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Now that the full version has been released, is there any chance a down-sized version of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook could be added to the production schedule as a matter of priority?
I've suggested many times for a down-sized version for containing only the rules relevant for 1st to 3rd (or perhaps 5th?) level for new players.
a) not so daunting for new players;
b) more affordable birthday/christmas gift;
but now that I have jut picked up my own copy of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook, I have to say as beautiful and all-encompassing as it is, it's just too darned heavy! Have Paizo customer service department started processing the repetitive strain injury claims yet? I was struggling to read this on public transport on my way back from the store due to the sheer weight, and I know it's going to be a beast to use in-game.
Not wanting to detract from the sheer awesomeness that is Pathfinder RPG, but
c) please give us a lite edition for those occasions we don't need to break our wrists supporting the full tome.
Thanks,
DarkWhite
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Any chance a down-sized version of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook could be added to the production schedule as a matter of priority?
I've suggested many times for a down-sized version for containing only the rules relevant for 1st to 3rd (or perhaps 5th?) level for new players.
a) not so daunting for new players;
b) more affordable birthday/christmas gift;but now that I have jut picked up my own copy of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook, I have to say as beautiful and all-encompassing as it is, it's just too darned heavy! Have Paizo customer service department started processing the repetitive strain injury claims yet? I was struggling to read this on public transport on my way back from the store.
Not wanting to detract from the sheer awesomeness that is Pathfinder RPG, but
c) please give us a lite edition for those occasions we don't need to break our wrists supporting the full tome.
Thanks,
DarkWhite
One already exists, it's called a PDF.
Now that the full version has been released, is there any chance a down-sized version of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook could be added to the production schedule as a matter of priority?
I've suggested many times for a down-sized version for containing only the rules relevant for 1st to 3rd (or perhaps 5th?) level for new players.
a) not so daunting for new players;
b) more affordable birthday/christmas gift;but now that I have jut picked up my own copy of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook, I have to say as beautiful and all-encompassing as it is, it's just too darned heavy! Have Paizo customer service department started processing the repetitive strain injury claims yet? I was struggling to read this on public transport on my way back from the store due to the sheer weight, and I know it's going to be a beast to use in-game.
Not wanting to detract from the sheer awesomeness that is Pathfinder RPG, but
c) please give us a lite edition for those occasions we don't need to break our wrists supporting the full tome.
Thanks,
DarkWhite
The market for an incomplete rule book does not exist, and the same rules that apply to a 5th level character apply to a 20th level character.
I don't know how heavy the book is, and it may have been better split in two, but a "rules by level" book is not something I would hold my breath for.
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I too would vote for a lighter smaller book (don't get me wrong, i want the bible too).
I'd like a smaller PHB only type book, with relevant game information that you reference while playing. I am not dragging a 500+ page rule book and a bestiary to every session i GM (in addition to battle mat, minis, dice, 3 ring binder, adventure path, initiative tracker, etc. etc. etc.)
I would not like something that ended at 5th level, just something that left out all the GM stuff and magic items.
I'd buy a second book, thats gotta be worth something to a publishing company ;)
One already exists, it's called a PDF.Thanks, but not the answer I was looking for.
While it may not be what you're looking for, it's likely the best answer you're going to get; as was mentioned, markets for incomplete products are essentially nonexistent. Especially when the full product is available instead.
I'd like a smaller PHB only type book, with relevant game information that you reference while playing. I am not dragging a 500+ page rule book and a bestiary to every session i GM ...
It's really not much different than packing around the 3.5 Player's Handbook, DMG, and Monster Manuals.
Real Role-playing He-men (and She-women) want that big book, and will accept no wimpy little substitutes!
Once I have the srd site completed you could just print out the bits you like. There's a possibility I might have some sort of compiled dm or player download sets but not sure yet.
Personally, I love a book that can kill a man. Just saying.
Kittenerd: The folks at Paizo have expressed an interest in doing a red-book type version of PfRPG with 4 classes covering levels 1-5. They are concerned that they would have trouble getting it onto the shelves at bookstores and game shops though. Keep asking for it because it's something that they have been stewing over.
While it may not be what you're looking for, it's likely the best answer you're going to get; as was mentioned, markets for incomplete products are essentially nonexistent.One already exists, it's called a PDF.Thanks, but not the answer I was looking for.
"An Incomplete Products" what an insulting way to treat someone's suggestion. Seems to me you have an incomplete understanding of what he is looking for. The OP isn't the only one to ask for a product which is friendly for beginning and casual gamers. There are other folks out here who would love to have a less daunting rulebook.
Kittenerd: The folks at Paizo have expressed an interest in doing a red-book type version of PfRPG with 4 classes covering levels 1-5. They are concerned that they would have trouble getting it onto the shelves at bookstores and game shops though. Keep asking for it because it's something that they have been stewing over.
While it may not be what you're looking for, it's likely the best answer you're going to get; as was mentioned, markets for incomplete products are essentially nonexistent.One already exists, it's called a PDF.Thanks, but not the answer I was looking for."An Incomplete Products" what an insulting way to treat someone's suggestion. Seems to me you have an incomplete understanding of what he is looking for. The OP isn't the only one to ask for a product which is friendly for beginning and casual gamers. There are other folks out here who would love to have a less daunting rulebook.
But that is what it is. Most people are not going to pay for the same thing twice. Many would see it as a ripoff if such a thing were marketed. People were not happy about 3.0 and then 3.5, and they got the all the rules. I can see them being less happy about getting less rules. If someone does not want to play past level 5 then stop at level 5. A book is not needed for that.
Kittenerd: The folks at Paizo have expressed an interest in doing a red-book type version of PfRPG with 4 classes covering levels 1-5. They are concerned that they would have trouble getting it onto the shelves at bookstores and game shops though. Keep asking for it because it's something that they have been stewing over.
Just Fighter, Rogue, Cleric, & Sorceror or Wizard.
Most of the Spells are gone, and Domains/Schools/Bloodlines are 1/2 or 1/3 the size.Heck, just cut out half of the Domains/Schools/Bloodlines completely.
Probably HALF the Feats can be cut as you can't meet the Pre-Reqs before 6th level.
No Improved, Greater 2WF, just 2WF. No Crit Feats. Few Item Creation Feats.
Mundane and Magical Equipment list radically pared down (no >3rd Spell Level items)
And revamp the presentation for maximum clarity/readability to those NOT familiar with D&D.
It wouldn't be at all for the same market as people interested in the full rule-book, but would make introducing the game to 'non-gamers' much less 'intimidating'. "New blood" is how a game "lives". If there's problems getting it in print/ distributing it, maybe just make it a FREE PDF people can print out.
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Now that the full version has been released, is there any chance a down-sized version of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook could be added to the production schedule as a matter of priority?
I've suggested many times for a down-sized version for containing only the rules relevant for 1st to 3rd (or perhaps 5th?) level for new players.
a) not so daunting for new players;
b) more affordable birthday/christmas gift;but now that I have jut picked up my own copy of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook, I have to say as beautiful and all-encompassing as it is, it's just too darned heavy! Have Paizo customer service department started processing the repetitive strain injury claims yet? I was struggling to read this on public transport on my way back from the store due to the sheer weight, and I know it's going to be a beast to use in-game.
Not wanting to detract from the sheer awesomeness that is Pathfinder RPG, but
c) please give us a lite edition for those occasions we don't need to break our wrists supporting the full tome.
Thanks,
DarkWhite
I remember Ms Stevens(?) posting something about some sorta "starter" kit for the PfRPG, but Paizo's currently strained, workload-wise. Thus don't expect to see such a book for at least a couple of years or something.
But that is what it is. I am not going to pay for the same thing twice. I would see it as a ripoff if such a thing were marketed. I was not happy about 3.0 and then 3.5, and they got the all the rules. I can see them being less happy about getting less rules. If someone does not want to play past level 5 then stop at level 5. A book is not needed for that.
Fixed your post. You are projecting your world view.
Most people don't buy D&D, most people thing gaming is silly and think spending $50 on a rulebook is crazy....
It's a good thing that Paizo doesn't listen to most people.
If you've ever handed a new player the player's handbook and told them to build a character you know who the market for this product is. I would probably buy 3 copies of this myself because the vast majority of the folks I've introduces to the game are simply overwhelmed by the ridiculous complexity they are expected to absorb. Instead, since there is no such product I wind up walking them through the process individually. I did this 8 times in my old group, I just joined a group and it took 3 hours of the GM and I going around tutoring folks on how to build characters.... I would kill for a redbook version.
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Perhaps a softcover edition might cut down on some of the weight, but as most of the heft of the Beta Playtest came from the paper stock and not the covers, I don't think there would be much relief there.
On the other hand, one could always invest in a book easel; my friend uses one because of her carpal tunnel issues. Just a thought...
As far as a starter edition/book for Pathfinder... I don't think it's a good idea to have competing core sets (Runequest 3rd, anyone?)
If you've ever handed a new player the player's handbook and told them to build a character you know who the market for this product is. I would probably buy 3 copies of this myself because the vast majority of the folks I've introduces to the game are simply overwhelmed by the ridiculous complexity they are expected to absorb. Instead, since there is no such product I wind up walking them through the process individually. I did this 8 times in my old group, I just joined a group and it took 3 hours of the GM and I going around tutoring folks on how to build characters.... I would kill for a redbook version.
Gotta agree with Dennis on this one. I was eleven or tweleve when I discovered dungeons or dragons. I happened to buy a Dragonlance adventure not really knowing what it was. I tried to sort it out but I was lost. A neighbor across the street gave me his older brothers copy of the 1st edition rules. I was hopelessly confused and overwhelmed by what seemed a massive incomprehensible tome.
Then I discovered the red box set and I was able to make sense of that. Twenty years later I have a closet filled with about 450 tsr era books and two 7 feet tall book cases crammed with more modern rpg stuff. The red box gave me a fighting chance against the rules and I got suckered in. Producing that box set paid off for someone.
I hate reading rules. Can barely stomach it. If they came out with a rules lite, I'd probably never get to the phonebook sized rules compendium.
I just plan to buy "Munchkin Pathfinder" when Steve Jackson Games comes out with it. ;) I swear the munchkin books previous were the best way to introduce the game concepts to new players. No, now that I think about it, the original Munchkin book would still work ("Constitution gets used a lot!"). It would be really cool to see a collaberation between Paizo and SJG for this project.
Although, Paizo will be releasing a conversion guide as a PDF for your 3.5 library. Don't throw out your 3.5 library yet! Show new players the PFRPG book, then when they are staggering around under the weight, take it away from them, replacing it with the old 3.5 PHB with a printed up conversion guide. They'll be so greatful they'll happily go through the old book. Problem solved!
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It wouldn't be at all for the same market as people interested in the full rule-book, but would make introducing the game to 'non-gamers' much less 'intimidating'. "New blood" is how a game "lives". If there's problems getting it in print/ distributing it, maybe just make it a FREE PDF people can print out.
I have to agree with this approach. Asking a person to buy a cut-down version of a new game then pay again to get the advanced rules is a hard sell, especially these days.
If your goal is to introduce the game to new players, wouldn't it be better to write a low level adventure that serves as an introduction to the gameplay, and has all the rules relevant to the adventure integrated into it as part of the narrative?
That said, I wouldn't mind a soft bound version of just the spells chapter from the core rule book for quick reference.
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If your goal is to introduce the game to new players, wouldn't it be better to write a low level adventure that serves as an introduction to the gameplay, and has all the rules relevant to the adventure integrated into it as part of the narrative?
New players need their own Aleena and Bargle.
(I missed out on that beginner adventure, but it always makes me smile to see how many gamers still have a hate on for Bargle)
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Maybe Paizo can do what happens with other games :
A Players Handbook, one for the Game Master... then ANOTHER additional Players Handbook and one more for the game master loaded with stuff they never printed in the first one for them and just for good measure three or four others with a couple of new classes and misc crud you don't need...
Then you can buy what you want then and it won't weigh a lot individually, but you will pay 10x as much as the wonderful, full Pathfinder Core Rulebook!
This is the way RPG books should be printed, IMHO.
I understand the need for easily accessed basic rules, but as some have said, you can print them yourself from PDF or they could be incorporated into an introductory adventure or something.
I like how Paizo provides its supplemental material for Pathfinder (in an organized manner that you can pick and choose from), but I want all of the stuff I NEED to run a Pathfinder game in ONE book, please!
I understand what he is looking for, and it is a legitimate question. C'mon, you're making fun of someone who would be willing to buy an encapsulated version of a 500+ page book. It's not that big of a request.
Maybe Paizo can do what happens with other games :
A Players Handbook, one for the Game Master... then ANOTHER additional Players Handbook and one more for the game master loaded with stuff they never printed in the first one for them and just for good measure three or four others with a couple of new classes and misc crud you don't need...
Then you can buy what you want then and it won't weigh a lot individually, but you will pay 10x as much as the wonderful, full Pathfinder Core Rulebook!
This is the way RPG books should be printed, IMHO.
I understand the need for easily accessed basic rules, but as some have said, you can print them yourself from PDF or they could be incorporated into an introductory adventure or something.
I like how Paizo provides its supplemental material for Pathfinder (in an organized manner that you can pick and choose from), but I want all of the stuff I NEED to run a Pathfinder game in ONE book, please!
You do realise he's not complaining about the full version existing? Even if the PF-Lite book came out tomorrow exactly as he wanted - you'd still have your ONE book.
I think it's a serious problem facing Paizo - how to recruit people to pathfinder who have never played an RPG. At the moment there is a ready market for PFRPG, namely people who are looking to refine their 3.5 game, so the "problem" is pretty negligible. Once we've all done that though - the way for them to thrive long term is to have newcomers to the hobby take up Pathfinder. Anything which will help that has got to be good for them and their fans (irrespective of whether we personally want the product). I'm speculating, of course, but I expect that if one had never played an RPG before - the D and D Starter set would probably be more attractive than the big, heavy PFRPG book.
Having said all that - I'd put hard money down right now on Paizo solving this problem with their usual aplomb. Nonetheless, I think it's important to distinguish between the "Put the rules in two books" request from the request to "Make a book for beginners".
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Maybe Paizo can do what happens with other games :
A Players Handbook, one for the Game Master... then ANOTHER additional Players Handbook and one more for the game master loaded with stuff they never printed in the first one for them and just for good measure three or four others with a couple of new classes and misc crud you don't need...
Then you can buy what you want then and it won't weigh a lot individually, but you will pay 10x as much as the wonderful, full Pathfinder Core Rulebook!
This is the way RPG books should be printed, IMHO.
I understand the need for easily accessed basic rules, but as some have said, you can print them yourself from PDF or they could be incorporated into an introductory adventure or something.
I like how Paizo provides its supplemental material for Pathfinder (in an organized manner that you can pick and choose from), but I want all of the stuff I NEED to run a Pathfinder game in ONE book, please!
You do realise he's not complaining about the full version existing? Even if the PF-Lite book came out tomorrow exactly as he wanted - you'd still have your ONE book.
I think it's a serious problem facing Paizo - how to recruit people to pathfinder who have never played an RPG. At the moment there is a ready market for PFRPG, namely people who are looking to refine their 3.5 game, so the "problem" is pretty negligible. Once we've all done that though - the way for them to thrive long term is to have newcomers to the hobby take up Pathfinder. Anything which will help that has got to be good for them and their fans (irrespective of whether we personally want the product). I'm speculating, of course, but I expect that if one had never played an RPG before - the D and D Starter set would probably be more attractive than the big, heavy PFRPG book.
Having said all that - I'd put hard money down right now on Paizo solving this problem with their usual aplomb. Nonetheless, I think it's important to distinguish between the "Put the rules in two...
You do realize I am not making fun of the original poster at all?
I admitted to the desire and need he suggests and agreed with other posters as to how that could be accomplished.
My statement is about how companies make players buy a bunch of books to have the "full" rules, thats all
The temptation for companies to do that is huge. I am glad Paizo didn't succumb to that.
My comments aren't meant to denegrate of any PERSON or to be PERSONAL!
You do realize I am not making fun of the original poster at all?
I admitted to the desire and need he suggests and agreed with other posters as to how that could be accomplished.
My statement is about how companies make players buy a bunch of books to have the "full" rules, thats all
The temptation for companies to do that is huge. I am glad Paizo didn't succumb to that.
My comments aren't meant to denegrate of any PERSON or to be PERSONAL!
No I misunderstood, my apologies. I thought you were suggesting that it was either-or (you have lots of different books or you have one big book).
Like you, I prefer to have my rules in one place. Like Dennis da Ogre, I think it would be great to have a less daunting ruleset to hand to a beginner.
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You do realize I am not making fun of the original poster at all?
I admitted to the desire and need he suggests and agreed with other posters as to how that could be accomplished.
My statement is about how companies make players buy a bunch of books to have the "full" rules, thats all
The temptation for companies to do that is huge. I am glad Paizo didn't succumb to that.
My comments aren't meant to denegrate of any PERSON or to be PERSONAL!
No I misunderstood, my apologies. I thought you were suggesting that it was either-or (you have lots of different books or you have one big book).
Like you, I prefer to have my rules in one place. Like Dennis da Ogre, I think it would be great to have a less daunting ruleset to hand to a beginner.
No Problem.
I should also be more sympathetic to the desire for an officially printed book of a PF-Lite or whatever it would be dubbed, too.Over the years, seeing the split books scenario I described above happen so often as the only way to get the full rules is disheartening. However, the reasoning for an additional, smaller basic rule version is legitimate.
Pax
Adelwulf
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Real Role-playing He-men (and She-women) want that big book, and will accept no wimpy little substitutes!
Exactly! Anyone who complains that the book is "too heavy" can sign up for the Chelaxian slav... er, summer camp -- does wonders to your muscles, and by the time you will (eventually) get home, every obstacle, hardship or misfortune in life will seem like a minor setback in comparison!
My suggestion:
A free, downloadable pdf, that can be distributed freely under a creative commons license.
Fighter, Cleric, Sorceror and Rogue. Include pregens. Level one to three, so you only need to include two levels of spells.
Introductory adventure, with clear, simple maps, and very basic tactics. One final boss battle with a bit more complexity.
Ten monsters, referenced in the adventure, but stats in a DM only appendix.
One page of combat rules.
That's not just for Paizo, but all tabletop rpg manufacturers. How do you draw kids away from *points to World of Warcraft and its spawn*.
The answer to that is, of course, candy! Kids are suckers for candy. Make PF candy. Gummy Goblins! DragNs (which would be like M&Ms except they'd come in 5 colours - red, blue, green, black, white - and have little pictures of dragons on them).
Personally, I love a book that can kill a man. Just saying.
You mean you can't kill a man with Crown of the Kobold King?
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I like this idea and in fact before Pathfinder I wanted WotC to do it with D&D.
The game would be smaller but complete game by having fewer levels and fewer core classes, but one that would still be 100% compatible with the full game.
E.g. Fighter, Cleric, Wizard, Rogue maybe Ranger; levels 1 to 6. Also cut out prestige classes.
And people wouldn't necessarily be having to buy this and then the full rules. Some people play a variety of games and so a PF Lite would be more attractive as a game you play every so often (less to read). I for example play many games but have never been in a D&D game where characters have gone beyond level 6 (in fact we have just reached that point in our FR game).
Also, many player like the game at levels 1 to 6 and have created variant rules (E6) so that after you hit level 6 you don't level anymore. Such a book might be just right for those players.
Maybe such rules could be tagged onto the book as suggestions for developing post Level 6.
I am still unsure whether it could be commerically viable, but I think the idea is worth investigating.
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Now that the full version has been released, is there any chance a down-sized version of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook could be added to the production schedule as a matter of priority?
I've suggested many times for a down-sized version for containing only the rules relevant for 1st to 3rd (or perhaps 5th?) level for new players.
a) not so daunting for new players;
b) more affordable birthday/christmas gift;but now that I have jut picked up my own copy of the Pathfinder RPG core rulebook, I have to say as beautiful and all-encompassing as it is, it's just too darned heavy! Have Paizo customer service department started processing the repetitive strain injury claims yet? I was struggling to read this on public transport on my way back from the store due to the sheer weight, and I know it's going to be a beast to use in-game.
Not wanting to detract from the sheer awesomeness that is Pathfinder RPG, but
c) please give us a lite edition for those occasions we don't need to break our wrists supporting the full tome.
Thanks,
DarkWhite
An introductory-level rulebook (a-la-the D&D Basic Set) would be great.
However, I do have to (good-naturedly) make fun of you for the "too heavy" comment.... Exercise, dude. ;) :P
A basic set would be nice so that new players have other options if they do not like the new MMORPG style offered in 4.0 DnD.
Personally I would rather want a well made BFB with a leather hard cover and binding, the BFG of all Books, or PDF(s) are ideal since I only need a flash drive and lap top instead of the mother lode of books like in the old days when you had to carry gym bags full of books... lol
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I'd buy a "Pathfinder Players' Guide" that left out the GM material, and I already have the big Core Rulebook. I do think it would be nice to not have to lug around the GM material if I'm not going to be GM-ing. 8^)
Not sure I'd be in the market for an "intro edition", but I think it would be a good idea for those who are.
If you've ever handed a new player the player's handbook and told them to build a character you know who the market for this product is. I would probably buy 3 copies of this myself because the vast majority of the folks I've introduces to the game are simply overwhelmed by the ridiculous complexity they are expected to absorb. Instead, since there is no such product I wind up walking them through the process individually. I did this 8 times in my old group, I just joined a group and it took 3 hours of the GM and I going around tutoring folks on how to build characters.... I would kill for a redbook version.
If you really hand a NEW player a PHB of any size and let him work out his character alone... now that is one heck of an irresponsible GM introducing someone new to the game IMHO.
No-one, ok, make that hardly anyone, is going to play the game just because they get the rulebook as a present - "Toddlers"-version for level 1-5 or not. People are going to play the game because they are introduced to it, people giving them advice and explaining the idiosyncraties of it and help shape new characters and foremost, because it is being shared with them.if you find that..... tiring and inconvenient, now that is hardly Paizo's fault, right ?
As for the weight - as a GM I save carrying the DMG and a PHB^^ hence I am still in the "light load" category here
BTW, as for the $49.99 price tag, given what a game for an XBOX, PS-3 or WII costs these days, it is a rather fair price.
Personally, I love a book that can kill a man. Just saying.You mean you can't kill a man with Crown of the Kobold King?You can but it involves lots of tedious papercuts. You need a hardback to inflict massive blunt trauma.
<.<
>.>
...what?
Aka, DM control for rowdy and obnoxious players. I do like the book idea over a real medieval weapon like one DnD session I went to. The DM got mad at someone and took out his flail and splintered a box. Ah ok, I am not coming here any longer (my first and last game with them = we both will stay alive because I would have to defend myself... ;) )
Brian: There's just no pleasing some people.
Ex-Leper: That's just what Jesus said, sir!
Aka, DM control for rowdy and obnoxious players. I do like the book idea over a real medieval weapon like one DnD session I went to. The DM got mad at someone and took out his flail and splintered a box. Ah ok, I am not coming here any longer (my first and last game with them = we both will stay alive because I would have to defend myself... ;) )
The Pathfinder Core RPG also serves as a superior (and dare I say it ?) "masterwork" shield and will stop anything up to and including most flails on the market (no warranty included) ! Buy yours NOW and be ready to stand your ground !
Personally, I love a book that can kill a man. Just saying.You mean you can't kill a man with Crown of the Kobold King?
I believe T'Ranchule was talking about a book that can kill a man by itself.
Gotta agree with Dennis on this one. I was eleven or tweleve when I discovered dungeons or dragons. I happened to buy a Dragonlance adventure not really knowing what it was. I tried to sort it out but I was lost. A neighbor across the street gave me his older brothers copy of the 1st edition rules. I was hopelessly confused and overwhelmed by what seemed a massive incomprehensible tome.
Then I discovered the red box set and I was able to make sense of that. Twenty years later I have a closet filled with about 450 tsr era books and two 7 feet tall book cases crammed with more modern rpg stuff. The red box gave me a fighting chance against the rules and I got suckered in. Producing that box set paid off for someone.
I hate reading rules. Can barely stomach it. If they came out with a rules lite, I'd probably never get to the phonebook sized rules compendium.
QFT. When I was a child, I had a hard time convincing my mother to let me get a D&D Basic set. One day, I managed to take advantage of a moment of weakness on her part, so she got me one. I had a hard time for a while wrapping my head around some of the rules.
Just imagine if there had been no Basic set, but only Advanced. I never could have convinced my mother to get three hardcover books, even if we saw all three in a store at the same time. And I could never have figured out the 1st Edition rules without Basic as a temporary crutch.
A Basic Set might not seem to sell as well as a more advanced game, but it will help bring children into the game, and many of those children will grow up and get the real thing.
And as has already been mentioned, the Paizo staff do realize the need for such a product, and have commented that they don't want to do it as a rush job, but to do it right. Hear hear!
A beginner module could have 3 or so small dungeons with some random elements loosely connected in a way that could support sandbox play. That way, there'd be more than one adventure you could play with it before needing to needing to upgrade.
It'd be nice, when you have limited time to play, to have a Basic Set where characters wouldn't take two hours to put together.
But PF is a Big Game. Even cutting it down to four classes with levels 1-3 means there is still a LOT of stuff that takes up pages. You need most or all of the conditions, most or all of the Magic chapter, , and most or All of the Combat chapter. Significant elements of the Magic Items chapter (weapons, armor, potions, scrolls, and maybe wands).
Say you keep all of Chapters 1-3, 8-10, 13, and 16 (of the Beta). That's 105 pages right there, and you haven't even covered four basic classes, spells, magic items, skills, feats, &c.
Add in adventure material, monsters, traps, dungeons, &c., and you're still looking at a book that is at least 200-300 pages long.