your enjoyment of the products?
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I'll start.
I've been on the receiving end of the Adventure Paths since the beginning of Curse of the Crimson Throne (a birthday present from my dear old mum was her offering to pay for a subscription until they switched rules sets) and I've enjoyed them greatly. They've been my only true experience with Golarion (I intend to remedy this once I get a job) and I've enjoyed them greatly since receiving my first issue.
However, there is one issue in particular that made me look at it, tilt my head a bit, reread the passage, and think to myself 'man these writers know what the hell they're doing.'
That passage? Found in issue 19 (Howl of the Carrion King) is as follows:
As the PCs approach, the cleric stands and turns toward them, a friendly smile marking his dark-skinned, handsome face. “Welcome…” he says with a grin. Then his features seem to melt away, leaving a hideous skeletal face garbed in a grubby, fire-stained robe. “…to my church,” he finishes.
Just think about it for a second. Imagine in your mind, what the PCs would be seeing as this occurred. 'Epic' was the word one of my players used to describe it when I read the description to them.
This short paragraph cemented my love for the Paizo's AP line and has truly embodied the truly awesome materials that I expect from them on a monthly basis.
The company to be honest. Paizo's a gaming company just like a gaming company is supposed to be. They give me the feeling that they care about their customers.
And they don't try to sell me a child's game. Pathfinder challenges me, it doesn't give me pre-school math, it doesn't give me pre-school enemies and situations. If they want us to hate an enemy, they make us hate an enemy.
Plus, of course, the books are full of awesome.
The company to be honest. Paizo's a gaming company just like a gaming company is supposed to be. They give me the feeling that they care about their customers.
And they don't try to sell me a child's game. Pathfinder challenges me, it doesn't give me pre-school math, it doesn't give me pre-school enemies and situations. If they want us to hate an enemy, they make us hate an enemy.
Plus, of course, the books are full of awesome.
I agree with everything KaeYoss said, and let me add this:
The Editorial Team will help you out if you ask them, with questions and ideas. They don't deny that mistakes happen, but they do their best to support their product.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2012
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The company to be honest. Paizo's a gaming company just like a gaming company is supposed to be. They give me the feeling that they care about their customers.
And they don't try to sell me a child's game. Pathfinder challenges me, it doesn't give me pre-school math, it doesn't give me pre-school enemies and situations. If they want us to hate an enemy, they make us hate an enemy.
Plus, of course, the books are full of awesome.
Eh. You're just saying that because they made up a sale in your honor. :)
Seriously, Paizo as a company has also attracted me to their products. I would have seriously slowed my RPG purchases, but Paizo has done an excellent job of involving their customers in their decisions (PFRPG Beta, anyone?) and creating high-quality products. I've had excellent customer support from Cosmo and Alison, and I've been able to ask Lisa, the CEO of the company, questions and get answers the same day.
In short, Paizo is an *awesome* company.
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I'd like to say it's because it's an awesome company. One where I feel I'm being listened to due, in no small part, to seeing the names of designers, writers and CEO's on the boards.
I'd also like to say it's because they offered us their rules for free in PDF form so we could playtest the hell out of them for a year.
I'd like to say those are the reasons, but truthfully, they had me at Hello
I had leftover subscription issues that I turned over to the PF AP line. I'll admit, I was concerned about the price. They had me at Burnt Offerings and I've been subscribing ever since (subscribing to more and more, in fact).
Truth to tell, Paizo pretty much had me with the debut of the adventure path idea in Dungeon magazine...
The Rise of the Runelords Player's Guide (from the first quotes on the front page), and the Sandpoint article in PF#1. So much loving detail, intricately but not smotheringly provided.
I'd like to say those are the reasons, but truthfully, they had me at Hello
Exactly!
Since most of us haven't seen the Pathfinder RPG, I'll assume your question refers to the Pathfinder monthly.
I got Pathfinder #1 in lieu of the rest of my Dungeon sub when the license was pulled. I can happily say Pathfinder has kicked ass since #1's (in)famous goblins. WotC has yet to publish a single adventure for any edition that matches Pathfinder's very first issue (though Red Hand of Doom was close).
Paizo's ongoing respect for its customers is what has kept me around, despite my preference for 4E. From Lisa on down (or on up, depending upon who you ask ;) ), Paizo just seems to "get it." It is possible WotC, owned as it is by Hasbro, simply can't hope to match Paizo's responsiveness and excellent customer service, but at the end of the day, I don't care why Paizo is better, just that it is.
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The high quality writing. That is what cemented my love of PF. The high quality of the books are nice and the quality artwork caught my attention. But the writing is top notch. The books read well, they don't come off as dry history text like all to many game books do or a instruction manual.
Paizo is one of the few companies that you can buy a book, read it and it be a good read. That was one of the things White Wolf was famous for back in the day when they eventually gave TSR a run for it's money.(not saying Paizo will do that with WotC, only pointing out WW did that well and it helped them)
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Paizo earned my loyalty before Pathfinder ever existed with the quality of writing and fan interaction they displayed running Dragon and Dungeon. I loved the APs almost from the beginning. They haven't done anything of note to make me rethink that decision in the three years since, and so what can I do but love Pathfinder?
I have to echo the sentiments of all those who have already posted. I came to Paizo when the Beta Pathfinder RPG was released. Up until that point, I occasionally read Dragon but had given up my subscription long ago.
And in one happy coincidence I picked up the Beta and Age of Worms collection in one week. And I was hooked.
The big thing for me is that Pathfinder is trying to build something bigger than the individual module. Every Adventure Path, every Module, every Companion is more than an adventure or subsection. They are all part of a grand story that our players help flesh out.
In particular, I love the way you can play through an entire AP and not feel like you can't go back to Golarian. There's always more to explore.
Oh - and their spot on rules developers make the lawyer in me quite happy.
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"Just as a casual observation, anyone who considers the presence of Vancian magic a dealbreaker is probably lost to us, and I'm ok with that.
Personally, I view the pulp fantasy roots of the game as a feature and not a flaw, and I'm glad that there is an edition of the game for people who don't, because that is not a version of the game I am very interested in publishing."
Erik Mona, Publisher,
Paizo Publishing
Since most of us haven't seen the Pathfinder RPG, I'll assume your question refers to the Pathfinder monthly.
The great thing about reading is that you don't have to assume anything ;-P (the first post said that he was asking about all things PF)
(though Red Hand of Doom was close).
And why was that? :)
When Paizo announced they were going their own way.
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Paizo is a wonderful company. Realizing that most of the staff was (and is) frequenting these boards, and that they really listen to us is just great! With Paizo I always had the feeling, that there's no money-making company behind it all (sure, they have to make sure money comes in, and that they sell stuff we will buy), but people who care about my hobby as much (well, probably even more) than I do!
And with that, comes quality material - customers who buy it - and a company who hopefully don't need to fear about its future.
Thanx for that!
The open testing of the PFRPG.
The awesomeness of the Beta Book.
The fun and craziness of the RPGSuperstar.
The completely awesome staff and how they answer our questions in the wee smalls when we think they should be sleeping.
The atmosphere of these boards and the rule of "don't be a jerk" clearly posted :)
All this and more, including the incredible quality of the books, art and all things Paizo!
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The completely awesome staff and how they answer our questions in the wee smalls when we think they should be sleeping.You mean, like right now? :)
-Lisa
If a marilith, a balor, and a quasit leave Sandpoint at the same time and head for Korvosa, stopping to rest and eat when necessary, who will arrive first?
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When Paizo decided to screw the GSL and take WotC head on. I thought then "boy, the CEO of Paizo must be a guy with iron balls, really".
Guess I was wrong ;-)
I'm sure she hopes you're wrong too.
EDIT - As an add on, it was definitely the Dragon and Dungeon magazines they took over that started the process. I likewise had leftover subs and I went with the Pathfinder Adventure Path for awhile. After it ran out, I started buying them in the stores when I had the money, which isn't wasn't often sadly.
Luckily, starting with the Council of Thieves, I should be subscribed again. I miss getting Paizo in the mail T_T
Oh and by the way, the campaign setting itself is amazing. After losing FR, Golarion has filled the void and MORE.
What cemented my love of Pathfinder?
I would have to go with Permabond.
What cemented my love of Pathfinder?
I would have to go with Permabond.
*shoots Fyre with the Pun Gun*
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What cemented my love for Pathfinder? It was the quality and the Adventure Paths. I love the adventures they come up with and the ready to play stats. It was only later that I became part of the community and got to know some of the staff's ideals that I became a true loyal cunstomer. I am more of a fan now than I have ever been. They keep cementing the deal even though I have been long buried in their coffers.
The Whispering Cairn. My favourite adventure of all time.
Here in Taiwan, I was starving for geeky goodness, and was very chuffed to find Dragon and Dungeon on sale at a bookstore here. I started to buy them every month. When the Age of Worms came out, I loved the path so much that I bought a set of core books through Amazon, and advertised for a group. The people I found to play with were fairly useless, but I made a group of first timers from work, and ran them through the first four adventures in Age of Worms.
I downloaded the age of worms overload from the site, and saw the messageboards. I have been a Paizo fan since the Whispering Cairn.
I was very pleased with Howl of the Carrion King. I think the Logue and Pett fanboys are missing that Erik Mona is the best adventure writer out there. I suspect his prints are all over every other great adventure in the Paizo catalogue. Erik, if you are reading this, thank you for getting me back in the game.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Hmm,
Well I took the leap of faith with the AP, and found that leap rewarded.
What set my love for Pathfinder was the support. Not just having OGL support (I don't think we can call it 3.x or 3.p anymore). But having a community that answered questions, writers who explained the ups and downs of publishing (From the 'hung up at customs' delays to the apparent nightmare behind the scenes LoF has been).
There are other d20 games out there, the most obivious being Green Ronin's true 20 and Mutants and Masterminds, but they don't capture the feeling of 3.x. (to me).
Actually Planet Stories did as well. I grew up on (reprints) if Verne, Doyle, Burroughs and Dent. Now that my pulp has been expanded by Howard, Kline, Kuttner, and others, and I can see that pulp relfected in the Pathfinder CS/World.
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First, I had a friend that hyped it up. When he found out about my lack of enthusiam for 4.0 he asked me to join his Second Darkness AP that he was DM'ing.
From the second gaming session of that AP, to now, I have become a subscriber of several of the lines Paizo has offered, and have enjoyed seeing some great DM content threads that have really helped me prepare for my attempt at dm'ing LoF.
So, it was the AP Second darkness that made me start my path towards becoming a dedicated paizo customer.
So, now the Paizo staff can look at my order history and see that I started Second Darkness sometime in Dec 2008.
:D
The great thing about reading is that you don't have to assume anything ;-P (the first post said that he was asking about all things PF)
I did read that, actually. My response was intended as a subtle jab at the irrational nature of explicitly including an unreleased game in the scope of the question. Can't you let a guy be passive-aggressive?
(though Red Hand of Doom was close).And why was that? :)
Smart ass. ;-)
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Wow, what a question.
I had not played D&D for several years because my group had all moved away. I was invited to play again just as 3.5 was kicking in so ended up with the 3.0 and 3.5 books. I played for a bit and DM'd a bit and was of course buying Dungeon and Dragon magazines which I enjoyed even more than back in the day during 1st and 2nd edition days.
Then the end of the magazines hit and I was saddened by the change and not too happy with WoTC. I subscribed immediately to the APs. By this time I had started a new group and was DMing again in the Forgotten Realms. When RotRL came out I was blown away. I dumped the FR campaign and took them to Sandpoint immediately. I ran the entire AP and before it was done started another group with CotCT and then SD. We are enjoying them both.
When the change in rules hit I was at GENCON and at first I was excited but then as more information came out I found myself less interested and then the GSL fiasco began. I made an edition decision, due to the great work of the APs and everything else put out by Paizo to include their world, I would follow Paizo rulewise whereever they when because IMO they were producing the best adventures ever produced for the game and I am loving them. So, last year we began using the Pathfinder BETA rules and in August we will begin using the final rules.
Thank you Paizo for some of the best years in gaming I have ever had.
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My response was intended as a subtle jab at the irrational nature of explicitly including an unreleased game in the scope of the question. Can't you let a guy be passive-aggressive?
I'd hardly call the inclusion of the RPG irrational; we've spent the better part of a year testing the beta rules and Paizo has been fairly open about the inclusions in the full game (within the scope of their previews). If you must, simply assume that I was referring to the beta rules.
I see no reason not to include the RPG, especially since it'll be out in roughly a month
That said, if you feel the need to pick nits, I'm hardly one to stop you. :p
I will have to say… the passion that Paizo’s staff prints in every single product they release!
Passion is the key factor!!
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I'm with Kvantum on this. When Paizo announced the Pathfinder Adventure Path line, they had already earned my loyalty with the former AP's. Besides, I already was a huge fan of James Jacobs, Richard Pett, Nicholas Logue and Greg A. Vaughan (since PF #5, you can add Steve Greer to this list). And Wolfgang Baur? He's an Icon, 'nuff said.
But if I had to single out a specific moment which made me realize what a great company Paizo is, it would probably be the moment when I read the editorial from Dungeon #131, in which Erik Mona explained why he began to give the authors credit on the magazine's covers. When he talked about Gygax and Hickman I could feel how deeply he respects those two authors and, by extension, how much respect he has for the "newcomers".
That was it. I recognized that Paizo's all about respect. to their authors, and to us, their customers.
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"Just as a casual observation, anyone who considers the presence of Vancian magic a dealbreaker is probably lost to us, and I'm ok with that.
Personally, I view the pulp fantasy roots of the game as a feature and not a flaw, and I'm glad that there is an edition of the game for people who don't, because that is not a version of the game I am very interested in publishing."
Erik Mona, Publisher,
Paizo Publishing
This.
That said, if you feel the need to pick nits, I'm hardly one to stop you. :p
Nah, I should have left that bit out. There is just so much nit-picking in the other direction it is hard to let go sometimes. My apologies.
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If a marilith, a balor, and a quasit leave Sandpoint at the same time and head for Korvosa, stopping to rest and eat when necessary, who will arrive first?
By 3.5 rules, the balor would beat the maralith's initiative and greater teleport first.
Have to wait and see if it's different in Pathfinder. ^^
Smart ass. ;-)
(though Red Hand of Doom was close).And why was that? :)
True, but not the answer to my question. :P
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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When Paizo announced they were going their own way.
I distinctly remember that day when the website went down to just the goblin picture....Mike McArtor emailed some of us that he plays with telling us to check out the website, and to stay tuned....I've never been so excited to stare at a screen! And the chatroom was crazy with people trying to figure out what was going to happen, all the while I kept seeing strange names popping in and out...one being James Sutter using his character's name in Jason's Eberron game....and I knew that they were having as much fun with it as we were.
Truth be told, I was pretty much committed to following Paizo no matter what. Everything I had seen coming out of Paizo was great. Talking with them, you had to understand why that was: an amazing group of people.
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The Goblin Christmas card. It was during the Age of Worms that I new that I would go wherever they would. Been trying to talk my wife to moving to Washington(not working though). The writing was fantastic better than any module I had read before. It got me to stop spending money on 40K units and get my subscription for the AP.
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It's hard to define but back in the pages of Dungeon, whenever I read them, I got this feeling that these were very cool adventures. They were evocative, interesting and well crafted. So, I would say it started with the extremely high quality of their product.
That it turned out they happen to be awesome people who are very responsible and take customer service to a level I have never experienced before was icing on the cake. That's why I make it a point of buying everything they publish.
...PDFs, unlike some of companies...
Amen. I'm not sure I realized how immportant digital content had become to me until "some" other company pulled the plug...
This is an easy question for me. First I remember reading the first Rise of the Runelords book and being amazed at the quality of writing/art inside. It was nice and refreshing to see uncensored creative material out there. Wow! I was totally impressed. Also there's nowhere else for me to go really. Without paizo's pathfinder rpg to carry things forward then dnd is dead to me. Dead as in rigor mortis dead. It's stiff really. Fortunately the paizo staff are all geniuses and have made an excellent rpg that I am proud to play. Well anyway now i'm rambling so that's enough.
They had me at "Pathfinder will improve upon 3.5, but still be backwards compatible."