I'd like to purchase the Golarion Campaign Setting, but I've been holding out, waiting for it to be updated so that it'll be consistent with the Core Rulebook. (I'd prefer not to do any conversions)
I think Lisa said the book might get revised after all the current copies sell out.
If I purchase the PDF now, will I be able to download a revised version in the future once the book has been "pathfinderized"? Will there be an additional cost?
Creative Director
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I'd like to purchase the Golarion Campaign Setting, but I've been holding out, waiting for it to be updated so that it'll be consistent with the Core Rulebook. (I'd prefer not to do any conversions)
I think Lisa said the book might get revised after all the current copies sell out.
If I purchase the PDF now, will I be able to download a revised version in the future once the book has been "pathfinderized"? Will there be an additional cost?
We'll eventually HAVE to reprint the hardcover Pathfinder Campaign Setting, and when we do, we pretty much HAVE to update it to the new game. We're trying to figure out how best to handle a reprinting of the book and how that impacts folks who've already bought the 3.5 version, and it's a situation with a lot of complex problems, and we don't yet have solutions to them. Keep an eye out at paizo.com, though; when we DO figure it out, all will be revealed there.
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We'll eventually HAVE to reprint the hardcover Pathfinder Campaign Setting, and when we do, we pretty much HAVE to update it to the new game. We're trying to figure out how best to handle a reprinting of the book and how that impacts folks who've already bought the 3.5 version, and it's a situation with a lot of complex problems, and we don't yet have solutions to them. Keep an eye out at paizo.com, though; when we DO figure it out, all will be revealed there.
PLEASE, don't call it something slightly different, put some extra crunch in it, and release it as a "complementary" book.... :)
We'll eventually HAVE to reprint the hardcover Pathfinder Campaign Setting, and when we do, we pretty much HAVE to update it to the new game. We're trying to figure out how best to handle a reprinting of the book and how that impacts folks who've already bought the 3.5 version, and it's a situation with a lot of complex problems, and we don't yet have solutions to them. Keep an eye out at paizo.com, though; when we DO figure it out, all will be revealed there.I'd like to purchase the Golarion Campaign Setting, but I've been holding out, waiting for it to be updated so that it'll be consistent with the Core Rulebook. (I'd prefer not to do any conversions)
I think Lisa said the book might get revised after all the current copies sell out.
If I purchase the PDF now, will I be able to download a revised version in the future once the book has been "pathfinderized"? Will there be an additional cost?
Cool, thanks for the quasi-update. I'd hate to sink $35 into an outdated product. I'll hold off buying the PDF until more of these mysteries are revealed.
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Creative Director
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PLEASE, don't call it something slightly different, put some extra crunch in it, and release it as a "complementary" book.... :)
We'll eventually HAVE to reprint the hardcover Pathfinder Campaign Setting, and when we do, we pretty much HAVE to update it to the new game. We're trying to figure out how best to handle a reprinting of the book and how that impacts folks who've already bought the 3.5 version, and it's a situation with a lot of complex problems, and we don't yet have solutions to them. Keep an eye out at paizo.com, though; when we DO figure it out, all will be revealed there.
What if we call it the exact same thing, put some extra crunch in it, and release it as a new edition of the book?
The problem is that there are several (not many, but several) pages of the book that are no longer necessary in the Pathfinder rules (the reprinted SRD cleric domains come to mind, as does the Pathfinder Chronicler class which is now a part of the core game), as well as some other content that's just "filler" that could be excised to make better use of the pages (such as the four random sample NPCs in the back). Furthermore, I DO think that a campaign setting book needs more crunch than the current one has—we went light on the crunch because we knew we were in the twilight years of the current system and at the time we were building the book, we didn't have the final rules for the Pathfinder RPG to work off of.
That said, I can certainly see how folks would be annoyed at the implication that we're trying to re-sell them a book that they've already purchased, only this time with 20% new material. Unfortunately, I'm growing increasingly convinced that we won't have any other options but to run the risk of annoying some people in this way.
Anyway, we're working on it, and hopefully we'll discover a way to make most folks happy! I'm sure we won't be able to make EVERYONE happy, alas...
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Creative Director
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Cool, thanks for the quasi-update. I'd hate to sink $35 into an outdated product. I'll hold off buying the PDF until more of these mysteries are revealed.
Well... it certainly IS worth pointing out that whatever we do, we're going to be trying VERY HARD not to "outdate" the existing hardcover. We've sold a LOT of them, and it's won awards, and it's barely over a year old. Obsoleting it is not a good thing. While we'll probably be adding some content to the book and certainly be clearing up errors and fixing confusing parts, we're going to be trying VERY hard not to remove anything from the book or change things to invalidate parts of the book. Things we do remove in the reprint/2nd edition of the book (or whatever we end up calling it) will be things that are simply Not Needed in the Pathfinder RPG. Stuff like the SRD cleric domains and the Pathfinder Chronicler prestige class, for example, since that stuff is now part of the core game experience.
What I'm saying is that if you want the book because you want to learn about Golarion and its people and nations, that part of the book (which is certainly the lion's share of the content) won't become outdated when we reprint the book. Flavor transcends rules, after all.
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What if we call it the exact same thing, put some extra crunch in it, and release it as a new edition of the book?
That would be a perfectly valid model. Selling me an updated edition of the book (hell, making it so I can choose between the shiny second edition, or the well thumbed first edition that's a few cents cheaper on ebay) I have no problem with.
Making me have to pick up a book every time I'm in a bookshop because I see the title and think, "ohh, a different book" only to then realise it's not different, just updated, leaves me feeling quite mad.
Making it look more like a players guide, than a DM tool in the process is also a killer.....
The problem is that there are several (not many, but several) pages of the book that are no longer necessary in the Pathfinder rules (the reprinted SRD cleric domains come to mind, as does the Pathfinder Chronicler class which is now a part of the core game), as well as some other content that's just "filler" that could be excised to make better use of the pages (such as the four random sample NPCs in the back). Furthermore, I DO think that a campaign setting book needs more crunch than the current one has—we went light on the crunch because we knew we were in the twilight years of the current system and at the time we were building the book, we didn't have the final rules for the Pathfinder RPG to work off of.
They all sound like good reasons for a second edition. I expect you'd have a big audience for it too....Just please make it obvious it's an updated, second edition; Not a new book.
I would recommend including a puppy.
Anyway, we're working on it, and hopefully we'll discover a way to make most folks happy! I'm sure we won't be able to make EVERYONE happy, alas...
Make that a Dire Puppy.
That said, I can certainly see how folks would be annoyed at the implication that we're trying to re-sell them a book that they've already purchased, only this time with 20% new material. Unfortunately, I'm growing increasingly convinced that we won't have any other options but to run the risk of annoying some people in this way.
This seems like a pretty good idea.
The extra effort and content should keep it fresh.
I can see where hardcopy is problematic, and I think most people will understand that. But in the case of the PDF, if you're only incurring 20% of the development cost, then I'd expect some kind of consideration for owning the prior version.
What about a PDF "upgrade" fee? Say, charge a few bucks to owners of the 3.5 PDF to get access to the updated "pathfinderized" PDF?
Alternatively, if it's a completely new book (new layout, etc.) done to match the core rules, then I'd say full price for the PDF would be more appropriate.
The key is not to make customers regret buying the older version. Cover your costs? Sure. Trying to profit on selling the same material twice? That, I believe people will resent. I'm confident you guys can come up with a compromise that works for everyone (or at least, for most people).
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I can see where hardcopy is problematic, and I think most people will understand that. But in the case of the PDF, if you're only incurring 20% of the development cost, then I'd expect some kind of consideration for owning the prior version.
Problem is, how do you prove that a person owns the first edition? It's the same as selling PDFs with the hard copies anywhere other than as part of the subscription....
I could see sticking the PDF as a free item on the Chronicles subscription being valid though.....
Problem is, how do you prove that a person owns the first edition? It's the same as selling PDFs with the hard copies anywhere other than as part of the subscription....I could see sticking the PDF as a free item on the Chronicles subscription being valid though.....
Sorry, I guess I was unclear. I meant the first edition in PDF. Since (AFAIK) the only way to get Paizo PDFs is from Paizo, they should have no problem making that determination.
I happen to have picked up both the PDF and the hardcopy. I'd be OK re-buying the hardcopy, but it would stick in my craw a bit to have to pay full-price again for the PDF, knowing there were no associated printing and distribution costs.
Problem is, how do you prove that a person owns the first edition?
There's this thing called a "record". I know they have them, because I can still download my Pathfinder Campaign Setting. Which means they know I bought it.
Problem is, how do you prove that a person owns the first edition?There's this thing called a "record". I know they have them, because I can still download my Pathfinder Campaign Setting. Which means they know I bought it.
I think he meant how would Paizo know if someone purchased the book in hardcopy. ;-)
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Anyway, we're working on it, and hopefully we'll discover a way to make most folks happy! I'm sure we won't be able to make EVERYONE happy, alas...
I bought it. I've not finished reading it (yet). I've never played a game in Golarion (Realms fan). That said, I think it fair that an updated version of the book be a new purchase and I'd probably buy it myself and try and Ebay the old one.
You could drop everyone who has the old PDF in 'My Downloads' a free copy of the new PDF I suppose. You could even do the same for anyone who ordered a physical copy directly through Paizo (so you can prove ownership). I think that's more than anyone could really expect though.
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I think he meant how would Paizo know if someone purchased the book in hardcopy. ;-)Problem is, how do you prove that a person owns the first edition?There's this thing called a "record". I know they have them, because I can still download my Pathfinder Campaign Setting. Which means they know I bought it.
I did, and your explanation does make it make more sense. That is a good idea.
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PLEASE, don't call it something slightly different, put some extra crunch in it, and release it as a "complementary" book.... :)
We'll eventually HAVE to reprint the hardcover Pathfinder Campaign Setting, and when we do, we pretty much HAVE to update it to the new game. We're trying to figure out how best to handle a reprinting of the book and how that impacts folks who've already bought the 3.5 version, and it's a situation with a lot of complex problems, and we don't yet have solutions to them. Keep an eye out at paizo.com, though; when we DO figure it out, all will be revealed there.What if we call it the exact same thing, put some extra crunch in it, and release it as a new edition of the book?
The problem is that there are several (not many, but several) pages of the book that are no longer necessary in the Pathfinder rules (the reprinted SRD cleric domains come to mind, as does the Pathfinder Chronicler class which is now a part of the core game), as well as some other content that's just "filler" that could be excised to make better use of the pages (such as the four random sample NPCs in the back). Furthermore, I DO think that a campaign setting book needs more crunch than the current one has—we went light on the crunch because we knew we were in the twilight years of the current system and at the time we were building the book, we didn't have the final rules for the Pathfinder RPG to work off of.
That said, I can certainly see how folks would be annoyed at the implication that we're trying to re-sell them a book that they've already purchased, only this time with 20% new material. Unfortunately, I'm growing increasingly convinced that we won't have any other options but to run the risk of annoying some people in this way.
Anyway, we're working on it, and hopefully we'll discover a way to make most folks happy! I'm sure we won't be able to make EVERYONE happy, alas...
Well James, you can count me among those who would gladly purchase a New and updated Version. After all. now that the core Rules are in the shelves, A new version would really be appreciated. After all, it will be the main Guide to Golarion for many years to come.
George
We'll eventually HAVE to reprint the hardcover Pathfinder Campaign Setting, and when we do, we pretty much HAVE to update it to the new game. We're trying to figure out how best to handle a reprinting of the book and how that impacts folks who've already bought the 3.5 version, and it's a situation with a lot of complex problems, and we don't yet have solutions to them. Keep an eye out at paizo.com, though; when we DO figure it out, all will be revealed there.I'd like to purchase the Golarion Campaign Setting, but I've been holding out, waiting for it to be updated so that it'll be consistent with the Core Rulebook. (I'd prefer not to do any conversions)
I think Lisa said the book might get revised after all the current copies sell out.
If I purchase the PDF now, will I be able to download a revised version in the future once the book has been "pathfinderized"? Will there be an additional cost?
I'll buy the new updated book. It's not that much money for one book. I pretty much did that for Greyhawk with every edition of D&D so far. They have been pretty much all the same except for few side bars, updated rules and new artwork. It's just something I expect with a setting. For the time being the book works. There are few things you need to ommit though as it's 3E specific and doesn't work in PF. So count me in buying just a updated book.
How about combining the gazetteer and campaign setting books into one when an update of the book to the new rules is done. That is, unless everything in the gazetteer is already covered in the campaign setting book, but I have not had the chance to really compare the two together.
And shouldn't a new campaign setting book also act as a compendium for all the relevant bits of Golarion details, such as the info on Tieflings, published in various books since the original edition came out?
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Owner - D20 Hobbies
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We'll eventually HAVE to reprint the hardcover Pathfinder Campaign Setting, and when we do, we pretty much HAVE to update it to the new game.
Just do it like every one else like for example Paradigm's Players Guide to Arcanis Revised when it was revised it grew in size by 50 pages and was heavily edited.
It isn't like 3.p is that much different than 3.5 so you could (like we do) use the 3.5 Pathfinder Campaign setting as is until you buy the revised one.
I guess what I'm saying is, you don't need to worry about the people with old books as much as you seem to be worrying. If you want, you could push out revised PDF's to those with the old books if you want. Most people with old books will buy the new book anyway. I know I would.
I might buy a new book.. But probably only in PDF. Depends on the price.
This does constitute a challenge for Paizo and it's long term susbscribers (like myself). I have a subscription but I'll be getting a book that is 80% the same.
I would offer some alternatives.
For example, I like the idea of just being able to a revised PDF at a lower cost... or reducing the price of the hardcopy... but specifically limiting that to those individuals who purchased a PDF or hardcopy directly from Paizo.
(Not because I'm snubbing the rest of the world who didn't buy from Paizo directly, but just because the previous purchase can be verified).
I might buy a new book.. But probably only in PDF. Depends on the price.
This does constitute a challenge for Paizo and it's long term susbscribers (like myself). I have a subscription but I'll be getting a book that is 80% the same.
I would offer some alternatives.
For example, I like the idea of just being able to a revised PDF at a lower cost... or reducing the price of the hardcopy... but specifically limiting that to those individuals who purchased a PDF or hardcopy directly from Paizo.
(Not because I'm snubbing the rest of the world who didn't buy from Paizo directly, but just because the previous purchase can be verified).
Basically, I'm with Watcher on this situation.
If at all possible I think it would be an advertising coup d etat, if you could manage to "also" offer a discount for those who purchased the 3.5v from their FLGS.
I might buy a new book.. But probably only in PDF. Depends on the price.
This does constitute a challenge for Paizo and it's long term susbscribers (like myself). I have a subscription but I'll be getting a book that is 80% the same.
I would offer some alternatives.
For example, I like the idea of just being able to a revised PDF at a lower cost... or reducing the price of the hardcopy... but specifically limiting that to those individuals who purchased a PDF or hardcopy directly from Paizo.
(Not because I'm snubbing the rest of the world who didn't buy from Paizo directly, but just because the previous purchase can be verified).
Maybe if they offered a cheap PDF ($3-5) of only the new material and just let the people that bought the 3.5 version get that. It's not as sexy as a whole new book, but perhaps it would work.
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Saying it's an updated edition book is much better then calling it the "Player's Guide to Pathfinder" and still requiring use to keep (or in the case of new customers) buy the old book.
Yes.. I'm talking about the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting. It irks me that the book is 3.0 and that I needed a second book that did A LOT more then just update it to 3.5 (it added a whole lot of crunch that wasn't necessary.)
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I don't know how doable it would be, but maybe a 2ed of the book for those of us who haven't bought it with the new crunch, along with a smaller book just detailing the new crunch for the people who allready bought the first one(?)
Yeah I was thinking something like a splat book in small run for the 1st editions holders (Maybe print to order to minimize cost) and then have a larger 2nd revised edition hardcover for those who haven't gotten one?
Honestly, what I'd suggest is significantly expanding the book/pdf - but using existing lore and crunch from various sources that have seen print already (such as the Adventure Paths).
I think this is a great opportunity (rather than a problem) for Paizo to consolidate the Golarion setting into one large compendium. There are a sizable number of feats, prestige classes and other crunch that are great and fun roleplaying options. For example, the Hellknight, Chevalier, Inheritor's Crusader. This also allows double-duty in that several pre-Pathfinder prestige classes can get the updated treatment such as the the Lion Blade, Spherewalkers etc.
Now some of these are in Chronicles or Companions (such as the Lion Blade) - and perhaps shouldn't be reprinted in the compiled version; but others like the Spherewalker are in Adventure Paths and I think should be good game for a compilation.
The things I think are worth adding into such a compilation are:
- Original campaign setting, pathfinderized
- Regional/racial expansion (with regional traits and feats)
- Consolidate prestige classes from various sources (at least those from adventure paths)
- Possibly consolidate the religious articles (usually in adventure paths) that detail the deities
- Consolidate setting specific equipment/items
- Generally more crunch
Personally, I think the vast majority of people would be very happy to pay good money for an "old" product that is essentially a compilation of existing material. Provided enough things are compiled into it to make it a worthwhile reference work. I'm talking at least another 100 pages after the original campaign book has been pathfinderized.
Also - all-new artwork is a must. Some people may be happy with old work - I on the other hand feel all happy when I see the world unfold in fresh new gore, beauty, awe and glamer.
Honestly, what I'd suggest is significantly expanding the book/pdf - but using existing lore and crunch from various sources that have seen print already (such as the Adventure Paths).
I think this is a great opportunity (rather than a problem) for Paizo to consolidate the Golarion setting into one large compendium. There are a sizable number of feats, prestige classes and other crunch that are great and fun roleplaying options. For example, the Hellknight, Chevalier, Inheritor's Crusader. This also allows double-duty in that several pre-Pathfinder prestige classes can get the updated treatment such as the the Lion Blade, Spherewalkers etc.
Now some of these are in Chronicles or Companions (such as the Lion Blade) - and perhaps shouldn't be reprinted in the compiled version; but others like the Spherewalker are in Adventure Paths and I think should be good game for a compilation.
The things I think are worth adding into such a compilation are:
- Original campaign setting, pathfinderized
- Regional/racial expansion (with regional traits and feats)
- Consolidate prestige classes from various sources (at least those from adventure paths)
- Possibly consolidate the religious articles (usually in adventure paths) that detail the deities
- Consolidate setting specific equipment/items
- Generally more crunch
Personally, I think the vast majority of people would be very happy to pay good money for an "old" product that is essentially a compilation of existing material. Provided enough things are compiled into it to make it a worthwhile reference work. I'm talking at least another 100 pages after the original campaign book has been pathfinderized.
Also - all-new artwork is a must. Some people may be happy with old work - I on the other hand feel all happy when I see the world unfold in fresh new gore, beauty, awe and glamer.
That would make it much more compelling for subscribers who got the original product.
I just wanted to chime in and say I'd be more than happy to pick up a new Campaign Setting book even if it was only 20% new material. Heck, I picked up campaign setting after campaign setting boxed set and hardcovers for Forgotten Realms, and I agree with SirUrza that I would have loved a new 3.5 updated campaign setting for the Realms rather than a patchwork "Player's Guide" that didn't quite do what it needed to do.
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Creative Director
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How about combining the gazetteer and campaign setting books into one when an update of the book to the new rules is done. That is, unless everything in the gazetteer is already covered in the campaign setting book, but I have not had the chance to really compare the two together.
And shouldn't a new campaign setting book also act as a compendium for all the relevant bits of Golarion details, such as the info on Tieflings, published in various books since the original edition came out?
The current hardcover pretty much DOES include all of the information in the Gazetteer, so that job's done already.
And we've produced FAR too much Golarion material along the lines of the Tiefling article to fit into the hardcover.
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How about combining the gazetteer and campaign setting books into one when an update of the book to the new rules is done. That is, unless everything in the gazetteer is already covered in the campaign setting book, but I have not had the chance to really compare the two together.
And shouldn't a new campaign setting book also act as a compendium for all the relevant bits of Golarion details, such as the info on Tieflings, published in various books since the original edition came out?
The current hardcover pretty much DOES include all of the information in the Gazetteer, so that job's done already.
And we've produced FAR too much Golarion material along the lines of the Tiefling article to fit into the hardcover.
Why not release an updated hardcover with 20% new like you mentioned, and an errata file or pdf update available for current owners to download? I guess you'd have to work out how, but without knowing what you have planned, it'd be hard to be specific.
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Creative Director
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Why not release an updated hardcover with 20% new like you mentioned, and an errata file or pdf update available for current owners to download? I guess you'd have to work out how, but without knowing what you have planned, it'd be hard to be specific.
Because 20% new content goes FAR AND ABOVE mere errata. That's a new book.
Before there is a whole mess of posts from folks who cry, "I would gladly buy a whole new book with 20% new content!".. let me stress one thing.
Let us not confuse basic fiscal responsibility with loyalty to Paizo.
No one should be forced into a catagory of "being disloyal", because they're hesitant to replace a book that isn't very old... especially when they didn't hesitate to put their money down to start with.
No one has overtly said that.. yet. But I wouldn't want this discussion to go in that direction. I know how passionate my fellow Paizoan's can get when it comes to demonstrating their loyalty. It would be really sucky to be labeled disloyal with the economy such as it is.
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Taking a moment to reframe my opinion:
I'm just suggesting to Paizo: "give me some sort of concession for having bought the first book as a loyal subscriber. I'll let you decide what you can do, and how it should be done."
And again, I'm focusing on subscribers because their support can be documented, and because they by in large don't pick and choose what books they do and do not buy. They buy them all.
Also it might be that this book doesn't get updated very soon, like in the next year, which would certainly mitigate any concern I would have in replacing it as a subscriber.
Why not release an updated hardcover with 20% new like you mentioned, and an errata file or pdf update available for current owners to download? I guess you'd have to work out how, but without knowing what you have planned, it'd be hard to be specific.Because 20% new content goes FAR AND ABOVE mere errata. That's a new book.
Well, as errata, it's great. As a new book, it stinks. :P
Some refund/special discount should be in order. And an indication that this is the revised edition, of course.
Maybe if someone already has the PDF for the old version, they get some discount. If you're a subscriber to the chronicles line, you get an extra discount, and a bigger if you bought the old version on paizo.com (be it a regular purchase or via the subscription).
I'm sure there are quite a few people who wouldn't mind an updated version of the book, and the number of people who'd buy it (again) will rise if you give them a decent deal.
The update PDF thing sounds good as well.
Of course, there's the question on whether this would be a part of the subscription. I think if you force it on every subscriber, you'll lose descriptions. I don't know how many, though.
Would it be possible to give people a choice whether they want a subscription copy or not?
Or would that cause too many problems of its own and break the existing subscription model?
I would imagine that Paizo could be very unpopular with game stores and other retailers if they gave a discount on an updated campaign setting to customers who purchased through Paizo's online store.
No more so than they already would be for offering discounted and free PDFs for people who purchase through them, which they already do (free PDFs with subscriptions, discounted core book PDFs -- $10 instead of $40-50 for the hard copy). I don't think anyone's expecting a discount for the hard copies of the books -- the margins just aren't there. PDFs are a different story.
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Creative Director
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Another option is, of course, available. We could just do a straight up reprint of the book. Update the rules to work more fluidly with Pathfinder but not make any adjustments to the actual contents of the book except where ABSOLUTELY necessary (this would probably result in replacing the domains on page 159 with the big table of deity information from the inside front cover of Gods & Magic, and replacing the Pathfinder Chronicler prestige class with a pared-down-from Pathfinder #27 Hellknight class), and then just release that as a reprint. The resulting book would be close to identical to the current hardcover, with errata and typos fixed, and since this book would be pretty much the same it'd be treated as a mere reprint—no special treatment at all to subscribers (with the possible exception of granting access to the updated PDF).
Frankly, this route, while probably the "safest" in regards to annoying customers who don't want to feel like we're trying to "trick" them into buying a new version, feels hollow to me. We have a MUCH better grip on our world now, and we have a hearty and healthy rulesset to attach to it—I think that a version with an additional 68 pages (bringing it up to about Bestiary size) with its information reorganized (placing all feats into a "Feats" chapter rather than scattering them throughout the book, for example), would result in a MUCH stronger book. Of course, that extra 68 pages wouldn't all be new material—much of it would probably be reprinted and updated to the new rules from older sources (I suspect about half of those pages would be Golarion-specific monsters taken from the first 24 volumes of Pathfinder, updated to work with the PRPG rules, for example) but some would be brand new content.
That WOULD, I suspect, annoy some customers who already bought the Hardcover, even though the new version of the book wouldn't really contradict anything in the first printing—it'd just add more details and more options. This is, in any event, the route I vastly prefer to take with the book—I certainly hope that we'd be able to swing some sort of discounted PDF or something to folks who bought the original but I'm not sure that's possible, and even if it weren't I'd probably decide that the advantages of having a more definitive Campaign book in print that works with the world as we know it now and the rules we currently have outweigh the backlash from disappointed customers. I wouldn't feel GREAT about that decision, of course, but making hard decisions like that is part of what I get paid to do.
Anyway, thanks for all your feedback, folks! Keep it coming, and I'll do what I can to make the transition to the reprinted book as painless as possible while making sure that the reprinted book is something that we (and I) at Paizo can be proud of serving as the core book for our core campaign setting.
We have a MUCH better grip on our world now, and we have a hearty and healthy rulesset to attach to it—I think that a version with an additional 68 pages (bringing it up to about Bestiary size) with its information reorganized (placing all feats into a "Feats" chapter rather than scattering them throughout the book, for example), would result in a MUCH stronger book. Of course, that extra 68 pages wouldn't all be new material—much of it would probably be reprinted and updated to the new rules from older sources (I suspect about half of those pages would be Golarion-specific monsters taken from the first 24 volumes of Pathfinder, updated to work with the PRPG rules, for example) but some would be brand new content.
Well that sounds awesome!
One thing though, please don't pare down the Hellknight. I know it takes extra pages, but your adding many, and having two Hellknight PrC's is just the beginning of a slide into repetition and redundancy in PrC's and rules bloat. Not to mention confusion over which Hellknight prestige class is being used.
But I was on the fence, yet would absolutely buy that, maybe even through in a paragraph each on how the APG base classes fit into Golarion (no need for the full two page treatment, but it'd be a nice touch, and you said in another thread you'd like to put it somewhere, where better than this?).
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Frankly, this route, while probably the "safest" in regards to annoying customers who don't want to feel like we're trying to "trick" them into buying a new version, feels hollow to me.
This is the ideal updated edition. What I would ask is that it's kept as a separate sku on the pathfinder store so those of us wanting to order it (and not the original) can get it.
In any case, if you guys were to add stuff I can't say repeat myself enough about how much I want to see feats and traits reprinted if they need to be updated from the 3.5 APs. If they don't need reprinting then there needs to be something, perhaps a Web Enhancement listing Pathfinder RPG "approved" feats/traits and "incompatible" and/or "obsolete."
I'll take two feats from Curse of the Crimson Throne as an example.
Crossbow Mastery... great feat for crossbow people right? Compatible? Obsolete? Needs updating? I don't know.. mostly because I'm not a crossbow person.. and don't care to find out. But there might be someone that cares because they want to make a character.
Sable Company Marine... pretty iconic feat for that region right? Compatible? Obsolete? Needs updating? I know it isn't Obsolete, but I couldn't answer the other two and I'd want to know if I ever play/dm in that area.
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Creative Director
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One thing though, please don't pare down the Hellknight. I know it takes extra pages, but your adding many, and having two Hellknight PrC's is just the beginning of a slide into repetition and redundancy in PrC's and rules bloat. Not to mention confusion over which Hellknight prestige class is being used.
But I was on the fence, yet would absolutely buy that, maybe even through in a paragraph each on how the APG base classes fit into Golarion (no need for the full two page treatment, but it'd be a nice touch, and you said in another thread you'd like to put it somewhere, where better than this?).
If we expand the book to 328 pages or whatever, we won't NEED to pare down the Hellknight. Reason #23 why it's better to do that than simply reprint the book as-is, I say!
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Creative Director
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This is the ideal updated edition. What I would ask is that it's kept as a separate sku on the pathfinder store so those of us wanting to order it (and not the original) can get it.
If we go this route, it will indeed be a separate SKU. Since it's a separate book at this point, after all.
If we expand the book to 328 pages or whatever, we won't NEED to pare down the Hellknight. Reason #23 why it's better to do that than simply reprint the book as-is, I say!One thing though, please don't pare down the Hellknight. I know it takes extra pages, but your adding many, and having two Hellknight PrC's is just the beginning of a slide into repetition and redundancy in PrC's and rules bloat. Not to mention confusion over which Hellknight prestige class is being used.
But I was on the fence, yet would absolutely buy that, maybe even through in a paragraph each on how the APG base classes fit into Golarion (no need for the full two page treatment, but it'd be a nice touch, and you said in another thread you'd like to put it somewhere, where better than this?).
Excellent! Don't be afraid to re-use some of the better art from older products aswell. I mean specifically non-PCCS art and sprinkle in some more new pieces, though no need to break the bank with too much new.
Also a readjusted map, and slightly de-pixelated cover are two pet peeves of the staff to be fixed are they not, and the PCCS would look nice in the new Chronicles layout.
I will probably buy the new print regardless of what form it takes. I bought the Campaign book second hand. I got a good deal on it because it was falling apart and I've dragged it around so much I have'nt done it any favors.
It's one of my favorite books and to get an updated version all crisp and shiny would be great.
One request: If and when you do update the Campaign Setting, please try to reduce the size of the PDF version of the giant map (not necessarily the dimensions; I'm referring to the memory footprint) . It practically locks up two of my three PDF readers, and even the third one takes a very long time to update the display. Makes using the PDF map a real pain.