A bit of help with skills and feats?

[Verscilith]

I'm hoping to join into a couple of newcomer-friendly games at a convention tomorrow. I'm trying to assemble a character beforehand, and I'm getting the impression that Pathfinder is largely a spinoff of D&D... is this correct? Because if so I am going to have a much easier time with all of the skill- and feat-choosing, as I have the Players Handbook for D&D on hand.

Making an assumption, since I see a lot of mention of the '3.5' and that is the current edition of the handbook.

Suggestions would be welcome, of course. If anybody wants a quick rundown of what I have so far I'd be glad to give it.

[Ferahgo89]

Welcome to Pathfinder friend!

You are absolutely correct. Pathfinder is Paizo's update of the D&D 3.5 rules set.

They have consolidated several skills, such as move silent & hide into 'stealth'.

They changed racial features (such as stat bonus', ect), changed how certain feats work, ect.

I would heavily suggest getting access to the core rulebook before you make your character, but paizo has a free conversion guide in their downloads page.

[Kryptik]

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/ is your friend.

That being said, I recommend picking up the Core rulebook anyway. I find that it's much more convenient for in game use.

[nategar05]

If you're playing a wizard, avoid Intimidating Prowess. That feat is so bad for a wizard (mine at least) that my GM is letting me take it at level 4 as a bonus feat.

On the other hand, if Intimidating Prowess can help you, don't play a wizard.

[Themetricsystem]

Coming from 3.5 to pathfinder in a single jump you will notice a number of things.

The first of which is the fact that most of the classes appear to be a LOT stronger than they were in third edition. This is partially an illusion, mainly because of the fact that paizo has done GREAT things quash, suffocate, and keep to a minimal munchkinizing. Another reason in being is that this system does not encourage prestige classes on a level anywhere near approaching the old days. As it has been said before, "There is no reason to have a PrC that is a wizard but better" and from this many things either become part of the core classes, options to use, or were given thematic options.

Second is that skills are done differently now. There is no more 6+Int (X4 at first level). You get a set amount (modified by int) at first level just as normal. Additionally you may only invest ranks = to your HD in any skill. When you invest in a class skill you gain an one time +3 misc class bonus to the skill.

Lastly, you will notice that there are a TON of choice available to you to customize your character at low level just from the core rulebook, not to mention the advanced players guide.