Hero points from the APG


Pathfinder First Edition General Discussion


I am about to start the Serpent's skull adventure path and my player's have asked if they could use the hero point system from the APG. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with this system. Any input on how this works in game or just general opinions will be appreciated.


Mortagon wrote:
I am about to start the Serpent's skull adventure path and my player's have asked if they could use the hero point system from the APG. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with this system. Any input on how this works in game or just general opinions will be appreciated.

I just started using it a week ago, so my experience is somewhat limited, but we really enjoy them. My players were hesitant to implement them, and we had rejected action points years before, so hero points were carefully considered. They saved our resident rogue from failing to a Suffocation spell, and he was really satisfied with that. From a DM's perspective, they provide a new resource to work with, and though I use them conservatively, I find that the promise of reward is often a driving factor that gets the players motivated.

Scarab Sages

We have been using them for about 6 months now, though before they were canonized in the APG, our version was homebrew, but very similar. They have worked well as individual rewards for good RPing or smart playing, bringing the snacks, updating the campaign journal, etc since we are using the story point leveling system (ROtRL AP) rather than tracking XP. One thing that is different from the system used in the APG is our party did not earn free points just for leveling, only as rewards. For anyone concerned about players hoarding their points, they definitely get used in our game, though YMMV depending on your players.


While the implementation is not identical to the D&D 4e action point, the concept is similar. There are other games too, like Hollow Earth Expedition, that use similar systems.

The concept supports your characters as hereos who can, at times, positively affect the outcome of an otherwise negative circumstance. This makes for some very cinematic events during play. I would recommend adopting them because they have worked well for every group in which I've played.

I like the flexibility in the Pathfinder system, i.e. to cheat death or inspiration. The D&D system simply allows for another action - or that's how our group used them. I have no experience with hero point feats or spells.

If you're a new DM I'd be conservative in issuing hero points. They can definitely be game changers and until you get a feel how and if they work well with your players I would implement them gradually.


Mortagon wrote:
I am about to start the Serpent's skull adventure path and my player's have asked if they could use the hero point system from the APG. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with this system. Any input on how this works in game or just general opinions will be appreciated.

I'm about to start a small campaign for testing out that system. As well as the critical hit and critical fumble decks. I'll be sure to inform you if I remember.


VictorCrackus wrote:
Mortagon wrote:
I am about to start the Serpent's skull adventure path and my player's have asked if they could use the hero point system from the APG. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with this system. Any input on how this works in game or just general opinions will be appreciated.
I'm about to start a small campaign for testing out that system. As well as the critical hit and critical fumble decks. I'll be sure to inform you if I remember.

We've been using the critical and fumble decks for a while now. They are great fun.


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

I started a thread asking the exact same thing like, day before yesterday. You should check it out as it has several responses already.

No sense in having duplicate threads.


Ravingdork wrote:

I started a thread asking the exact same thing like, day before yesterday. You should check it out as it has several responses already.

No sense in having duplicate threads.

That's what I get for failing my search-fu :P

Thanks for the link.

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