I don't currently have any materials for anything. I haven't played since a brief stint with D&D 3.0. I am about to join a new D&D 3.5 game based in Eberron. The GM said that I could borrow his materials for the time being.
My question is whether I could buy the Pathfinder core rulebook and use it to create characters for this 3.5 campaign. I know there are differences, but it's too expensive to buy 3.5 books on the Internet to my great surprise. I've read enough of Pathfinder to think it's a great continuation of 3.5 and would like to play it long term.
I guess the other option is to ask the GM to use Pathfinder rules and adjust his 3.5 campaign upwards. I found the game through a local gaming group, so didn't want to ask this if I didn't have to.
Thanks,
Mike
You can view all of the 3.5 rules online at d20srd.org. The Pathfinder RPG Reference Document is also available, but keep in mind that Pathfinder characters might overpower 3.5 characters (something that the rest of your group might object to). As always, clear it with your GM first.
I'm also moving this thread to the appropriate forum.
The core books aren't supposed to be used side by side. If they use a 3e or 3.5e PHB and you use the Pathfinder Core book, things will get confusing, as the classes have been updated in PF. Many got a much needed, healthy boost. You playing a PF rogue would have more HP than your friend's 3.5 rogue, for example, and he'd know all those cool rogue talents that just weren't there in 3e.
The reason those 3.5e books are so expensive is because they're no longer in print. So you need to buy them off someone else. And when supply gets scarce, prices go up.
One of the main reasons Paizo did their own game was that very fact. You can't create support material for a game that is no longer produced and expect to turn a decent profit, since there won't be that many new customers.
While some people dislike Pathfinder for some reason, others might just not have heard of it. You could always ask why they're playing 3e as opposed to Pathfinder. If they say they don't want to relearn the rules, then you're out of luck, but maybe they would consider getting new core rulebooks.
If not, you could make do with the SRD, but I agree that that's not really a permanent solution. Nothing really replaces an actual book made of paper.
Nothing really replaces an actual book made of paper.Spoken like a man who's never read a book penned in human blood on pages of human flesh bound with a cover made from human bone.
Yeah, but human flesh doesn't hold ink very well. It's really a drag to have to copy something over again and again, and it often takes a whole person's worth of materials to do something right. Plus, the best materials are harvested fresh, and the noise of all that shrieking is unbearable after an hour or two...
...Or so I've heard, I mean.
Nothing really replaces an actual book made of paper.Spoken like a man who's never read a book penned in human blood on pages of human flesh bound with a cover made from human bone.
Semantics. What I mean is one of those things that you open and that have actual pages you turn with your finger, a physical process. An actual book you can read even if you don't have some expensive piece of equipment and a power source for said piece of equipment.
But beyond that, I'll have to agree with the Crab: The human-blood-on-human-skin stuff might be a nice conversation piece, but paper is more efficient, and I don't even want to know how expensive it would be to make toner for laser printers out of blood (not to mention that it would all be red unless you blow even more money on the whole thing.)
I don't currently have any materials for anything. I haven't played since a brief stint with D&D 3.0. I am about to join a new D&D 3.5 game based in Eberron. The GM said that I could borrow his materials for the time being.
My question is whether I could buy the Pathfinder core rulebook and use it to create characters for this 3.5 campaign. I know there are differences, but it's too expensive to buy 3.5 books on the Internet to my great surprise. I've read enough of Pathfinder to think it's a great continuation of 3.5 and would like to play it long term.
I guess the other option is to ask the GM to use Pathfinder rules and adjust his 3.5 campaign upwards. I found the game through a local gaming group, so didn't want to ask this if I didn't have to.
Thanks,
Mike
As others have said, at this point you should probably stick with the d20SRD.org. The PF core book isn't going to be very helpful, in fact it may cause more confusion (though since you said you played some 3e, prepared for some confusion anyway). I'm not saying don't buy it if you want it, but it really isn't going make playing 3.5 any easier for you.
I would point you to a group of books that have the core rules for 3.5 that I made on Lulu, but they are more of 3.6 or 3.5.2 pretty close to 3.5 but not exactly the same, though I did try to site where I changed things (probably missed some). Though, I'm not sure if they would be a good fit because again, the minor changes I made may cause you more trouble in the long run. It is better to learn the 3.5 rule set first and then later get books that are slightly different.
So stick with the d20SRD for now and you should be fine. If you have a 3e player's handbook, you could just print out the updated material and slide it in your 3e PHB in the appropriate places.
EDIT: Also if you have specific questions about the character design, just ask here and people will be glad to help you figure it out.
Oh? Linkies?
I would point you to a group of books that have the core rules for 3.5 that I made on Lulu, but they are more of 3.6 or 3.5.2 pretty close to 3.5 but not exactly the same, though I did try to site where I changed things (probably missed some).
I don't really feel comfortable pimping it too much, mainly because the books have a lot of editorial errors. It is probably in its "beta" phase and might never get out of it. If you are interested here is a link:
Gauric MythsAs I've said before, it is mainly for players that join my group that don't have 3.5 books. Anyway, if you are interested the pdfs are free, so don't gripe too much if you find a bunch of errors.
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Oh? Linkies?
I would point you to a group of books that have the core rules for 3.5 that I made on Lulu, but they are more of 3.6 or 3.5.2 pretty close to 3.5 but not exactly the same, though I did try to site where I changed things (probably missed some).I don't really feel comfortable pimping it too much, mainly because the books have a lot of editorial errors. It is probably in its "beta" phase and might never get out of it. If you are interested here is a link:
Gauric Myths
As I've said before, it is mainly for players that join my group that don't have 3.5 books. Anyway, if you are interested the pdfs are free, so don't gripe too much if you find a bunch of errors.
Coolio. I'll check it out.
[Edit] Okay, there's this error on page XX... ^_^
Wow, I didn't expect this sort of response! I appreciate it. I am aware of the supply and demand factors for out of print stuff, but just didn't think the demand was that high. I figured most would be going 4e and the people that don't like it would already have 3.x You live you learn.
In my younger days I'd just buy it all and be damned to the cost. But now I have a budget and want to get the most for what I spend. Or at least know that it'll keep getting played.
For now I will take the advice of using the SRD. I didn't know it had 3.5 stuff, since I thought that was copyrighted. I thought it was just Pathfinder material.
I only just played 4e this past Sunday and had read prior to that about it "being like WoW". I had an open mind, but was disillusioned quickly when our party didn't even get hit once due to all of the action point use, marking, etc. Plus I like the strategy of spell use when they're finite, rather than having "at will" and encounter based magic that replenishes. I can see the appeal, but it's just not for me.
Again, thanks for the input!
Wow, I didn't expect this sort of response! I appreciate it. I am aware of the supply and demand factors for out of print stuff, but just didn't think the demand was that high. I figured most would be going 4e and the people that don't like it would already have 3.x You live you learn.
If you had been looking when 4e was first announced, you'd probably had been right. A lot of folks jumped ship for 4e and sold off all their 3.x stock, only later to regret it.
This video does a good job summing up the feeling by many folks then.
For now I will take the advice of using the SRD. I didn't know it had 3.5 stuff, since I thought that was copyrighted. I thought it was just Pathfinder material.
Make sure you are using the right site, there are PF SRDs and then there are 3.5 SRDs.
Yeah, usually when you see SRD it is referring to 3rd edition and when you see PRD it is referring to Pathfinder. Anyway, here is the d20 SRD website for those who missed it in Liz's post.
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I am aware of the supply and demand factors for out of print stuff, but just didn't think the demand was that high. I figured most would be going 4e and the people that don't like it would already have 3.x
What may also be a factor is that those GMs who stuck with 3.5 may be encouraging their players to buy copies of the PHB as well (just like you were looking to do). Also some GMs, myself included, have possibly purchased extra copies of the 3.5 PHB so they can be sure any new players they recruit will be able to have access to a copy.
I originally has hoped Pathfinder RPG was going to be that 3.5 PHB replacement in the sense of it working alongside 3.5 PHBs, but alas it is another edition of the ganme and although similar, not 3.5. Hence why the actual 3.5 PHBs are still being sought after.
Interestingly, even the two GMs I know who converted to Pathfinder RPG won't sell their 3.5 PHBs (I know because I offered to buy them).
The prices are high, sometimes insane. I think that's not completely because the demand is much greater than the supply (I don't know whether it is). It is probably partially because of people thinking that now that the books are no longer in print, they can charge whatever they want and it will be paid by the masses. Or maybe just one desperate player.
And for the record: Even though I only play Pathfinder these days, I still have my 3.0 core books, my 3.5e core books, and my 3.5e limited edition leather core books. Not going to sell them. Too much of a nostalgic.
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It is probably partially because of people thinking that now that the books are no longer in print, they can charge whatever they want and it will be paid by the masses.
Possibly, but I have seen too many Ebay auctions where the initial bid was onlny a couple of quid end up with prices of £20 to £30.
For now I will take the advice of using the SRD. I didn't know it had 3.5 stuff, since I thought that was copyrighted. I thought it was just Pathfinder material.
The D20 SRD referred to in this thread has only 3.5 material, and no Pathfinder material.
I'm with KaeYoss and alot of others on this one. I never get rid of my old RPG stuff.
Even though in all honesty I will never go back to playing 1st ed I still have it all. 2nd ed stuff same thing.
When 4th came out I hit the used book stores hard and now have multiple copies of just about every 3.0/3.5 out there.
That would be my suggestion as well. Ebay is very good and I have used it alot but even I ain't gonna pay 300+ bucks for a players handbook.
try the used book stores in your area and if they don't have a RPG section look around anyway, I found a few D&D books like that the owner wasn't even aware of.
Best of luck in your hunt.
As a DM, I would keep them seperate, as there is a distinct power curve. If your DM accepts pathfinder characters then just use the free material and utilities out there to create a character. Over time, your DM may change his mind. You both have to enter this venture with an open mind and determine what is fair to everyone for the duration of the campaign; if you are lucky enough to play for a while.
Thanks again for the responses. I just had a duh moment due to Steven's post. I remember seeing used copies of the books at one of the chain used book stores in my area for less than $20. So I'm going to go check that out asap, although it could be it was only 3.0 stuff, not 3.5.
Speaking of which, is it possible to just get 3.0 materials and then download and print the errata? Or is 3.5 more than just 3.0 plus errata? Or at least if this would work for the core player's handbook then that would be great.
Thanks,
Mike
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If you want a hardcopy of the 3.5 rules, my solution is to take the SRD, which I believe can be downloaded from WotC's site still in a reasonable format, and have Lulu print you a copy.
This has the added bonus of allowing you to make any changes you want to the rules, houserules and additional materials, anything, and have it all in one nice clean book.
The price is comparable to cover price of a 3.5 PHB. My test print of Frank and K's Tomes project, with SRD rules included, at 700+ pages ran me something like $35. A more conservative sized PHB could easily be $25.
Oh, and yes I still have my three copies of the PHB. No I'm not selling. :)
Speaking of which, is it possible to just get 3.0 materials and then download and print the errata? Or is 3.5 more than just 3.0 plus errata?
It's more. There were a lot of changes.
Some that I can remember at the moment:
There were many more changes, and I'm sure there are lists out there that detail all those changes, but I don't know them all, and neither do I have the link to a list handy right now.
Speaking of which, is it possible to just get 3.0 materials and then download and print the errata? Or is 3.5 more than just 3.0 plus errata?It's more. There were a lot of changes.
Some that I can remember at the moment:
Haste has been changed from "gain extra partial action" to ...
That's a lot for just "off the top" of your head! Thanks for the clarification, 3.5 it is then. I plan to check out the used book store at lunch today and will update you all if I find anything.
Thanks again.
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I've ran Pathfinder games in Eberron where players used characters made with 3.0, 3.5, and Pathfinder rules, all in the same game, and never had a problem. Any differences in the classes, skills, etc were explained away as being differences in education or regional differences.
Granted the newer edition characters did tend to be a tad more "powerful", but since I knew this going in I, as the GM, was able to compensate with no problem. All I ever needed to do was give the older edition PC's a +1 to a stat or weapon. Maybe even give the PF characters a -1 somewhere.
Even when everyone is running a PF character we still keep the 3.5 Spell Compendium as well as several other older edition books on the table (Book of Vile Darkness is a must). We use them without changing anything and never run into problems.
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Wow, I didn't expect this sort of response! I appreciate it. I am aware of the supply and demand factors for out of print stuff, but just didn't think the demand was that high. I figured most would be going 4e and the people that don't like it would already have 3.x You live you learn.
In my younger days I'd just buy it all and be damned to the cost. But now I have a budget and want to get the most for what I spend. Or at least know that it'll keep getting played.
For now I will take the advice of using the SRD. I didn't know it had 3.5 stuff, since I thought that was copyrighted. I thought it was just Pathfinder material.
I only just played 4e this past Sunday and had read prior to that about it "being like WoW". I had an open mind, but was disillusioned quickly when our party didn't even get hit once due to all of the action point use, marking, etc. Plus I like the strategy of spell use when they're finite, rather than having "at will" and encounter based magic that replenishes. I can see the appeal, but it's just not for me.
Again, thanks for the input!
What an awesomely pure review of your experience.
You're not along in feeling that it doesn't feel like D&D.Just wanted to add that I've run Stormreach/Eberron under the Pathfinder RPG and it works just fine from a gamemaster viewpoint.
In the end, I try to ensure what we play isn't restricted by the players economic status i.e. if your game master is letting you borrow books, use that to your advantage - there's not shame in good ole fashioned sharing.
Also, the links shared by the Paizonians here should help if you wish to use v.3.5 stats. You can likely also find previously enjoyed v.3.5 hardcover books rather inexpensively still through some hobby stores, or other half-priced type stores.
As a GM, all of my v.3.5 library is still very viable with PATHFINDER RPG, so either way, let your gamemaster know its all good. I use MM1-5, Necromancer Games Tome of Horrors 1-3, and many other v.3.5 books within the course of the PATHFINDER RPG game.
The backward compatibility is easily adjusted on the fly as a GM.
As a player though... its best to inquire whether the Gamemaster allows variances, if not just create a v.3.5 character and have fun until your GM runs Pathfinder RPG in the future.
Let us know if you have any more questions. I hope this helped.
Didn't some company produce a digest version of the 3.5 books? I wonder if copies of those are still around.
I am somewhat surprised nobody has bothered to create a 3.5 core book to put on Lulu, although you still need to write your own character creation and stuff.
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Don't tempt me, man. :)
If it weren't such an obvious cash grab as to make it distasteful to me, I'd put a PDF or the SRD up for sale myself. But then, there are already much better done PDFs of peoples houserules with the SRD up for anyone to purchase. Gauric Myths being one. Maybe someday I'll put up my own, once I finalize them.